Google Flights is being updated with new features to better predict air travel delays. Originally launched September 13, 2011 the Google-operated online flight booking service allows travelers to easily find and purchase tickets through third-party vendors. It works like other price comparison websites like Expedia and Orbitz. However, Google Flights excels in its use of high-tech features, including new and improved air travel delay predictions.
Google isn’t just pulling information about travel delays from airlines or airports, however. As explained by TechCrunch, the search engine giant will use its own artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to make air travel delay predictions
Some travelers might be skeptical of using Google Flights, fearing the service will make false predictions regarding air travel delays. Google says, however, that it will only display travel delay predictions when it believes there’s an 80% or higher chance of the prediction coming true.
Furthermore, Google Flights will provide additional information about the expected delay, including the cause. If the airline is expected to arrive late because of carrier delays or weather, for instance, Flights will let you know.
Additionally, Google Flights will allow travelers to track the status of their flight. Upon launching the app, travelers can enter the flight number of their airline and route, after which Google Flights will reveal information about the flight. These are just a few ways that Google is updating its Flight service to better serve the millions of people who travel via airline. Google has worked aggressively to improve its use of AI and machine learning algorithms. In addition to using these technologies to provide better, more relevant search results, it’s also using them in other services like Google Flights. You can expect to see these changes in Google Flights rolled out in the following weeks.
Flight delays are a common occurrence in the commercial air travel industry. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), 88.27% of all domestic flights operated by large carriers were on time in 2017. While that may seem high, it still indicates that more than one in 10 flights aren’t on time. The BTS found that 3.6% of all domestic flights in 2017 were delayed by the air carrier, for instance, while 3.6% were delayed because of national aviation systems.
Even with Google Flights’ new delay-prediction technology, travelers should still arrive at the airport on time. While the service can help travelers better prepare and plan for delays, it’s best to err on the side of caution to avoid mishaps.
