3 Reasons to Clear Your Cookies Before Booking Flights

Many travelers believe that clearing cookies can lead to cheaper flights. However, airlines don’t manipulate prices based on individual searches. This myth has been debunked by experts, and it’s time to explore the real reasons to clear cookies before booking your next flight.

Clearing cookies can have a significant impact on your online experience, including when booking flights. By clearing cookies, you can ensure that you’re getting the best available prices without any hidden biases. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons to clear your cookies before making that flight reservation.

What Are Cookies and How Do They Affect Flight Prices?

Cookies are small files that websites store on your device, but their impact on flight prices is often misunderstood. Essentially, cookies are used by airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to provide a more personalized experience for users. They help in remembering your preferences, such as language and currency, making it easier to navigate and book flights.

Cookies do not directly manipulate flight prices based on your search history. Instead, they are primarily used to serve you information in your preferred language and currency. For instance, when you visit an airline’s website, cookies can detect your location and automatically adjust the currency and language to your local settings, enhancing your browsing experience.

Cookies and flight prices

It’s worth noting that while cookies themselves do not manipulate prices, they can be used to track your browsing behavior. However, most reputable airlines and OTAs clarify that they do not use this data to alter prices based on individual searches. Understanding the role of cookies can help alleviate concerns about price manipulation, allowing you to focus on finding the best deals for your next flight.

How Airlines and Booking Sites Track Your Search History

Have you ever wondered how airlines and OTAs keep track of your flight searches? The process involves the use of cookies and other tracking technologies to monitor your online activities.

When you search for flights on airlines’ or OTAs’ websites, they store information about your search queries, including destinations, travel dates, and preferred flight times. This data is used to improve their services and provide you with relevant offers.

airlines tracking search history

It’s worth noting that airlines and OTAs don’t use your search history to manipulate prices. Instead, they aim to enhance your user experience by tailoring their services to your needs.

By understanding how airlines and booking sites track your search history, you can make informed decisions about your online activities and potentially save money on your flights.

3 Reasons to Clear Your Cookies Before Booking Flights

Clearing cookies before booking flights can be a game-changer for travelers looking to save money. When you clear your cookies, you’re essentially starting fresh, and this can have a significant impact on the prices you see when booking flights online.

Here are three compelling reasons to clear your cookies before booking flights:

Reason 1: Avoid Dynamic Pricing – Airlines and booking sites use cookies to track your search history and browsing behavior. By clearing your cookies, you can avoid dynamic pricing, which is when prices are adjusted based on your search history and demand.

Reason 2: Get a Fresh Start – Clearing cookies gives you a clean slate, allowing you to start your search from scratch. This can be particularly useful if you’ve been searching for flights multiple times, as it ensures that you’re seeing the most up-to-date prices.

Reason 3: Reduce Price Hikes – Some airlines and booking sites have been known to increase prices when they detect that you’re interested in a particular flight. By clearing your cookies, you can reduce the likelihood of price hikes and get a more accurate price.

Evidence and Case Studies

Several studies have shown that clearing cookies can lead to significant savings when booking flights. For example, a study by Skyscanner found that clearing cookies can result in price drops of up to 50% on some flights.

Clear cookies before booking flights

While clearing cookies is not a magic bullet for cheaper flights, it can certainly help in certain situations. By avoiding dynamic pricing, getting a fresh start, and reducing price hikes, you can increase your chances of getting a great deal on your next flight.

How to Clear Cookies on Different Browsers

Different browsers have different methods for clearing cookies, and we’re here to guide you through it. Clearing cookies is a straightforward process that can help ensure you’re getting the best deals on flights.

Let’s start with Google Chrome, one of the most popular browsers. To clear cookies in Chrome, click on the three dots at the top right corner, then select “More tools” and “Clear browsing data.” You can also use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Delete. Make sure to check the “Cookies and other site data” box and choose the time range. Then, click “Clear data.”

Clearing Cookies in Mozilla Firefox: Click on the three horizontal lines at the top right, then select “Library” and “History.” Choose “Clear Recent History” and check the “Cookies” box. Select the time range and click “Clear Now.”

Clearing Cookies in Safari: Go to “Safari” in the top menu bar, then select “Preferences.” Click on “Privacy” and then “Manage Website Data.” You can remove cookies for specific sites or all at once by clicking “Remove All.”

Clearing Cookies in Microsoft Edge: Click on the three dots at the top right, then select “Settings.” Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.” Check the “Cookies and saved website data” box and select the time range. Then, click “Clear.”

By following these simple steps, you can clear cookies on your preferred browser and help ensure you’re getting the best flight deals available.

Alternative Methods to Avoid Cookie Tracking

To further safeguard your online privacy, explore alternative methods beyond clearing cookies. While clearing cookies is an effective way to remove stored tracking data, there are additional strategies you can employ to minimize cookie tracking when booking flights.

One such method is using your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode. This mode prevents your browser from storing cookies, history, and other data from the browsing session. However, it’s crucial to note that incognito mode doesn’t make you completely anonymous online; airlines and OTAs can still track your searches through other means.

Another effective method is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activities. While a VPN can significantly enhance your privacy, it’s not a foolproof solution. Some airlines and OTAs might still manage to track your searches through login information or other tracking technologies.

In conclusion, while alternative methods like incognito mode and VPNs can help you avoid cookie tracking, understanding their limitations is key. By combining these methods with regularly clearing your cookies, you can significantly enhance your online privacy when booking flights.

Additional Tips for Securing the Best Flight Deals

In addition to clearing cookies, there are several strategies to help you land the best flight deals. One effective method is to search for flights during the “Goldilocks window,” which is typically between 2 to 8 months before your international flight.

Being flexible with your travel dates can also make a significant difference. Flights on off-peak days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often have lower demand and subsequently lower prices. Additionally, consider flying at unpopular times, like early morning or late evening, to increase your chances of scoring a better deal.

Acting quickly is another crucial tip. When you find a good deal, it’s essential to book promptly, as prices can fluctuate rapidly. Setting fare alerts can help you stay informed about price drops and sales, allowing you to snap up a great deal before it’s gone.

By combining these strategies—searching during the optimal time frame, being flexible with your travel dates, and acting quickly when you find a good deal—you can significantly improve your chances of securing the best flight deals. These tips for securing flight deals can help you save money and find the perfect flight for your needs.

Conclusion

Clearing cookies before booking flights can be a useful practice, but it’s not a magic solution for cheaper fares. Understanding how airlines and booking sites track search history can help travelers make informed decisions.

By clearing cookies, travelers can avoid potential price hikes based on their browsing history. This simple step, combined with flexibility in travel dates and times, can lead to more competitive pricing.

To secure the best flight deals, it’s essential to stay informed about airline pricing strategies and be adaptable when booking flights. Clearing cookies is just one aspect of a broader strategy to save on air travel.

By being aware of these factors and taking steps to manage online tracking, travelers can navigate the complex world of flight booking with confidence.