UPDATED 23:33 EDT / JANUARY 31 2018

APPS

Google Flights update uses machine learning to predict potential flight delays

Google LLC is updating its Flights app with two features to help travelers better cope with some of the frustrations of travel.

The first feature rolling out to Google Flights will use the company’s machine learning algorithms to predict potential flight delays. Google has always been able to pull in data from airlines and alert travelers when a flight is delayed. But this new feature will actually use historical data and artificial intelligence to predict delays that the airlines themselves haven’t even flagged yet.

It will only flag these potential delays when it is 80 percent confident in its prediction, Google said in its blog post. Google will also provide reasons for the potential flight delay, such as weather or a late-arriving aircraft.

The company does advise travelers to not take these predictions at face value and to arrive for their flight at the original time. Travelers won’t be able to take any action until the delay is officially announced by the airline, so travelers either might find it useful or it may just make them feel more anxious ahead of their flight.

To see these potential delays, travelers can search as normal by either using the flight (“American 4442”) or the airline and flight route (“Air New Zealand Auckland to Singapore”). All the flight details, plus any potential delays, will be shown in the search results.

The other new feature for Google Flights will give users a better understanding of what is and isn’t included in a “Basic Economy” ticket price. United Airlines Inc. and American Airlines Inc. introduced Basic Economy fares last year, while Delta Air Lines Inc. introduced it back in 2015.

Although Basic Economy can be useful for the budget-conscious traveler, the ticket price does contain a number of restrictions that vary for each airline. Google Flights will now show any restrictions, including overhead bin space, ability to select a seat, and baggage fees for United, Delta and American flights worldwide.

The changes come just a month after Google Flights introduced a “tips” feature that uses machine learning and statistical analysis of historical flights data to provide users with details of when it’s the best time to book their flight.

The company also added a new Discounts feature to Google Trips last month that allows users to instantly access deals for ticketing and tours for top attractions and activities. A similar app to Google Trips, TripIt recently added real-time wait times for airport security lines. Considering Google already provides peak business times on Google Maps, this is likely a feature that will come to its Flights app soon.     

Images: Google

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