Why do airfare prices differ?

You might have noticed that the more you search for a flight, the more prices fluctuate. This fluctuation is due to several behind-the-scenes factors, including:

• The popularity of a destination in certain countries. The appeal of a travel destination varies widely from one country to another, influenced by cultural, political, or geographical factors. This variation affects flight prices, with higher demand driving up costs. This is why you might notice flight prices increasing after several searches from the same location – it's all about demand.
• The economic status of a country. In wealthier nations, residents generally have more spending power. Airlines capitalize on this, often setting higher prices in these countries to maximize profits.
• Significant dates. Special dates, like bank holidays, are another factor. With more people looking to travel during these times, airlines commonly hike up their prices.
• The home country of an airline company. The country where an airline is based can also play a role. Often, airlines offer more affordable fares within their own borders.
• Currency fluctuations. Currency values fluctuating is another piece of the puzzle. Changes in currency strength can lead to differing prices in various regions.
• Other circumstances. Beyond these factors, there are numerous other elements that can sway flight costs. Political happenings and shifts in the economy, for instance, can lead to adjustments in flight pricing.

How is your location determined?

The procedure is pretty straightforward. Below we mention a few factors websites evaluate to determine where you are browsing from.

IP addresses

Typically, websites figure out where you are by your IP address. This unique identifier not only reveals your location but also lets websites gather data on where you are and monitor your online activity.

Cookies

Cookies are like memory banks for websites, holding details like your IP address and the times you visit. Websites look at this info to offer you content tailored to your browsing habits. This can lead to changes in prices, especially if you're frequently searching for certain travel destinations, as the site remembers your searches and may adjust prices accordingly.

Mobile tracking

When you're using a mobile device, websites can access your GPS location to personalize the content they show you.

Browser HTML5 geolocation

A lot of modern browsers now use HTML5 geolocation, a feature that lets them know exactly where you are, sometimes right down to your street. This geolocation can also be determined through your Wi-Fi and GPS, provided you've given permission.

Wi-Fi

Travel websites can get a bead on your location through your Wi-Fi connection. Companies like Google can even determine where Wi-Fi users are based on Wi-Fi hotspots, linking Wi-Fi router SSIDs to specific geographic locations.

How can you get the best flight fares?

To snag the best deals on flight fares, outsmarting the advanced tracking techniques of airline websites is key. These sites tailor their prices based on the data they gather about you. Here's how you can play it smart:

• Clear Out Your Cookies: Cookies track your location and browsing habits, leading to potential price hikes. Wiping them out is a quick fix that can make a big difference in your search for cheaper flights.
• Erase Browsing History and Cache: Notice how flight prices jump after you've visited a site a few times? That's because the site is keeping tabs on your searches through your browser's cache. To dodge this, regularly clear your browsing history and cache. Switching to incognito mode is another easy trick.
• Check Flight Comparison Sites: Sites like Kiwi or SkyScanner can be goldmines for lower-priced tickets, thanks to their exclusive deals. Just be sure you're using reputable sites to avoid falling for scams
• Use a VPN: This is your ace in the hole. A VPN hides the data that airlines look at to set their prices. It keeps your IP address under wraps, so airlines can't see where you're searching from. Plus, it encrypts your online activity, keeping you invisible to prying eyes and preventing any price manipulation based on your searches

Bonus: you can switch up your virtual location to compare prices worldwide and snag the best deal.

How can you use a VPN to get the best flight fares?

Getting the best flight deals with a VPN is a breeze. Here's how to go about it:

1. Install a VPN App: First off, download and open your VPN app of choice.
2. Pick a Server Location: Decide on a server in the location you're interested in.
3. Connect to That Server: Simply connect to the server you've chosen.
4. Note Down Prices: Browse for flights and jot down the different prices you find.
5. Clear Your Cookies: This is key. Clear your browser cookies to stop sites from bumping up prices based on your previous searches.
6. Switch It Up: Repeat these steps with different server locations to see a range of prices.

This method isn't just for flights; it works wonders for car rentals, hotels, and pretty much any online shopping, since many businesses adjust their prices based on your location.

Tips for Choosing a Server:

• Consider Less Affluent Countries: Sometimes, servers in countries with a lower cost of living offer better rates.
• Try the Airline’s Home Base: Airlines often have special deals in their home country.
• Look at the Destination Country: Prices in the country you're flying to can be different, so it's worth checking out.

Also, make sure that you use a premium VPN service. Make sure that the VPN provider:

• Variety of Servers: Go for a VPN that offers lots of server options. For example, SYSVPN has a wide reach, covering everything from the UK to Australia.
• Privacy Matters: Make sure your VPN doesn’t collect your personal info. This is especially important with free VPNs, which often aren’t as secure.
• Strong Encryption: This keeps your browsing safe and private.

Is it legal to use a VPN to get lower fares?

Yep, using a VPN to score lower fares is totally legal. A VPN is all about protecting your privacy online. So, it's perfectly fine to snag those cheaper tickets while using one.

What other benefits does a VPN have?

Besides snagging awesome deals, a VPN has some pretty neat tricks up its sleeve:

• Keep Your Data on the Down Low: A VPN is your personal privacy shield, keeping your info safe from nosy folks and cyber crooks.
• ‘Oops’-Proof with Kill Switch: Ever worry about your data accidentally going public in sketchy online spots? The Kill Switch feature in VPNs has got your back.
• Hide-and-Seek Your Location: VPNs let you switch up your virtual location, so no one can tell where you're actually browsing from.
• Ditch the Slowdown: Fed up with your internet dragging? A VPN can help beat those annoying bandwidth throttles.

And there's more. SYSVPN throws in some privacy features. Think of it as your digital bodyguard against malware, even before it hits your device. It's like having a bouncer that checks files for nasty stuff, keeps you out of dodgy online neighborhoods, and zaps those pesky trackers and ads before they bug you. Pretty handy, right?