Google ITA Matrix

Google’s ITA Matrix is one of the most powerful software engines for finding flights, pure and simple. Google also has the Flights software, comparable to Kayak or Hotwire, which is cool in its own right (flight search without a specific destination). Even Flights, however, pales in comparison to the ITA Matrix. The ITA Matrix offers the most flexible searching and the widest range of results to find the right flight at the lowest price.

First things first: you cannot buy a ticket directly from the ITA Matrix. In order to purchase tickets you will have to use the information you find on the Matrix in another website or with a travel agency.

ITA Matrix is easy to use and similar in format to many other search engines. But there are several important differences. It is highly customizable, allowing users to search by individual flight, specific connections and routing, selected airlines and currency — besides all the standard search options. One of its most useful features is its wide range of flexible dates. Instead of offering a range of three to five days, the Matrix shows the entire calendar of lowest fares.

Advanced users also have the option of plugging in routing codes, which will allow them to search for flights that get them the best rewards and opportunity to complete mileage runs.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the ITA Matrix allows users to specify country of origin. This option shows what the price would be if booking from a certain country, which can make a world of difference in the final price.

Google’s ITA Matrix may not be the best tool for every flight, but it is a powerful search engine useful for travelers who are looking for a specific flight or the absolute lowest price.