Incognito mode, or private browsing, is a simple yet effective tool that can help you avoid potential fare increases when searching for flights. Many airlines and travel websites use cookies to track browsing activity, which can sometimes lead to higher prices if they detect repeated searches for the same route. Here’s how to use incognito mode to help you find lower airfare prices.

1. Understand How Cookies Affect Prices

Websites often use cookies to monitor user behavior, storing data on past searches and increasing fares if they detect interest in a particular route. This tactic, known as dynamic pricing, encourages you to book quickly by showing slightly higher prices over time.

• How cookies work: Every time you revisit a website, cookies allow it to “remember” your search, potentially raising prices if it detects repeated searches.

2. Use Incognito Mode for Private Searches

Incognito mode, available on most browsers, prevents websites from storing cookies, effectively blocking tracking on your searches. Using incognito mode can help keep prices consistent, allowing you to browse anonymously without triggering dynamic price changes.

• How to enable it: Open a new incognito window on your browser (often Ctrl+Shift+N for Windows or Command+Shift+N for Mac) each time you search for flights.

3. Start Fresh With Every New Search

For the best results, close your incognito window after each search session, then reopen a new one for your next search. This clears any temporary data from your session and prevents websites from tracking you across searches.

• Pro tip: Always search for flights in a new incognito window to ensure the website treats each session as a first-time visit.

4. Compare Prices Between Regular and Incognito Browsing

Sometimes, it’s helpful to check prices in both a regular browsing window and an incognito window to compare. This lets you confirm whether dynamic pricing is impacting your fare and allows you to spot discrepancies.

• Additional benefit: If you notice a lower fare in incognito mode, you can book immediately before any potential price adjustment.

5. Combine Incognito Mode with Flight Comparison Sites

Using incognito mode while browsing flight comparison sites, like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak, ensures that you’re getting unbiased prices across platforms. It’s especially helpful when using fare aggregators, as they gather information from multiple sites where cookies might otherwise be tracking your activity.

• How it works best: Start with a few searches on comparison sites in incognito mode, then verify prices directly on the airline’s website to ensure you’re seeing consistent rates.

6. Clear Cookies Manually If Not Using Incognito Mode

If you prefer regular browsing, clearing your cookies after each search can also help reset your browsing session. Manually clearing cookies in your browser settings achieves the same effect as incognito mode by removing stored search data.

• How to do it: Go to your browser settings, locate “Privacy” or “Cookies and site data,” and clear cookies before re-searching.

7. Consider Using a VPN for Additional Privacy

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your location and IP address, which can further prevent websites from tracking you. Using a VPN in combination with incognito mode can sometimes reveal region-specific discounts or ensure anonymous browsing.

• How it helps: If you’re seeing higher prices due to location-based dynamic pricing, a VPN can provide an extra layer of privacy.

8. Check on Different Devices

Occasionally, flight prices may vary between desktop and mobile devices. Checking prices on both types of devices in incognito mode can help you find any device-specific discounts or offers that may not be available otherwise.

• Tip: Use incognito mode on both your computer and smartphone to make sure you’re capturing all potential price variations.

Conclusion: Simple, Effective Steps to Avoid Price Increases

Using incognito mode for flight searches is a quick and easy way to ensure that prices remain consistent, helping you avoid the pitfalls of dynamic pricing. Combined with flight comparison tools and occasional VPN use, incognito browsing empowers you to find more reliable, lower airfare prices every time you search.