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 moves prices — and how to book at the right moment.
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.
Every time you search, Skyscanner pulls the live price straight from the airline or travel agent at that moment. If it’s changed since your last look, that’s because the provider moved the price for everyone, not because you searched again.
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 query. 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 fares come directly from airlines and travel agents, and Skyscanner shows them exactly as returned — it doesn’t set, mark up, or personalise them.
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 the cheapest price bucket sells out (to others, not you), a pricier one opens — see how airlines price seats.
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.
How full the flight is: When a flight sells slowly, airlines release cheaper seats to fill it. As those sell, what’s left costs more.
What does this mean for you? Prices move because seats are selling, not because you searched again. Refreshing the same route doesn’t push your price up.
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.
Looking for a better flight price? 70% of the time, there is a cheaper flight option on Skyscanner*. Discover more on why to book with Skyscanner.
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.
What this means for your next search
Prices track seat sales, not your searches. So the smart move is to set a Price Alert and use flexible dates or Whole Month search, rather than refreshing the same route.
