What are browser cookies?

A cookie is a small file stored on your device in your search history that remembers information about the websites you visit. This can include helpful details like your location, past searches, and login info, which are designed to make your browsing experience smoother. Some cookies disappear when you close your browser, while others stick around longer.

The concern? Since cookies can store your search history, some people worry that repeating a flight search could signal higher interest, giving sites a reason to raise the price.

How can I delete or disable cookies when booking flights?

While there’s no proof that clearing cookies lowers flight prices, it doesn’t hurt to give it a go if you want extra peace of mind. Since cookies are managed by your browser, you can adjust or delete them anytime.

How you do this depends on which browser you’re using.

• Chrome: Head to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete Browsing Data and select 'Cookies and other site data' to remove all cookies.

• Safari: On iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
  On a Mac, go to > Settings (or Preferences) > Privacy > Manage Website Data. From there, click Remove All

Keep in mind that doing so may log you out of websites or reset saved preferences. If you'd prefer not to use cookies at all, you can also disable them entirely in your browser's privacy settings.

Do airlines increase flight prices because of previous searches?

While it’s a common belief that airlines use cookies to raise flight prices when you repeat a search, there’s no solid evidence to back this up.

Here’s what’s really happening:

• Flight prices are dynamic: They change frequently based on demand, availability, route popularity, time of day and even booking patterns across the airline’s entire system.

• You might be seeing a coincidence: If a fare goes up after a few searches, it’s likely due to someone else booking or a pricing algorithm updating, not because you’ve been caught looking.

• Cookies help with convenience, not price-setting: They’re more likely used to remember your preferences (like departure airports or currency), not to manipulate pricing.

If you're still concerned, you can always clear your cookies, search in incognito mode, or use a flight comparison tool like Skyscanner, which ensures your searches are anonymous and not shared with airlines.

To find out how to get the best deals on flights, be prepared and know when the best time to book a flight is, for domestic and international routes.

Do cookies affect Skyscanner search results?

No, Skyscanner search results do not change because of cookies. While we use cookies to remember things like your recent searches (when and where you might want to fly), the prices we show are given to us directly by airlines, booking sites and travel agents.

The system we use to get these prices from external sites is anonymous. Even if cookies did push the cost up on airline websites, it wouldn’t be reflected in the prices we show to you.

How can I get the cheapest flights?

Taking the time to watch flight prices before you're ready to book is one of the best ways to get the cheapest flights. But, it doesn't have to be as time consuming as you might think. Set up a Skyscanner Price Alert which alerts you whenever a flight price changes--that way, you can book at the drop (or keep it from creeping up on you).

Being flexible with when you fly can also get you a better deal on flights. Skyscanner has plenty of hacks to find better prices. Search by the 'whole month' to see which dates have the lowest fares. If you're in need of inspiration, set 'Everywhere' as your flight destination to see which routes around the world have the best flight deals.

Learn more

Want to book smarter and learn more about how flight pricing works?

• Do flight prices go up the more you search?

• When do flight prices drop and what's the cheapest day to fly?

• How does airline pricing work?