Cheapest vs Best Flights on Google: What’s the Difference?

When you search on Google Flights, you’ll often notice two different labels: “Cheapest” and “Best.” At first glance, they might seem the same. After all, who doesn’t want the cheapest deal? But here’s the thing: the cheapest flight isn’t always the smartest choice.

Let’s break down the difference between the cheapest vs best flights on Google, and when you should choose one over the other.

What Does “Cheapest Flight” Mean?

The cheapest flight is exactly what it sounds like—the lowest fare available for your route. These options usually involve:

• Budget airlines with extra fees for luggage or seat selection

• Long layovers or inconvenient connection times

• Early morning or late-night departures

• Flights from less convenient airports

Cheapest flights are great if you’re flexible, traveling light, or just looking for a no-frills journey. But they can cost you in other ways—time, comfort, and hidden fees.

What Does “Best Flight” Mean?

The “Best” option on Google Flights is calculated using a combination of:

• Price compared to other flights

• Duration of travel

• Number of stops and connection times

• Convenience of airports

Think of it as the sweet spot between cost and comfort. You may pay a little more than the absolute cheapest ticket, but you’ll usually get:

• Shorter travel time

• Fewer layovers

• Better flight times

• More reliable airlines

For most travelers, the “Best” option balances value with convenience—meaning you’re not sacrificing hours of your trip just to save a small amount.

Which Should You Choose?

It depends on your travel style and priorities:

• Choose Cheapest if… you’re on a tight budget, traveling solo, and don’t mind layovers or flying at odd hours.

• Choose Best if… you want to save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a smoother journey—even if it costs a little more.

Pro tip: Always factor in the true cost of the cheapest ticket. Adding luggage fees, seat selection, food, and lost time in airports can sometimes make the “Best” option the smarter choice overall.

How to Compare on Google Flights

When viewing results, toggle between “Cheapest” and “Best.” Look at:

• Total travel time

• Number of stops

• Airline reputation

• Additional fees not shown upfront

This side-by-side comparison ensures you know what you’re really paying for.

Save Even More With Secret Flight Club

Google Flights is fantastic for comparing cheapest and best options—but it doesn’t always show the hidden deals, error fares, and flash discounts.

That’s where Secret Flight Club comes in. We track thousands of routes every single day, finding flight deals you’ll never see in a standard search. We do all the work—so whether you prefer the cheapest flight or the best one, you’ll always know when a bargain is live.

Start your free 7-day trial today and see how much you can save.