Ever noticed flight prices rising the more you search? You’re not alone. Many airline and booking websites track your browsing activity using cookies, and if they see you repeatedly checking the same route, they may increase the price to encourage a quicker purchase. Fortunately, there’s an easy way around this: use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode.
This feature allows you to browse without storing your search history, cookies, or site data — giving you a “clean slate” every time you check for flights. Here’s how to access it:
On Google Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner and select “New Incognito Window”.
On Safari, go to File and choose “New Private Window”.
For Firefox, click the three horizontal lines and select “New Private Window”.
In Microsoft Edge, click the three dots and choose “New InPrivate Window”.
Be sure to open a new incognito window each time you search to avoid any saved data influencing the results. While it doesn’t always guarantee lower fares, it helps ensure you’re seeing honest prices unaffected by your previous searches. Pair this trick with flexible travel dates and price comparison sites, and you’ll be flying smarter — not just cheaper.
