In an era of soaring travel costs, a savvy British travel expert has let slip a remarkably simple digital manoeuvre that can slash hundreds of pounds off the price of your next flight. This insider technique requires no special software or complex strategies—just a basic understanding of how airline websites track your every click.
The core of the issue lies in the cookies and cache stored by your web browser. Airlines and booking platforms use this data to monitor your search behaviour. If they see you repeatedly searching for the same route, they can artificially inflate the price, creating a false sense of urgency and pushing you to book before fares climb even higher.
The One-Step Solution: Embrace Stealth Mode
The defence against this digital price gouging is astonishingly straightforward: use your browser’s private or ‘incognito’ mode. This function prevents websites from storing cookies and tracking your search history, effectively making you appear as a new, first-time visitor every time you search.
‘It’s the number one trick I always recommend,’ the expert stated. ‘Airlines are less likely to hike prices if they can’t see your search history. By searching incognito, you’re almost guaranteed to see a lower, more genuine starting price.’
How to Execute the Perfect Flight Search
- Open an incognito or private browser window before visiting any flight comparison site or airline.
- Conduct your flight search and note the initial prices.
- Close the incognito window completely once you are done researching.
- Re-open a new incognito window to check prices again or when you are ready to book.
This method ensures that each query is treated in isolation, giving you a clean, unmanipulated view of the best available deals.
Beyond Incognito: Pro Tips for the Astute Traveller
For those looking to maximise their savings, the expert shared additional golden rules for flight booking:
- Timing is Everything: Traditionally, Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday is considered the sweet spot for finding the lowest fares, as airlines often launch sales early in the week.
- Be Flexible: If your dates are not fixed, use flexible date search tools. Flying a day earlier or later can result in staggering savings.
- Compare, Compare, Compare: Never rely on a single website. Cross-reference prices on airline sites, online travel agencies (OTAs) like Skyscanner and Kayak, and aggregators.
While the digital landscape of flight booking is designed to confuse and pressure passengers, arming yourself with these simple, effective strategies puts the power back in your hands. Your next great adventure doesn’t have to break the bank.
