Finding affordable flights can be frustrating, especially when prices seem to increase the more you search. Airlines and travel websites use dynamic pricing, adjusting fares based on location, browsing history, and demand. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help bypass this price discrimination, allowing you to find cheaper tickets by changing your virtual location.
In this guide, we’ll explore how airlines track user data, why flight prices vary depending on location, and how you can use a VPN to get the best deals on airfare.
Why Do Flight Prices Vary by Location?
Airlines and travel booking sites adjust ticket prices based on several factors, including location, demand, and user behaviour. If you’ve ever noticed a flight getting more expensive after searching multiple times, it’s not just a coincidence. Websites collect data to determine your likelihood of booking and may increase prices accordingly.
One major factor influencing flight prices is the cost of living in different regions. Airlines assume that people in wealthier countries can afford to pay more, so they set higher fares for users browsing from these locations. On the other hand, people booking from countries with lower purchasing power may see cheaper ticket prices for the same flights.
Another reason for fluctuating flight prices is the location of the airline itself. Some airlines offer lower fares to customers booking from their home country, making it advantageous to check prices from multiple locations.
Public holidays and special events also impact ticket costs. Travel demand increases during peak seasons, leading to higher fares. Airlines take advantage of these trends, charging more for flights booked from regions where specific dates are considered holidays.
How Airlines Track Your Location?
Flight booking websites use several methods to track your location and browsing history. The most common method is your IP address, which reveals your geographical location. By detecting your IP, airlines adjust prices based on where you are browsing from.
Another tracking method is cookies. These small files store data about your searches, including previous flight inquiries and destinations of interest. If an airline website detects that you have repeatedly searched for the same flight, it may increase the price to pressure you into booking before fares rise even further.
GPS and Wi-Fi connections can also expose your location. If you browse using a mobile device, websites may access your GPS data to determine where you are. Similarly, Wi-Fi networks reveal approximate locations, further allowing booking sites to personalize pricing.
Browser geolocation features are another way travel websites track users. Modern browsers can request your location data through HTML5 geolocation, pinpointing your position with remarkable accuracy. Even if you’re using incognito mode, this data can still be collected.
Does Incognito Mode Help?
A common myth is that using incognito or private browsing mode helps secure lower flight prices. While incognito mode prevents websites from storing new cookies, it does not hide your IP address. This means airlines and booking platforms can still determine your location and adjust prices accordingly.
Using incognito mode alone won’t result in significant savings. However, combining it with a VPN can be more effective. A VPN hides your IP address, making it appear as if you are browsing from a different location, which can lead to better airfare deals.
How to Use a VPN to Find Cheaper Flights?
Using a VPN to book cheaper flights is straightforward. The key is to connect to different server locations to compare ticket prices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, choose a reputable VPN provider and install the application on your device. Opt for a VPN with numerous server locations, as this will give you more options to compare flight prices. TuxlerVPN is a great option, as it offers a residential VPN service, allowing users to browse with real residential IP addresses instead of data center IPs. This makes it harder for airlines to detect VPN usage, increasing the chances of accessing lower fares.
Once your VPN is set up, clear your browser cookies and cache. This step is crucial because stored cookies can still reveal your previous searches, even if you change your virtual location.
Next, open your VPN app and connect to a server in a different country. Start with regions known for lower ticket prices, such as Southeast Asia or Latin America. You can also try the home country of the airline you are booking with, as some carriers offer cheaper fares to domestic customers.
After connecting to a VPN server, open a new incognito window and visit a flight comparison site like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. Search for the same flight you were originally looking for and compare the prices. If the fare is still high, disconnect from the current VPN server and try another location. With tuxlerVPN’s free and premium plans, users can test multiple locations easily without restrictions, making it a budget-friendly choice for frequent travelers.
Repeat this process with different countries to find the best deal. Once you find a lower price, proceed with booking your flight. Some airlines require payment methods that match the country of booking, so make sure your credit card allows international transactions if needed.
Choosing the Right VPN Server Location
Not all VPN locations will provide cheaper flights, so it’s important to test different regions. Countries with lower average incomes, such as India, Thailand, or Argentina, often have more affordable fares. Since airlines adjust pricing based on purchasing power, searching from these locations can sometimes yield better deals.
Another effective strategy is to check prices from the airline’s home country. Some airlines offer discounts to local customers, making it worthwhile to search from a VPN server in the airline’s main operating region.
If you are travelling internationally, consider checking fares from your destination country. Airlines may have promotions for inbound travellers, which could result in a cheaper fare.
Additional Benefits of Using a VPN While Travelling
Besides finding cheaper flights, a VPN offers several other advantages for travellers. One of the main benefits is online privacy. A VPN encrypts internet traffic, preventing hackers and cybercriminals from intercepting sensitive information, which is especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at airports and hotels.
A VPN can also help bypass geo-restrictions. Some countries impose strict internet censorship, limiting access to certain websites and streaming services. By using a VPN, travellers can access blocked content and stay connected to their favourite platforms, regardless of location.
Additionally, a VPN can be useful for finding discounts on hotels and rental cars. Like airline tickets, travel websites sometimes adjust prices based on location. Using a VPN to compare rates can lead to savings on accommodations and other travel expenses.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Booking Flights?
Using a VPN to search for flights is legal in most countries. Airlines and booking sites do not prohibit users from changing their virtual location to compare prices. However, some airlines have restrictions on ticket purchases from certain regions, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions before booking.
If a flight booking platform requires a billing address or payment method from a specific country, travellers may need to use a local credit card or an alternative payment option. In most cases, booking with a VPN will not create any issues, but it’s always best to double-check the airline’s policies.
Conclusion
A VPN is a powerful tool for finding cheaper flights by bypassing price discrimination based on location. Airlines use various tracking methods to adjust fares, including IP addresses, cookies, and browsing history. By connecting to different VPN servers and clearing tracking data, travellers can compare prices from multiple locations and secure the best deals.
While incognito mode alone does not significantly impact airfare pricing, combining it with a VPN can make a difference. Experimenting with different server locations, especially in countries with lower fares, can help uncover hidden discounts.
Beyond booking flights, a VPN enhances online privacy, protects against cyber threats, and allows access to geo-restricted content. Whether looking for cheaper tickets or securing internet connections while travelling, a VPN is an essential tool for modern travellers.
