Maximize Travel Rewards: How to Apply Google Flights to Track Prices and Save

Google Flights is a powerful tool for researching and booking air travel, but its price tracking feature is often overlooked. Even for frequent travelers who primarily rely on points and miles, utilizing Google Flights’ alerts can unlock significant savings on both cash fares and award travel. Recent examples demonstrate how price tracking can lead to savings on airline credits and even reduce the number of points needed for a flight.

The Power of Price Tracking

Google Flights allows users to track prices for specific flights or routes. When a price changes, Google will send an email notification, enabling travelers to quickly take advantage of deals. This feature is particularly useful for flights booked with airline credits, where savings directly translate to retained value. It also works well for monitoring point costs, as demonstrated by a recent instance where rebooking a Southwest flight after a price drop saved 8,500 Rapid Rewards points.

One traveler saved over $100 and secured a more desirable flight itinerary by utilizing price alerts. A 7am departure was initially booked, but an alert notified the traveler when a 9am departure dropped in price by more than $100, allowing for a quick and beneficial change.

Amex Platinum Card: Beyond the Perks

The American Express Platinum card, often criticized for its high annual fee, can be a valuable asset for frequent flyers when used strategically. Even as many cardholders rarely utilize all of its benefits, the card offers access to valuable perks and credits. The Platinum card is increasingly resembling a coupon book, offering substantial value through various credits and benefits, making the annual fee worthwhile for many.

United MileagePlus Program Changes

United MileagePlus is undergoing significant changes to its earning and redemption structure. The airline is increasingly tying mileage earnings to its co-branded credit cards. This strategy aims to boost credit card business, but may result in increased award costs for those who do not hold a United credit card. Some analysts suggest United is becoming more of a credit card program with an airline component than vice versa.

Other Notable Travel Updates

• Choice Privileges Titanium Travel Award: This modern benefit offers a 50% discount on award stays at select properties, potentially providing good value, especially when transferring points from Citi or Wells Fargo.
• Recent Card Additions: Recent credit card additions include Southwest, Sapphire Reserve, Bilt Palladium, and JetBlue cards, with additional applications planned to maximize rewards and elite status.
• Accor Hotels’ Loyalty Program (ALL Accor): The ALL Accor program, often overlooked in the United States, can be valuable, particularly during transfer bonuses, such as those offered by Bilt.
• Hotel Comparisons: A recent comparison of Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Edit by Chase Travel℠ highlighted the benefits of each program, with Fine Hotels + Resorts® offering advantages like guaranteed 4pm late checkout.

Updated Resources

Several resources have been recently updated, including:

• Greg’s top picks (my favorite card offers)
• Current Amex Offers
• Citi ThankYou Rewards Airline and Hotel Transfer Partners (2026)
• IHG One Rewards Complete Guide (2026)
• Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Review (2026)
• Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review (2026)
• Citi Custom Cash Credit Card Review (2026)
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Review (2026)

Stay informed about last chance deals to maximize your travel rewards. For more information, subscribe to email updates or listen to the Frequent Miler podcast.