Discover how a VPN helps you get cheaper flights.
In the constant search for deals and lower prices on flights, many people have turned to incognito mode in their browsers as a tactic to prevent airlines from raising fares. However, an executive from Iberia has called into question the effectiveness of this method. The real key to finding cheaper flights may lie in using a VPN.
An Expert's Confirmation: Incognito Mode is Not the Solution
Recently, Ferrán García, Director of Data at Iberia, debunked the idea that searching for flights in incognito mode helps avoid price increases. He labeled it as an "urban legend," suggesting that this belief has been around since the inception of search engines. Instead of hiding the searcher's identity, the true trick is to modify the location from which users access airline websites.
The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Pricing
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in the aviation industry. According to García, airlines use advanced algorithms to optimize various operational processes. Some applications of AI include:
- Seat Assignment: AI determines the best seating arrangement for each passenger on the plane, balancing weight and helping to reduce fuel consumption.
- Passenger Reorganization: In the event of a plane change, algorithms allow for quick seat reassignment.
- In-Flight Consumption Forecasting: Systems predict the most in-demand products during flights.
- Opening New Routes: AI identifies new travel interests by analyzing social media data; an example of this was the route to the Maldives after the pandemic.
Price Discrimination: How Does It Work?
The phenomenon affecting flight prices is not related to the cookies stored in the browser. Instead, it refers to "price discrimination." Airlines and booking websites use the user's IP address to determine their geographic location and adjust fares according to the purchasing power of that area. Consequently, the same flight may cost significantly less if booked from countries like Mexico or India compared to Spain.
The Solution: Use a VPN
To overcome this location-based price barrier, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most effective tool. By using a VPN, you can hide your real IP address and connect to the internet through a server in another country. This makes it appear to the airline or booking site that the user is browsing from that country, thereby displaying local prices accordingly.
Steps to Use a VPN When Searching for Flights
The process to use a VPN is quite simple. Below is a step-by-step guide to putting it into practice:
- Clear Cookies: Before starting, it is advisable to clear the browser's cookies to avoid any interference in the price search.
- Activate the VPN: Connect to a server in a country where flight prices tend to be lower.
- Open an Incognito Window: This ensures that no search data is saved and prevents tracking of previous browser activity.
- Search for the Flight or Hotel: Enter the same search you previously made and compare the price obtained.
- Repeat the Process: To get the best deal, try connecting to servers from different countries and check prices with the local currency.
Variable Results: Is It Really Worth It?
It's important to note that although using a VPN can lead to significant savings, the outcome is not guaranteed. In some cases, the savings may be minimal, but for long-haul flights, the difference could be considerable. Additionally, the quality of the VPN also affects the method's effectiveness; some inferior VPNs may not mask the connection properly.
Conclusion
In the quest for cheaper airfare, using a VPN proves to be a more efficient strategy than incognito mode. Changing your virtual location can open up opportunities to access better prices, especially when it comes to international flights. So, if you’re ready to try this tactic and potentially save on your next trip, use a VPN and start exploring the best deals available around the world.
For more tips on travel and savings online, we invite you to keep exploring the content on this blog.
