[MYTH] Booking Flights in Incognito Mode Will Not Let You Get Cheaper Tickets

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 25 March 2024, 09:03 am

When you decide to travel with your friends locally or internationally, everyone is shaking when it comes to booking flights. It's indeed a daunting task since it demands a lot of time and patience.

Searching for a cheaper plane ticket can be a mess, but there are online tips you can use. One of them is booking flights using an incognito window. However, is it truly working? Let's debunk this myth right away.

The Cookie Conundrum: Unraveling the Myth

[MYTH] Booking Flights in Incognito Mode Will Not Let You Get Cheaper Tickets — (Photo : Suhyeon Choi from Unsplash)

*Some people believe that booking flights will be easier if they search flights using incognito mode. It's indeed a long-time technique for travelers, but it is just a myth.*

Using incognito mode for flight searches revolves around the belief that airlines track users' browsing history using cookies, subsequently inflating prices based on perceived demand. However, this assumption overlooks the fundamental principles of flight pricing.

Experts argue that airlines, like other businesses, utilize cookies for targeted advertising rather than manipulating individual ticket prices. Drawing a parallel with online shopping for jeans, browsing specific brands doesn't result in price hikes; rather, it aims to convert interest into purchases.

"I have come to terms with the fact this myth will still be widely believed the day I die," Scott Keyes, CEO of Going told Gizmodo.

Since 2013, he has been testing the waters to see if he can book cheap flights.

Insights from Economic Studies

Recent studies conducted by economists from leading institutions delve into the pricing mechanisms employed by airlines. Contrary to popular belief, these investigations reveal that individual search behavior has minimal impact on flight prices.

Instead, overall booking trends for specific flights influence pricing algorithms, emphasizing the collective rather than individual influence.

Consumer Reports' analysis further supports this conclusion, indicating that incognito browsing occasionally yields cheaper fares but also presents instances of higher prices. Moreover, the majority of searches yielded identical prices, debunking the notion that cookies significantly affect flight costs.

Tracing the Evolution of Flight Booking

The evolution of flight booking, from traditional travel agencies to online platforms, has transformed the landscape of airfare pricing. The deregulation of air travel in 1978 paved the way for increased competition and dynamic pricing strategies, contributing to the volatility of ticket prices.

Today, airlines implement dynamic pricing algorithms that adjust fares based on demand and various factors, rendering prices unpredictable. Despite fluctuations, airlines prioritize customer loyalty, integrating benefits for frequent flyers into their pricing models.

Dispelling Misconceptions: Why the Myth Persists

The enduring belief in the efficacy of incognito mode stems from a distrust of airlines and the prevalence of cookie-based targeting in digital marketing.

Consumers are accustomed to corporations leveraging data for profit, reinforcing the perception of airlines as profit-driven entities.

However, experts emphasize that securing the best flight deals requires strategic planning rather than relying on browsing modes.

Booking in advance and comparing prices across airlines and platforms remain effective strategies for securing affordable flights.

While the allure of incognito mode persists, its impact on flight prices is minimal. By understanding the dynamics of flight pricing and adopting informed booking practices, travelers can navigate airfare complexities to find the most economical options for their journeys.