VPN for cheap flights: How to find the best deals

Can you imagine saving money on flights just by changing your virtual location? Using a VPN to find cheap flights is one of the simplest and most effective travel search strategies. By changing your IP address, you can access more competitive fares in countries where prices are usually lower. Plus, you’ll protect your personal information while browsing.

In this article, we explain, step by step, how to use a VPN with your Holafly monthly plans to get cheaper flights. We’ll also explain what affects dynamic pricing and share essential tips, so you won’t overpay for flights again.

What is a VPN used for?

Let’s start at the beginning: Do you know what a VPN is? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool designed to protect your privacy while browsing. In simple terms, it creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a server in another location. As a result, it hides your real IP address. When searching for flights, it helps in several ways. For example: It improves security, unlocks location-restricted pages, and reduces dynamic pricing strategies. 

Privacy and data protection

The first major benefit of using a VPN is protecting your personal information while browsing. When you share sensitive data on airline or travel agency websites, you’re exposed. A VPN works like a lock on your connection. It protects your banking and personal details and prevents third parties from tracking your searches or adjusting flight prices based on your history.

Changing location to avoid dynamic pricing

Another key reason to use a VPN for cheap flights is the ability to change your virtual location. Did you know flight prices can change depending on the country you search from? Airline websites adjust fares based on demand and local purchasing power. With a VPN, you can virtually ‘teleport’ to another country and access deals you won’t see from home. It’s a smart way to beat dynamic pricing strategies. We’ll review more tactics later.

Access regional deals and bypass geo-blocks

Another advantage of using a VPN is that it lets you bypass geo-blocks. Some airlines and booking websites offer exclusive fares for residents of certain countries. By connecting to a server in the country where the airline runs local deals, you can access those prices easily. This also helps if you’re in a country where airline websites or comparison tools are blocked due to local restrictions.

Steps to find cheap flights with a VPN

Now that you understand how these tools work, you may wonder how to use them. Don’t worry, using a VPN to get cheaper flights is easier than it sounds. We’ll explain everything step by step. This process works with most quality VPN services. Once applied, you can change your virtual location and potentially access better prices.

Step 1: Download and install a reliable VPN

First, download a reliable VPN. Make sure it’s easy to use and very fast, since speed matters when searching for cheap flights. We recommend ProtonVPN, which offers a free version with no data limit and affordable premium plans, starting from €2.99 ($3.46) per month.

1. Visit the official website of the VPN you choose.
2. Choose the plan that best suits your needs.
3. Download the app on the device you’ll use to search for flights, whether a phone, tablet, or laptop.
4. Once downloaded, follow the installation steps and create your account, if required.
5. Open the app and sign up using your email address and chosen password.

Step 2: Choose a server in another country

The next step is selecting the country you’ll search from. Remember, prices can vary by region. This is where your VPN plays a key role: most services let you choose servers in different countries with one click.

1. Open the VPN app and browse the available server list.
2. Select a server in a lower-priced country, such as India or Mexico, to access cheaper fares.
3. Wait until the connection activates. The app will confirm when it’s ready.

Step 3: Clear your browser cookies

Before searching for flights, it’s essential to clear your browser cookies. This prevents airlines and travel websites from using your browsing history to adjust prices based on previous searches.

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Look for the option labelled ‘Clear browsing data’ or ‘Clear cookies’.
3. Make sure you remove all cookies and recent browsing history.
4. Click ‘Clear’ or ‘Delete’.

Step 4: Open an incognito window

Another key step is using incognito mode or private browsing. This prevents airline websites from tracking your activity or storing cookies during your search.

1. In Google Chrome, open the three-dot menu and select ‘New Incognito Window’.
2. In Firefox, open the menu and choose ‘New Private Window’.
3. In Safari, select ‘File’ and then ‘New Private Window’.

Step 5: Visit airline websites or flight comparison tools

With the VPN active, cookies cleared, and an incognito window open, you can start searching for flights. Use tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices.

1. Visit a flight comparison website or the airline’s official website.
2. Search for flights from your VPN location and compare results with searches made without a VPN.
3. Note any price differences. If results look similar, try another server location.

Step 6: Complete your purchase

Once you find a flight deal you like, complete the purchase in the same private window. Remember to keep the VPN active throughout the checkout process to maintain the lowest price you found.

If the airline offers payment in multiple currencies, choose the local currency of the server you’re connected to. Sometimes, paying in a different currency can result in better rates.

Countries where flights are usually cheaper

Not every country shows the same fares for identical flights. The real trick to finding cheap flights is knowing where to run your search. By using a VPN, you can benefit from price differences in markets with lower purchasing power. These are some countries where flights are usually cheaper.

1. India

India is one of the most recommended countries for finding cheap flights. Since it’s a growing market with strong air travel demand, airlines adapt prices to the local economy. So, when you connect to an Indian server with a VPN, you’re likely to find more competitive fares, especially on international routes.

2. Mexico

Mexico is another country where flight prices can be lower. Airlines operating in Latin America often offer cheaper international fares when purchases come from this region. So, if you’re searching for flights to Europe or the United States, connecting to a Mexico server may unlock a better deal.

3. Thailand

Thailand is popular with tourists and business travellers, which pushes airlines to offer competitive fares. Since the economy is still developing, many companies adjust prices to attract local customers. As a result, you may find cheaper flights by connecting to a Thailand server with a VPN.

4. Poland

Within Europe, Poland is one of the countries where flight prices are more affordable. This happens partly due to economic conditions and strong competition between low-cost airlines. If you’re searching for European flights, connecting to a Poland server can help you access better fares than searches from stronger economies like Germany or the UK.

Tips for getting cheaper flights

Are there other tricks for cheaper flights besides using a VPN? Yes, there are many ways to reduce ticket prices. Some methods require patience and consistent searching. Others need flexibility with travel dates or departure airports. Let’s look at several ways you can save money.

Be flexible with your dates

One key factor for cheaper flights is flexibility with your travel dates. Air fares can vary significantly depending on the day or season. In general, flights cost more on Fridays and Sundays. Meanwhile, Tuesdays or Wednesdays often offer lower prices.

To make the most of this tip:

• Search with a three-day margin around your ideal travel date. Some days are cheaper to fly.
• Use flight tools that show prices across a full calendar, such as Google Flights or Skyscanner.
• Avoid peak seasons like school holidays or major public holidays, since prices often rise sharply.

Use flight comparison sites

Flight comparison sites are essential tools for travellers who want to save money. These platforms let you compare fares from different airlines in one search. As a result, finding the best price becomes much easier.

Some of the most popular comparison sites include:

• Google Flights: It offers a very intuitive interface and shows the cheapest fares on a world map.
• Skyscanner: It compares full-service and low-cost airlines. It also includes price alerts.
• Momondo: Besides comparing flights, it shows price trend charts, which help you spot the best opportunities.

Always use comparison sites before buying your flight, so you can confirm you’ve found the best available deal.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Earn frequent flyer miles

Air miles can become an excellent way to reduce flight costs, especially if you travel often. Many airlines offer loyalty programmes where you earn miles every time you buy a ticket or use partner services, such as hotels or credit cards.

Here are a few ways to make the most of miles:

• Join frequent flyer programmes like Miles & More, Flying Blue, or AAdvantage.
• Collect miles even on short trips. Over time, points can add up if you travel frequently.
• Consider using a credit card that rewards you with miles for everyday spending. Some cards let you redeem points for flights, cabin upgrades, or extra services.

Subscribe to deal newsletters

Many airlines and specialist websites send newsletters with exclusive flight deals. When you subscribe, you’ll stay informed about promotions and discounts that often don’t appear publicly.

Some of the best newsletters you can subscribe to include:

• Scott’s Cheap Flights: It sends daily alerts about mistake fares or discounted flights to subscribers.
• Secret Flying: It offers free notifications about reduced fares and pricing errors.
• Airfarewatchdog: It sends personalised alerts based on your preferred routes or destinations.

Sign up for mistake fare websites

Mistake fares are those rare moments when airlines publish much lower prices by error. These situations can happen for many reasons, such as currency conversion issues or booking system failures.

To take full advantage of these opportunities:

• Register on websites that track mistake fares, such as Secret Flying or Airfarewatchdog.
• Act quickly when you spot a mistake fare, since airlines usually fix these errors within hours.
• Make sure the airline confirms your booking before planning anything else. Airlines often cancel reservations made with mistake fares.

Get flights from a nearby city

Another trick for cheaper flights is expanding your search area. Sometimes, flights from nearby airports, even if less convenient, can be much cheaper. For example, if you live near several cities with airports, it’s worth comparing all departure options.

To apply this tip:

• Use a flight comparison tool that lets you search from multiple airports, such as Skyscanner or Google Flights.
• Also consider adding a stopover in a nearby city if it reduces the total flight cost.
• Factor in additional transport costs to the alternative airport, so you can confirm the deal still makes sense.

As you can see, using a VPN is just one of many ways to travel for less. In our guide on how to get cheap flights, you’ll find a more detailed explanation.

Dynamic pricing myths and facts when buying flights

When buying plane tickets, dynamic pricing plays a crucial role. However, many myths surround how these price changes work. Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions and understand what’s true and what isn’t.

Myth 1: Prices always rise if you visit the same website several times.

Many people believe flight prices increase every time they revisit the same website. Although some personal experiences support this idea, there’s no conclusive proof that airlines always raise prices automatically just because you return to the same page.

• Reality: Cookies can influence displayed prices. Websites store previous searches through cookies, which can affect what you see. However, this doesn’t mean prices always increase. You can clear cookies or browse in incognito mode to reduce tracking and limit price adjustments.

Myth 2: Booking flights on a Tuesday is always cheaper

Many people believe Tuesday is the best day to find cheap flights. Sometimes, booking system updates can affect prices. Still, this isn’t a universal rule. Flight prices don’t follow a fixed pattern and depend on many changing factors, such as demand and seasonality.

• Reality: Airlines use demand-based dynamic pricing, not weekday-based pricing. Prices change based on demand, travel dates, and season. As cheaper tickets sell out, remaining seats become more expensive. So, monitor prices early and watch for random deals.

Tip: Try to book between one and three months before departure, since the best deals often appear then.

Myth 3: Buying immediately always gets the best deal

Many travellers think the first price they see is always the best one. They also assume prices will only rise if they wait.

• Reality: Flight prices fluctuate constantly. Prices can rise or fall depending on demand and time of day. Tracking prices over time and using alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner can help you identify the best moment to buy.

Tips to avoid dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing can be one of the biggest frustrations when searching for flights. One day you see one price, and the next day it increases, even for the same route and dates. To reduce these changes and secure better fares, here are several actions you can take:

1. Browse in incognito mode

One of the simplest and most effective tactics is browsing in incognito mode. Airline and travel agency websites often use cookies to track your activity. If they detect repeated searches for the same flight, they may show higher prices. They do this to push you to book sooner. Incognito mode prevents saving search history and cookies.

• Open an incognito window before starting your flight search.
• Close it and open a new one after each search, so data won’t accumulate.

2. Change your IP address with a VPN

As explained throughout this article, using a VPN to find cheap flights is one of the most effective strategies. It helps you avoid location-based price discrimination. 

3. Delete cookies regularly

If you prefer not to use incognito mode, you can delete cookies manually in your browser. This ensures websites can’t track previous searches and adjust prices accordingly.

• Go to your browser settings and delete cookies after each search.
• Configure your browser to block third-party cookies, which can also reduce dynamic price tracking.

4. Use different browsers or devices

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as switching browsers or devices. When you repeat the same search in another browser or on a mobile phone instead of a computer, you may see lower fares.

• Try searching with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
• Search from a mobile device and compare results with those from a computer.

5. Monitor prices across different days and times

Flight prices change constantly, and part of this variation is unpredictable. However, monitoring prices on different days and at different times gives you a clearer view of trends. This helps you identify the most favourable moment to buy.

• Set alerts on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to receive notifications when prices drop.
• Check fares at different times of day and avoid booking during peak hours, such as mornings and evenings.

Frequently asked questions about VPNs for cheap flights

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