Google Can Now Proactively Predict Flight Delays

Your phone and voice assistant here to ruin holiday travel

December 17, 2018 9:00 am

Google’s motto used to be “Don’t be evil,” but the search engine giant is embracing its dark side this winter and sharing bad news.

The company, which started sharing flight delay predictions earlier this year with an 85% confidence rate, just announced Google Assistant will now also predict issues with your upcoming trip.

According to a Google blog entry by Richard Holden, Google’s VP of Product Management (Travel), you can now ask your G.A. queries like “Hey Google, is my flight on time?” or “Hey Google, what’s the status of the American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Denver?” and get what will probably be an answer you’re not looking for.

The Assistant will also proactively notify you on your phone about delays and even give you a reason (“Because United”… kidding).

In other recent and slightly more positive travel updates, Google Flights can now filter prices based on checked bag fees for domestic flights, and the search engine has improved filters for when you type in “things to do” in various cities to match your interests and get kid-friendly options. As well, the company’s fairly new tool to look up historic flight price trends and hotel deals now includes filters for upcoming holiday and school breaks to make family vacations … well, easier on the front end, at least.

(h/t VentureBeat)

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

MEET US AT YOUR INBOX. FIRST ROUND'S ON US.

Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.