Travel expert Simon Calder has branded a widely-shared holiday-booking trick as an "urban myth" and "nonsense". The tip, which suggests using private or incognito mode and deleting cookies to obtain lower flight prices, has been dismissed by Calder on his podcast.
Calder Calls Out the Myth
On his "Travel Expert with Simon Calder" podcast, he was asked whether using incognito mode works to reduce booking costs. He responded: "Thank goodness for this [question], we have got the chance to get rid of this nonsense absolutely. It is an urban myth, and I will of course be delighted to learn if somebody has absolutely got video footage of somebody with a computer with cookies on and cookies without."
He explained that the idea that airlines or booking platforms track browsing activity to raise prices is flawed. "The thought is that 'oh, we know that Greg is looking for flights, so therefore next time he goes on, we will put the price up to grab all his money'. It doesn't work like that," Calder said.
Why Flight Prices Fluctuate
Calder clarified that fare changes during searches occur because other travellers purchase tickets on the same flight. He stated: "We are lucky enough to be living in a very competitive era where airlines are charging whatever they can get away with. If the price has increased since the last time you looked, it's only because someone like me has come along and booked seats."
Airlines use dynamic pricing to adjust ticket costs based on demand, but this is not influenced by individual browsing history. The myth persists among holidaymakers eager to cut costs, but Calder insists it has no basis in reality.
Passport Warning for Summer Travel
For those who have already booked summer getaways, Calder previously issued a stark warning to prevent holidays being "wrecked". He revealed that "thousands upon thousands" of holidaymakers have missed trips due to passport rules. Britons heading to EU or Schengen zone countries must ensure their passport is not older than 10 years on the day of entry and has at least three months' validity remaining after the planned return date.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Calder urged travellers to check their passport details before it's too late. "You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued. Everywhere else only cares about the expiry date," he said.
He added: "Please, if you are going away in June, July, and August, please check that your passport will comply. Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays."
Calder's advice comes as millions of Britons prepare for summer travel. He emphasizes that checking passport validity is a simple step that can save significant stress and expense.
