Unlock Cheaper Flights: How to Use a VPN to Save Money on Air Travel

Dreaming of your next getaway but dreading the cost of flights? You’re not alone. Airfare prices can fluctuate wildly, seemingly without rhyme or reason. But what if I told you there’s a tool you can use to potentially snag cheaper tickets? That tool is a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. While often associated with online privacy and security, VPNs can also be surprisingly effective in your quest for budget-friendly flights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into how VPNs work, why they can help you find cheaper flights, and, most importantly, provide you with detailed steps to put this strategy into action.

Understanding How VPNs Work

Before we dive into the flight-saving aspect, let’s quickly recap what a VPN actually does. Imagine your internet connection as a postal service. Normally, your data travels directly from your device to the website you’re visiting, carrying your location information along the way. A VPN acts as a secure intermediary, routing your internet traffic through a server located in a different part of the world. This process masks your real IP address, effectively changing your perceived location. This is crucial because many websites, including airline booking sites, often adjust prices based on your perceived location.

Here’s a breakdown of the key actions VPNs perform:

• Masking your IP address: Your IP address is like your device’s unique address on the internet. By routing your traffic through a remote server, a VPN replaces your real IP with the server’s IP, making it appear as though you are browsing from that server’s location.
• Encrypting your data: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which makes it much harder for third parties to intercept and read your data. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Changing your perceived location: By connecting to servers in various countries, you can appear to be browsing the internet from those locations. This is the key functionality we will use to potentially find cheaper flights.

Why Airlines Charge Different Prices Based on Location

The practice of airlines varying prices based on location is often termed “dynamic pricing” or “geo-pricing.” It’s a common, and often frustrating, part of the travel industry. Several factors contribute to this practice:

• Economic Disparities: Airlines often adjust prices based on the perceived economic power of different regions. Customers in wealthier countries might be charged more, while those in developing countries might see lower fares.
• Currency Fluctuations: Currency exchange rates play a significant role in determining ticket prices. Airlines might adjust their prices in different currencies based on market conditions.
• Local Demand and Competition: Prices can vary depending on the demand for flights to a specific destination from a particular region. Regions with high competition might see lower prices, while those with less competition can face higher prices.
• Promotional Offers: Airlines sometimes launch location-specific promotions or discounts. A VPN allows you to take advantage of these deals regardless of your actual location.
• Cookies and Tracking: Airline websites use cookies and tracking technology to monitor your browsing habits. If you’ve searched for a flight multiple times, they might increase the price to pressure you into buying. VPNs can help mitigate this by hiding your browsing history.

How a VPN Can Help You Find Cheaper Flights

Armed with an understanding of how VPNs work and why location matters for flight prices, we can now explore how a VPN can potentially help you save money:

• Accessing Region-Specific Deals: By connecting to a VPN server in a country where prices are typically lower, you might be able to access cheaper fares or special offers that aren’t available in your region.
• Bypassing Tracking and Cookies: VPNs can help you circumvent the tracking and cookie-based price increases often imposed by airline websites. By masking your IP and clearing your cookies, you can start with a “clean slate” when searching for flights.
• Testing Different Currencies: By experimenting with different VPN server locations, you can compare flight prices in various currencies and potentially find a more favorable exchange rate.
• Hiding Your Location from Airlines: By making it more difficult for airlines to determine your actual location, you might avoid targeted price increases.

It’s important to remember that using a VPN is not a guaranteed method for finding the absolute cheapest flight. Airline pricing algorithms are complex and constantly evolving. However, using a VPN can be a valuable tool in your travel hacking arsenal, allowing you to test and compare prices from different angles. By taking a strategic approach, you can potentially uncover significant savings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Cheaper Flights with a VPN

Now, let’s move into the practical steps of using a VPN to find cheaper flights. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you make the most of this technique:

Step 1: Choose a Reputable VPN Provider

The first crucial step is selecting a reliable VPN provider. Not all VPNs are created equal. Some might be slow, unstable, or even compromise your privacy. Opt for a provider with a proven track record, a robust network of servers, and strong security features. Consider these factors when choosing a VPN provider:

• Speed and Reliability: A good VPN should offer fast and stable connections, allowing you to browse seamlessly.
• Server Network: Look for a provider with a wide range of server locations, including the regions you are interested in testing.
• Security Features: Make sure the VPN uses strong encryption protocols and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy.
• User-Friendliness: Choose a VPN with an easy-to-use interface, especially if you’re new to the technology.
• Customer Support: Opt for a provider that offers responsive customer support in case you encounter any issues.
• Price: VPN prices can vary widely. Consider your budget and the features you need when choosing a provider.

Recommended VPN Providers (Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and you should always research to determine the best option for you):

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost
• Private Internet Access

Many VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these to test out the service before committing to a subscription.

Step 2: Install and Set Up the VPN Software

Once you’ve chosen your VPN provider, the next step is to install their software on your device. Most providers offer apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Here’s a general outline of the installation process:

1. Visit the VPN Provider’s Website: Navigate to the website of your chosen provider.
2. Download the Correct Software: Download the software compatible with your device’s operating system.
3. Install the Software: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the VPN app.
4. Launch the VPN App: Open the installed app.
5. Log In to Your Account: Enter your account credentials to log in.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN Server

Now that you have the VPN software installed and you are logged in, you can start connecting to servers in different locations. Here’s how:

1. Access the Server List: The VPN app should display a list of available servers, organized by country.
2. Select a Server Location: Choose a server location based on your travel destination or the regions you want to compare prices from. For example, if your travel destination is in Europe, try a server in a country with a lower cost of living in Europe. Start with more than one server location in a similar area.
3. Connect to the Server: Click on the selected server to connect. The VPN app will establish a secure connection, and your IP address will be masked.
4. Verify Your IP Address (Optional): Use a website that detects your IP address (like whatismyip.com) to ensure that your IP has changed and you are connected through the selected server.

It’s always a good idea to start with different server locations before trying different continents. Remember that the connection can become slightly slower the further away the server you are trying to connect to is located, so keep the testing process as simple as possible by first starting with more than one server in the same region before moving to the next one.

Step 4: Clear Your Browser Cookies and Cache

Before you start searching for flights, it’s essential to clear your browser’s cookies and cache. This step prevents airlines from tracking your previous searches and potentially increasing prices. Here’s how to do it on most browsers:

Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select “More Tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
3. In the pop-up window, select the “All Time” option in the time range dropdown menu.
4. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
5. Click on “Clear data.”

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” and then “Privacy & Security.”
3. In the “Cookies and Site Data” section, click on “Clear Data.”
4. Check the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content.”
5. Click on “Clear.”

Safari:

1. Click on “Safari” in the menu bar and select “Preferences.”
2. Go to the “Privacy” tab.
3. Click on “Manage Website Data.”
4. Click “Remove All” and then “Done”.
5. To clear the cache, go to the “Develop” menu and click “Empty Caches.” (If you don’t see the Develop menu, go to Preferences, click “Advanced,” and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar”).

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” and then “Privacy, search, and services.”
3. Under “Clear browsing data,” click on “Choose what to clear.”
4. Select the “All time” option in the time range dropdown menu.
5. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Click on “Clear now.”

Step 5: Search for Flights

Now that you’ve connected to a VPN server and cleared your browsing data, it’s time to start searching for flights. Follow these guidelines:

1. Open an Incognito or Private Window: This adds an extra layer of privacy.
2. Visit the Airline’s Website: Navigate to the airline’s website you want to use.
3. Search for Your Flight: Enter your travel dates, destination, and number of passengers.
4. Note the Prices: Pay close attention to the ticket prices displayed in this location.

Step 6: Compare Prices from Different VPN Server Locations

Now comes the core of the technique. Repeat steps 3-5 (connect to a different VPN server, clear cookies, search for the flight in incognito or private window) while trying different server locations. For each VPN server location, record the prices you see. Focus on the overall price that includes baggage fees, if you need baggage.

It’s important to use the same specific parameters for each search (same day, class, baggage, etc) so that you are comparing apples to apples. The best way to do it is to use a spreadsheet. It’s also important that you record the location of the VPN server that you are using and the date/time for the flight price that you are seeing since the pricing can change drastically based on location and also over time. This means you need to take the extra time of adding that extra piece of data to your spreadsheet.

The idea here is to find the location with the cheapest tickets for your flight. In most cases the location that offers the cheapest option is going to be one in the region of your travel destination. For example, if your travel destination is in Europe, try various server locations in Europe and compare prices. It might be more affordable if you are buying the ticket as someone who is already in the region, for example if you are buying the ticket as someone in Germany, as opposed to buying it as someone in the United States, for a flight to the same destination in Europe.

Step 7: Book Your Flights

Once you’ve compared prices from different server locations and identified the cheapest option, proceed to book your flight. When you go to the airline website to finalize the purchase use the cheapest VPN location (the VPN server location that gave you the lowest price during your research phase).

Important Considerations Before You Book:

• Check the Currency: Be mindful of the currency in which the price is displayed. Use an online currency converter to ensure you understand the exact cost in your preferred currency. Consider if your credit card charges additional fees for currency exchange.
• Verify the Total Cost: Confirm all associated fees and taxes before finalizing the purchase.
• Check the Terms and Conditions: Review the airline’s terms and conditions, particularly those related to cancellations and changes.
• Consider Timing: Prices fluctuate over time, especially close to your departure date. Research the best times to book.
• Be Flexible: Being flexible with your dates, times, and destinations can help you save money.

Tips and Tricks for Using VPNs for Flight Savings

Here are some extra tips to maximize your chances of finding cheaper flights with a VPN:

• Experiment with Different Regions: Don’t just limit yourself to servers in your destination country. Test out nearby countries, as well as locations further away in the same region.
• Use Incognito or Private Mode: This ensures that your browser doesn’t save browsing history or cookies that could impact the prices you see.
• Clear Your Cookies Regularly: Even when using an Incognito window, clear your browser’s cookies before each search. This helps to prevent the airline websites from tracking your searches.
• Try Different Days and Times: Experiment with different travel days and times, as prices vary depending on demand.
• Avoid Booking on Weekends: Booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays may lead to better prices since booking activity is usually highest during weekends.
• Start Searching Early: Airline tickets can get progressively more expensive as your departure date gets closer. Plan your trip early and start your search to find the best deals as early as possible.
• Consider Budget Airlines: Look at what budget airlines have to offer since they can be significantly cheaper than legacy carriers.
• Be Patient: Finding the cheapest flight may require some patience and several comparisons. Don’t give up after the first few tries.
• Check Multiple Websites: Don’t just rely on airline websites. Use online flight comparison websites (e.g. Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, etc.) to broaden your search before going to the airline website directly.
• Be Aware of Hidden Costs: Be mindful of baggage fees and other charges. What may initially look like a cheaper ticket, might not be cheaper after all of the extra hidden costs are added.

Potential Drawbacks of Using VPNs for Flights

While VPNs can be a great tool for finding cheaper flights, it’s essential to be aware of potential drawbacks:

• Not a Guarantee of Savings: As mentioned earlier, using a VPN is not a guaranteed way to find cheaper flights. It is a tool that can help you explore different options and find price differences.
• Slow Connection Speeds: VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet speed, particularly if you are using a server that’s far away.
• Website Compatibility Issues: Some airline websites might not work well with VPNs or might flag them as suspicious activity, so you might need to disconnect to make the booking.
• Terms and Conditions: Be aware that using a VPN might technically violate the terms and conditions of some airline websites. If you are found out, you might face repercussions, but that scenario is rare.
• Ethical Considerations: Some people might consider this practice unethical since it involves trying to get a cheaper flight than what would normally be offered to a person in their region. You need to consider your own ethical compass before you use this practice.

Conclusion

Using a VPN to search for cheaper flights can be a powerful tool in your arsenal of travel hacks. While it doesn’t guarantee the absolute lowest price, it allows you to explore different pricing options and potentially uncover significant savings. By following the steps in this guide, you can start leveraging the power of VPNs to make your travel dreams more affordable. Remember to choose a reliable VPN provider, be patient, and experiment with different server locations. Happy travels!