Google Flights adds filter to exclude basic economy fares in US/Canada

(UNITED STATES) Google Flights has switched on a permanent filter that lets people remove basic economy fares from search results, a change that went live for most users on August 22, 2025. The company first announced the rollout on August 14, 2025, and says the tool should reach everyone within weeks. For now, the feature covers domestic routes in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, giving travelers a cleaner view of tickets that include standard perks like seat selection and carry-on bags.

The update arrives alongside “Flight Deals,” a new AI-powered feature built for flexible, budget-first planning. Google says the tool completes a months-long test with select users and is positioning it as a long-term change, not a short trial. While international expansion hasn’t been announced, the company is continuing to gather feedback as usage ramps up across the U.S. and Canada.

How the new filter works

On the Google Flights results page, the seating class control now includes two economy choices. Users will see a pull-down menu with these options:

• First
• Business
• Premium Economy
• Economy (exclude Basic)
• Economy (include Basic)

Choosing “Economy (exclude Basic)” removes basic economy fares from your results and shows only standard economy and higher cabins. That allows a clearer, apples-to-apples comparison of fares that come with baseline amenities and more flexible rules.

To try it yourself:
1. Go to the Google Flights website or app.
2. Enter your origin, destination, dates, and other preferences.
3. On the results screen, look for the seating class selector near the top or in the filters column.
4. Select “Economy (exclude Basic)” to hide basic economy prices.
5. Review the updated list, now showing standard economy and above.

The company says the filter is live for most users searching domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, with a universal rollout expected by late August. There’s no date yet for routes beyond those two countries.

At the same time, Google Flights is introducing “Flight Deals,” a tool that uses AI to help people who are flexible on where and when to travel. It’s designed for shoppers who want ideas within a budget rather than a fixed route. Early availability includes the U.S., Canada, and India. The feature gives broad suggestions, then lets you narrow down to dates, price limits, or general regions.

Why it matters for travelers in the U.S. and Canada

Basic economy has long created confusion. It often shows as the lowest price, but usually comes with tough limits: no advance seat choice, no full-size carry-on on many airlines, no changes, and little or no mileage credit. By letting people hide those fares with one tap, Google Flights is trying to make the first price you see match the trip you actually want to book.

Hiding basic economy improves transparency on the first screen you see. When you use Economy (exclude Basic), the list better reflects fares that typically include:

• Seat selection in advance
• Carry-on allowance on most airlines
• Options to change or upgrade later (depending on fare rules)

This matters beyond leisure trips. Families reuniting, new hires relocating, and people traveling for visa interviews often need flexibility. If an appointment shifts or an employer changes a start date, a non-changeable basic economy ticket can become a sunk cost. The filter helps users zero in on fares more likely to support plan changes, even if they cost a bit more upfront.

It also reduces the classic “bait-and-switch” feeling: people often click into a low fare only to learn it’s basic economy, then back out and start again to find standard economy. With Economy (exclude Basic), that time sink shrinks. You can compare airlines on what matters: seat choice, bag rules, and the ability to adjust plans.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the change addresses one of the most common pain points in fare search and pushes the market toward clearer displays of what a ticket actually includes. Travel analysts say this move puts pressure on other search sites and booking platforms to offer similar filters.

Caveats and practical reminders

There are still details to watch. Some airlines (for example, Sun Country) set fees and inclusions differently from others. Even with the basic economy filter, always open the fare details and check what’s included:

• Seat selection rules
• Carry-on and checked-bag policies
• Change and cancellation fees
• Mileage accrual and upgrade eligibility

If you’re traveling with kids or carrying special items, extras can make one “cheaper” fare more expensive than a slightly higher price that includes bags and seat selection.

Practical tips when you search:
– Use Economy (exclude Basic) if you need seat selection, a carry-on, or changeability.
– Always check fare details before booking, even when basic economy is hidden.
– If you’re flexible, try Flight Deals first to scan cheaper ideas, then apply the basic economy filter to refine.
– For family trips, look for seat selection included at booking to avoid being split up.
– If you have tight connections or need overhead space, confirm the carry-on policy for your specific fare.

Budget shoppers aren’t left out. If you truly want the lowest possible price, the Economy (include Basic) choice still shows basic economy. Pair that with Flight Deals if your dates and location are flexible — the AI tool can suggest lower-cost destinations and shoulder-season dates, letting you decide whether to accept basic economy limits or pay more for standard economy benefits.

Important: The filter reduces confusion, but it doesn’t replace reading the fare rules before you click “book.”

Consumers who want to learn more about refund rights, delays, and baggage issues can review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Consumer Protection resources at the DOT’s official site: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. While the new Google Flights filter doesn’t change airline rules, knowing your protections can help you decide whether a standard economy fare is worth the extra cost.

Industry reaction and carrier response

Industry feedback has been mostly positive. Travel bloggers and fare watchers praise the cleaner search flow, noting that basic economy often led to misunderstandings at checkout or at the gate. Some observers warn that not all “standard economy” fares are equal — differences in carry-on size, seat pitch, or same-day change fees still matter.

Airlines had not issued official statements on the change as of August 22, 2025. Still, the shift could influence how carriers present fares on third-party sites. If more shoppers filter out basic economy, airlines may adjust how they market entry-level fares or add clearer prompts about what’s missing.

What comes next

Google hasn’t shared a date for expanding the filter outside the U.S. and Canada. The company is collecting user feedback on both the basic economy control and the new Flight Deals feature. Analysts expect other search platforms and online travel agencies to match these tools, which could change how fares are displayed across the industry.

For now, the best approach is simple:
1. Decide whether you want the cheapest price or a fare with more freedom.
2. Pick the matching filter (Economy (include Basic) or Economy (exclude Basic)).
3. Compare like with like and factor in change or bag fees before you buy.

Timeline at a glance:

Where to find help:
– Visit Google Flights and look for the seating class selector at the top or in the filters sidebar.
– Use the in-product feedback button if the filter isn’t showing; some users receive updates in phases.
– Check the Help Center for tips on managing filters and flexible date tools.
– For refund questions or delays, consult the U.S. DOT’s airline consumer page: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.

The bottom line: Showing standard economy first when you want it seems small, but it changes the feel of the search process. You spend less time clicking into fares you’ll reject and more time comparing real options. For anyone who cares about seat choice, carry-on space, or change rules—and that’s many travelers—the Economy (exclude Basic) filter is a welcome and overdue addition to Google Flights. And if you’re chasing low prices with flexible plans, Flight Deals gives you a wider map to explore before you lock in the details.