Are you getting the best flight deal? Google Flights lets you know to book now or later.

Google Flights is already a staple in many travelers’ toolkits. The tech giant announced some updates Monday to make some of its features even more user-friendly.

The biggest change coming to Google Flights is more granular price prediction and tracking data, which can help users feel extra confident that they’re getting a good deal. Other updates were also introduced, and Google provided additional advice on booking holiday travel as the cooler weather approaches.

Here’s what you need to know:

More confident price estimates

Google Flights has long provided guidance on whether the price for the itinerary you’re trying to book is a good deal in a general sense, but now – on routes with sufficient data – Google will also show when is likely the best time to book if you’re not already seeing a good deal.

“These insights could tell you that the cheapest time to book similar trips is usually two months before departure, and you’re currently in that sweet spot. Or you might learn that prices have usually dropped closer to takeoff, so you decide to wait before booking,” a statement from Google said. “Either way, you can make that decision with a greater sense of confidence.”

For example, a search for flights between New York and Paris in December shows that now through Sept. 5 is a good time to book.

Google Flights price tracking, guarantees

In addition to the upgraded price estimates, Google Flights still allows you to turn on price tracking for specific itineraries, including for flights on specific days as well as an “any dates” option if your schedule is flexible.

Google Flights also continues to offer price guarantees on certain routes and airlines when the site has enough data to feel confident that lower airfare won’t become available. Price guarantees are only available if you opt to book using Google.

When to book your holiday travel

According to Google, now’s a good time to start monitoring prices for winter vacation tickets, but you don’t have to jump on booking just yet.

“For trips starting in mid-December, you’re most likely to find deals around early October,” a statement from the company said. “Average prices tend to be lowest 71 days before departure – a big change from our 2022 insights, which found that average prices were lowest just 22 days before departure. And the typical low price range is now 54-78 days before takeoff.”

If you’re looking to travel to Europe, however, you probably want to book sooner rather than later.

“Average prices have been lowest 72 days or more before departure. In other words, average airfares from the U.S. to Europe only tend to increase over time, especially once you’re about 10 weeks from departure,” Google said. “So if you want to dust off that passport, you should book your flight as soon as possible.”

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Google Flights now gives more detailed booking advice on many trips