At Skyscanner, we believe in transparency. That’s why we want to address a common question: do browser cookies increase flight prices? We’re here to set the record straight: clearing your cookies will not affect the prices you see on our site. It’s only the availability of seats and how far in advance you book that affect airfares, and both things have nothing to do with Skyscanner and cookies.
We prioritise fairness and show consistent flight prices to all our users, regardless of their browsing settings. So there’s no need to worry about clearing your cookies for better flight prices. Plan your next trip with confidence knowing that Skyscanner provides a reliable flight booking experience, free from any cookie-related price fluctuations.
What are cookies?
Essentially, a cookie is a data file created by a website and stored by your web browser. It’s where your preferences are stored (like login details, usernames and passwords) so you don’t have to fill these details in every time you visit a specific site. It also means that when you search for something, like flights, your preferences are stored for the next time you visit (destination, dates, number of passengers). There are two main types: session cookies and persistent cookies. The former have a very short shelf life and are designed to store information for the duration of your time searching, but are deleted as soon as you shut down. The latter last a little longer but usually have an expiration date, which could be a few days to a few months in the future, after which they’re deleted.
Does Skyscanner use cookies to increase flight prices?
Skyscanner is only able to show prices passed on to us by the travel agent or airline whose prices we display. So, the flight price you see on Skyscanner is the one travel agents and airlines give us. We put obligations on our partners to ensure that flights are available at the prices they send us. Of course, flight prices can go up or down very quickly. We keep a close eye on all the prices shown by the travel providers and should we spot any behaviours that were in some way unfair, we would take immediate action.
Will clearing cookies affect my flight prices?
No, Skyscanner is unbiased. The flight prices we display are based on what travel providers (online travel agencies and airlines) tell us. Your browser cookies will not increase flight prices when you search on Skyscanner. Do airlines use cookies to raise prices though? While there are persistent online rumours to this effect, there is no evidence that flight prices are affected by cookies at all.
Then why do flight prices go up?
This can be complicated and depends on a number of different factors. But it’s always worth remembering that flight prices change in real time. Skyscanner makes every effort to ensure the price you see on our site is the price you pay with the airline or travel agent. And that’s inclusive of all fees and charges. As your departure date approaches, prices might increase because there’s less availability on a particular flight.
So less availability equals expensive flight prices? Yes… and no. If there are lots of available seats on a flight, then partners might increase the cost of a ticket to recuperate some of the costs of having to fly the plane half full. So if cookies don’t affect flight prices, when should you book to find the cheapest flights? Well, funny you should ask…
When’s the best time to book the cheapest flight?
When you choose to fly matters. We’ve searched our data and analysed a myriad of routes from Ireland and we can say that, in general, you should be looking to book your flight no later than seven weeks before you want to jet off. However, the exact time frame does differ according to your chosen destination.
How can I make sure I find the best deal on flights?
Skyscanner has lots of tools that will help you do just that:
- Sign up for Price Alert emails so that you’ll know as soon as flight prices to a specific destination have changed.
- If you’re flexible on the dates you can travel, search for flights on Skyscanner across a whole month! This way you’ll find the cheapest days on which you should fly to bag that bargain.
- Not fussed where you go as long as the weather is warm and the wine is cheap? Use our ‘Everywhere’ search tool to find flights to, well, everywhere. We’ll show you the cheapest flight prices for a range of destinations in a given date period.
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