10 Ways to Spot a Real Flight Deal — Avoid Black Friday Gimmicks

2. Use Google Flights price graph to spot real drops

Google Flights’ price graph is a fast visual check for genuine savings. Open the date grid or price graph and look for a clear dip on the sale dates compared to the prior weeks. A true sale often shows a noticeable trough relative to surrounding days. Don’t just eyeball one date; scan a two- to three-week window when possible. If the "sale price" sits in the same range you recorded days earlier, it’s not a breakthrough deal. Combine the graph with flexible dates—sometimes shifting by a day or two increases savings significantly. Use that combination to judge whether a fare is a real temporary discount or standard pricing framed as a bargain.