Booking Flight Tickets in Incognito Mode: Techniques and Considerations
Booking flight tickets while in incognito mode can offer a certain level of privacy and prevent price hikes based on your search history. This article will guide you through the process and address common questions and considerations regarding this practice.
Understanding Incognito Mode
Incognito mode is a privacy feature in web browsers designed to block cookies and prevent websites from tracking your activity. While this can provide some privacy benefits, it's important to understand its limitations and how it applies to flight booking.
Opening Incognito Mode
Different browsers offer incognito mode in slightly different ways:
Google Chrome
To open an incognito window in Google Chrome:
Right-click on the Chrome icon in the top-right corner and select New Incognito Window, or Press Ctrl Shift N on Windows/Linux or Cmd Shift N on Mac.Firefox
To open an incognito window in Firefox:
Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select New Private Window, or Press Ctrl Shift P on Windows/Linux or Cmd Shift P on Mac.Safari
To open an incognito window in Safari:
Click on Safari in the top menu and select New Incognito Window.Microsoft Edge
To open an incognito window in Microsoft Edge:
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select New Incognito Window, or Press Ctrl Shift P on Windows or Cmd Shift P on Mac.Visiting Flight Booking Websites
Once you have your incognito window open, navigate to popular flight booking websites such as:
Google Flights Expedia Kayak Airline's official websiteSearching for Flights
Input your travel details, including:
Departure city Arrival city Date of travel Number of passengersSubmit your search query to find available flight options.
Comparing Prices
Use incognito mode to browse through different flight options and prices. While incognito mode can help you see the most recent prices, it doesn't guarantee lower prices. This tool can still show you the prices that were initially set by the airline.
Booking Your Flight
Once you find a flight you like, proceed with the booking process. Be sure to verify your payment details and personal information are entered securely.
Clearing Cookies (Optional)
For added privacy, you can clear your cookies and cache after completing your booking. This step is not always necessary, but it can help to eliminate tracking.
Conclusion
While incognito mode can be a useful tool for maintaining privacy during flight booking, it's important to understand its limitations. You will need to provide personal information such as your name and payment details to confirm the booking. Additionally, international aviation security rules require you to provide the name of the passenger for all flights, domestic or international.
In summary, incognito mode can help to some extent, but it won't ensure lower prices or full anonymity in flight booking.