Frequent travellers may want to think twice before repeatedly and excessively searching for the best flight fares options. It’s an exercise, experts warn, that may lead to price actually going up due – a phenomenon occurs because online booking platforms deploy cookies to track and remember an individuals search patterns, prompting dynamic pricing adjustments.
According to web service provider ProxyScrape, numerous studies and real-world scenarios reveal a significant relationship between travellers’ search behaviour and flight fares. For example, it points to analysis by the travel research team at Time magazine which found that users experienced a price increase after repeatedly searching for the same flight routes.
Their data suggests that fares often climb when users search for the same flight multiple times from the same computer or device. This pricing mechanism is believed to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate bookings.
Thibeau Maerevoet, CEO at ProxyScrape warns, “When you look for flights multiple times, you might be inadvertently increasing your ticket price.”
How it works
Experts identify the underlying cause as targeted, dynamic pricing, an industry practice where businesses adjust prices based on perceived demand. Online platforms collect data from user searches and tailor prices accordingly, aiming to maximize revenue.
Maerevoet explains, “Booking algorithms are designed to detect interest levels, and repeated searches signal high demand,” adding that the practice can steer users towards higher fare notices because the systems interpret frequent searches as an increased willingness to pay.
Meanwhile, LinkedIn’s examination of dynamic pricing also suggests troubling facts. Their results demonstrate that customers searching from identical IP addresses over a short span witnessed price increments, especially during peak travel seasons. Such practices are designed to pressure consumers into purchasing quicker, fearing further price escalations.
Moreover, Maerevoet explains that even location data can influence pricing. Travellers in affluent regions or countries might see higher fare quotes due to localized demand and purchasing power. The more sophisticated the tracking algorithms, the better they pinpoint individualized pricing structures.
5 safety tips when searching for airfares
Navigating through these deceptive price hikes can be manageable. Here are five expert tips to shield yourself from inflated fares:
- Use Incognito Mode: Browse flights in private or incognito mode to avoid cookies tracking your search history.
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Regularly delete cookies and browser cache on devices to prevent dynamic pricing based on past searches.
- Vary Search Locations: Use different devices or change your IP address using a VPN to evade trackers and get neutral pricing.
- Set Fare Alerts: Use fare alert tools to monitor price drops and receive notifications for the best booking time.
- Book in Advance: Plan and purchase tickets well ahead to avoid last-minute price surges due to dynamic pricing.
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