Be careful how you search for flights; it could be costing you tons of money.
It might surprise frequent travelers, but experts caution that excessive flight searches could cost you more. The intricate algorithms of online booking sites and the privacy concerns around cookies can lead to price hikes based on your search activity.
“When you look for flights multiple times, you might be inadvertently increasing your ticket price,” ProxyScrape CEO Thibeau Maerevoet suggests.
The Connection Between Search History and Airfare Prices
Numerous studies and real-world scenarios reveal a significant relationship between your search behavior and flight fares, Maerevoet says. An analysis by the travel research team at Time Magazine found that users experienced a price increase after repeatedly searching for the same flight routes. This phenomenon occurs because online booking platforms deploy cookies to track and remember your search patterns, prompting dynamic pricing adjustments.
“Their data suggests that fares often climb when users search for the same flight multiple times from the same computer or device,” Proxyscrape says. “This pricing mechanism is believed to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate bookings.”
Avel Chuklanov/Unsplash Photo
How Searching for Flights Too Often Is Driving Up Your Airfare
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.
“Booking algorithms are designed to detect interest levels, and repeated searches signal high demand,” said Maerevoet. “This practice can steer users towards higher fare notices because the systems interpret frequent searches as an increased willingness to pay.”
Moreover, Maerevoet explains that even location data can influence pricing. Travelers 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.
Five Safety Tips When Searching for Airfare Tickets
Navigating through these deceptive price hikes can be manageable. Here are five Proxyscrape 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 your device to prevent dynamic pricing based on your 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 your tickets well ahead to avoid last-minute price surges due to dynamic pricing.
HILTON HOTEL TRENDS: ME-MOONING AND SLEEP DIVORCE
Launched today, Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report: The Vacation Maximized unveils some pretty interesting travel trends, including “Sleep Divorce” and “Me-Mooning.”
- Sleep Divorce: 37% of travelers prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner when traveling, and most parents think it’s best to sleep apart from their kids. The latter, for sure. The former, no.
- The Gen Alpha Effect: 70% of global respondents who travel with children choose vacation destinations based on kids’ needs and interests. I would expect nothing less, but it’s also good to do things kids might think they won’t like. They just might surprise you. Our kids complained about a trip we took to the Maritime provinces of Canada when they were teens, but now they tell us they quite enjoyed it.
- MeMooners Rising: Nearly 50% of global respondents reported they often travel by themselves, and 64% of solo travelers consider a good book their favorite travel partner. I get this. When I graduated from college, I took a six-week trip to Europe by myself. I actually met a young Canadian in Rome who ended up being my wife, and we recently celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary. You never know what will happen when you walk out your front door.
- News Break: 20% of global travelers don’t pay attention to the news on vacation – more now than they have in the past. I don’t do it as much anymore, as I seldom have time. But I used to LOVE reading the International Herald Tribune when I was away, to both catch up on news in North America and to find out (what a concept) what was happening in the REST of the world.
Other Trends:
- Multi-generational Trips: 37% of travelers often take vacations with their parents, and two in five invite extended family members—this is especially true in India, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. But when it comes to planning, pleasing everyone is not easy. According to internal Hilton insights, the multi-generational trip planner, often the matriarch of the family, is increasingly looking for unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure destinations or experiences to create an enticing option for everyone.
- Hurkle-Durkling:1 in 5 global travelers enjoys Hurkle-Durkling, the Scottish phrase for intentionally lounging all day in bed, while on vacation. Whether their preferred crash pad of choice is a guest room with black-out blinds or a beachside chair, these travelers are dedicated to the ultimate relaxation. Younger travelers (30% of Zillennials) love it even more than Gen X and Baby Boomers(11%).
- Surge in Sports Travel: There is no denying that a sports fan’s loyalty is grounded in traditions. Today, athletes and their fans are hitting the road in record numbers. From 2019 to 2024, Hilton Worldwide Sport Sales revenue tripled in volume—80% of which stemmed from youth or amateur sports. Sports-themed Experiences on Hilton Honors Experiences Platform also reflect this trend. as more than 4.6 million Hilton Honors Points were redeemed for the McLaren Ultimate package for Las Vegas in 2024, the most Points redeemed for any package in the history of the site.
What’s New for Hilton in 2025
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California. Photo Courtesy Hilton Hotels
Here are a few of the new developments Hilton will debut next year.
SAN DIEGO: LXR Hotels & Resorts will expand its West Coast footprint with the addition of Beach Village at The Del and Shore House at The Del, located within San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado, one of the most famous resorts in the United States dating back to 1888. Beach Village at The Del welcomes guests to picture-perfect private beachfront cottages and villas just steps away from pristine golden sand beaches, while Shore House at The Del is a boutique luxury oceanfront resort offering captivating views, sophisticated amenities and indulgent experiences.
NASHVILLE: The Printing House Hotel Downtown Nashville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will soon offer guests a unique stay steps away from the city’s top attractions. Inspired by Nashville’s rich printing history, the hotel pays homage to Music City’s past through elevated design, comfortable guest rooms and authentic experiences.
FRANKFURT, GERMANY: The 225-room Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch is set in 10-hectares of peaceful grounds with beautiful gardens and a lake. The hotel also has an impressive range of leisure and spa facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas, seven treatment rooms, a gym and two tennis courts.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: Hampton by Hilton Grayston Sandton marks the brand debut of Hampton by Hilton in Africa. Located in Johannesburg, the property will feature 158 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a welcome zone, fitness area and an outdoor pool.
