We all love a good deal, all the better if it saves money we can use to have even more fun while traveling. It might not be your first thought when you think of uses for a VPN, but they may actually get you a cheaper flight. Plus, you can use the VPN to save on lodging, entertainment, and more.
Let’s take a deeper look into how to use a VPN to get a cheaper flight, and why the VPN you choose makes a difference.
Can A VPN Really Get You A Cheaper Flight?
We can’t guarantee that you’ll get a cheaper flight. Your destination, individual pricing models for airlines and travel agencies, and how you want to fly (e.g. economy or first class) can all affect the prices you see. Since airlines use dynamic pricing your IP address, previous online purchases, and physical address can also impact the rates you’re offered.
Using a VPN allows you to change your IP address and hide your browsing habits from the websites you visit, so airlines and travel agencies can’t increase prices based on your income or zip code. Additionally, you may find more affordable hotel rates, tours, and entertainment packages using a VPN because you can book locally and avoid paying tourist rates.
Of course, cheap flights and affordable local entertainment aren’t the only reason to use a VPN when you travel. The following are a few more ways VPNs can be beneficial on your trip
● Streaming regional content and accessing social media sites otherwise unavailable in your target destination
● Protecting your privacy over public wifi connections at shops, hotels, and restaurants
● Saving on long-distance charges when contacting family back home using VOIP apps (e.g. WhatsApp)
How to Get A Cheaper Flight with A VPN
Why not save a little money on your flight and put it toward souvenirs or entertainment on your trip? A VPN can help you get a cheaper flight by changing your IP address, so it looks like you’re accessing booking sites from another location. The process is easy, too, just follow the steps below.
Step One: Pick A Reliable VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal. Some can leak your real IP address or have unstable connections, so they don’t adequately mask your location. You need a VPN with reliable server connections that can properly mask your IP like Private Internet Access (PIA). The VPN also encrypts your traffic and has a strict No Logs policy — they never collect information on how you use their service.
Plus, PIA has servers in 84 countries, which gives you the potential to save on flights to virtually anywhere you want to go.
Step Two: Download the VPN App & Install It On Your Device
Once you've chosen a VPN provider, pick a plan and download the correct app for your device from their website. Then complete the setup process by following the steps provided. (Pro Tip: Downloading the app directly from a trustworthy VPN website helps you avoid malicious third-party software.)
Step Three: Connect to A Server In Your Target Destination
The next part is easy. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server in your target destination. When you connect to the VPN server it masks your real IP address. Basically, if you choose a server in Australia websites will think you’re in Australia — even if you’re in the US.
Step Four: Browse Available Flight Deals
Begin comparing local prices for flights to your chosen destination. Keep price, availability, and your date of departure and return in mind. These aspects can have a huge impact on price (e.g. Booking flights for a regular weekday is often cheaper than choosing to fly out on a weekend or holiday).
Step Five: Select & Book Your Flight
Before choosing a specific service and booking the flight, make sure you read any terms and conditions, as well as check to see if your ticket is refundable (just in case). If you’re positive you want to book with an airline or travel site, do so as quickly as possible — prices can change and cheap seats on flights fill up fast.
Step Six: Switch Back to Your Default Location
If you’re finished and want to access accounts or websites in your region again, just switch to a server in your state or country. It’s that easy!
Private Internet Access
- Security: 256-bit AES encryption, SHA-256 authentication, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, kill switch, ad-blocker, malware-scanner
- Logs: No logs
- Network: 30,000+ servers in 84 countries
- Connections: Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Support: 24/7 customer support with live chat
- Apps: Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Anonymous payment options: Yes
- 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
- Price: from $2.11/month + 3 months free
Alternative Methods for Cheaper Flights
You may have heard of using Incognito Mode or similar private browsing options to get cheaper flights. While private browsing does hide some of your online traffic and past purchase history, it doesn’t change your IP address. This means you’ll still only see prices based on your location, so you could miss out on some incredible flight deals.
Another potential way to get a cheaper flight is to book in the native language of the country you’re traveling to. When using other languages to book flights, you will need to be fluent in the language to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your trip. Don’t rely solely on translation services (e.g. Google Translate), or you could end up booking a flight to an unintended location or discover the ticket is more expensive than you thought.
Neither of these alternatives is as tried and tested as using a VPN though, and we received mixed results. The best opportunity to get cheaper flights, on-location transport, hotels, and entertainment were noted while using a VPN.
Choosing the Right VPN
You have plenty of options when it comes to VPNs, but not all of them effectively mask your IP address or protect your sensitive data. That’s why we recommend Private Internet Access. The VPN service has 10+ years of experience and reliable IP addresses in 80+ countries worldwide.
But what really sets PIA apart though, is its court-tested, independently audited No Logs policy. A solid No Logs policy is critical to choosing the right VPN, it means the services won’t collect, store, or share personal data or information on how you use the VPN. When a VPN doesn’t have an adequate No Logs policy, it can expose you to data theft, malware, and other online threats. With all their user information stored in one place, it's easier for cybercriminals, data brokers, and advertisers to access.
PIA’s strict No Logs policy isn’t the only way it protects your data, you can choose between two unbreakable forms of traffic encryption. Use the default 128-bit AES for faster speeds or 256-bit AES when you want more security for accessing sensitive accounts like banking. You also get unlimited device connections, so you can protect all your favorite travel tech.
They have easy-install apps for all major operating systems including iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Android, so setup is a breeze. If you do have any questions, PIA has you covered. Whether you’re at home, or on vacation in another country, you always have expert help if you need it — the service offers 24/7 live chat and email support.
Step 2: Connect to a server in the region you want to browse flight deals.
Step 3: Find a deal that works for you, book your flight, and enjoy!
Enjoy Your Flight!
Booking your flight with a VPN is a fast, easy process and could get you a cheaper ticket. You’ll also be able to avoid tourist rates at hotels and see options for affordable entertainment in your target destination — all you need to do is connect to a server in the country you’re visiting and start browsing.
PIA VPN has servers in 84 countries, strong security and privacy features, and installs in less than three minutes. Just go to the PIA’s website, choose a plan, and download the app for your device. The best part? You can connect to a server in your target area with as little as one click, so you’re on your way to finding the best possible flight deal in seconds.
