You’ve probably been there. You search for the same flight a few times, and suddenly the price has changed. It’s a common worry among travellers: Are flight prices going up because I keep searching? Should I clear my cookies or use incognito mode?
At Skyscanner, we get this question a lot. And we’re here to be clear and honest with you: no, repeat searches don’t cause flight or holiday prices to increase—not on our site, and not because of cookies.
Here’s what actually affects prices, and how you can feel more in control of your travel plans.
Why it feels like prices go up the more you search
The short answer: flight and holiday prices change in real time, based on things like availability and demand. That can make it feel like searching repeatedly has caused the increase, when in reality, the price may have updated for everyone.
Do cookies affect flight or holiday prices?
No. Cookies don’t raise prices on Skyscanner.
Cookies are small data files that help websites remember your preferences—like login details or your last search. They help personalise your experience but don’t influence pricing.
There are two types of cookies:
Session cookies, which only last while you’re browsing
Persistent cookies, which may store preferences for longer
Neither of these are used to raise prices.
Does Skyscanner increase prices based on my search behaviour?
No. We don’t adjust prices based on your cookies, location, or search history. The flight and holiday prices you see come directly from airlines and travel agents.
We have agreements with our partners to ensure the prices they share with us are accurate and up to date. If we detect unfair pricing behaviour, we take action quickly.
So why do flight and holiday prices change?
There are a few key reasons:
Limited availability: As cheaper fares sell out, only higher-priced tickets remain.
Time of booking: Prices can rise as departure dates get closer, especially for popular routes.
Real-time updates: Airlines and online travel agents use dynamic pricing that adjusts automatically based on demand.
Flight load: Sometimes airlines increase prices if a flight is only half full, to help cover operational costs.
What does this mean for you? It means prices can change fast, but not because you searched multiple times.
Will clearing cookies or using incognito mode help?
It won’t make a difference on Skyscanner. Our prices stay the same whether you’re using regular browsing or incognito mode. We don’t track your searches to influence cost, and we never personalise prices based on cookies.
How to find the best flight deals
If you’re trying to save money, timing and flexibility are key. Here are some Skyscanner tools that can help:
Set up a Price Alert so you know as soon as a fare drops.
Search by month to find the cheapest day to fly.
Try the ‘Everywhere’ search if you’re open to any destination.
Want to know more about how prices fluctuate? Find out when flight prices drop and how to spot the cheapest days to travel.
What’s the best time to book a flight or holiday?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But based on Skyscanner’s data, these general tips can help:
Avoid booking too close to departure—prices tend to rise
Be flexible with your dates and airports if possible
For more guidance, check out Skyscanner's Savings Generator to find the best time to book for your route.
Take the stress out of searching
Flight and holiday prices might change quickly, but that doesn’t mean you’re being tracked. Now that you know what really drives price changes, you can search with confidence and make smarter booking choices. Tools like Price Alert and flexible date search can help you stay one step ahead.
