This TikTok trick finds the cheapest summer flights (if you know how to use it right)

If you’ve opened TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen this viral travel tip: open Google Flights, enter your departure airport, leave the destination blank, plug in your dates — and hit search. A map of the world pops up, showing flight prices to everywhere from Chicago to Copenhagen.

It’s easy to see why this hack is blowing up right now: travelers are trying to book affordable summer trips without knowing where they can afford to go. And this little trick turns flight booking into a fun, choose-your-own-adventure game.

But there’s a catch — and a way to use it that goes beyond just spinning the globe. Here’s how to do it right if you actually want to score a deal.

Related story: The Google Flights trick every summer traveler should know to save money (plus make booking easier)

1. Don’t just plug in round-trip dates — use “flexible” mode

TikTokers often miss this key step: click the date field and choose “flexible dates.” You’ll get a matrix of the cheapest months, weekends, or weeks to travel. This alone can cut your flight cost in half.

Bonus tip: Midweek departures (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are almost always cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.

2. Use filters to eliminate fake “cheap” flights

Many flights that look like deals come with brutal 12-hour layovers or arrive at 2 a.m. Always use the “duration,” “stops,” and “airline” filters on the Google Flights sidebar. This helps you avoid the bait-and-switch pricing that looks great on the map but turns out to be a headache.

3. Try different departure cities (not just your home airport)

You can manually test other departure airports — or if you’re open to a road trip, try entering a region like “Southern California” or “New York area.” Some creators have scored major savings flying out of nearby secondary airports like Long Beach instead of LAX or Islip instead of JFK.

4. Be ready to book fast

Prices on Google Flights can change within hours. Once you find a deal you like, click through to the airline’s site and book directly. TikTokers say skipping third-party booking engines helps with cancellations and rebooking — and I agree.

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5. Use “track prices” to keep the deals coming

Even if you don’t book right away, click the “track prices” toggle on Google Flights. You’ll get email alerts when prices rise or fall — no need to refresh 12 times a day. It’s the least flashy part of the hack, but arguably the most powerful.

Bottom line:

This TikTok trick isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a smart, flexible way to plan a summer vacation around where the deals are, not just where you think you want to go. But if you don’t use the filters and flexible dates tools, you’re not getting the full value.

So go ahead and spin the globe! Just be strategic when you click.

Related story: This is the cheapest day to fly this summer — and exactly how to maximize your savings