Don’t Fall for Airline Ticket Hacks: The Truth Behind Finding Cheap Flights
When it comes to finding cheap airline tickets, there are many so-called hacks that people swear by. Browsing in an incognito window, buying on a Tuesday, and using a VPN to change your location are just a few examples. But are these tricks really effective? According to a recent study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics, the answer is no.
The study, titled “Organizational Structure and Pricing: Evidence from a Large U.S. Airline,” reveals that factors like the time of day, browser history, and buyer location have no impact on the price of flights. In fact, the pricing of airline tickets is more random than you might think.
The Truth About Airline Pricing
The study examined how airlines determine ticket prices and found that luck plays a bigger role than any other factor. Airlines use a pricing strategy called Expected Marginal Seat Revenue-b (EMSRb) to quickly set prices for multiple flights at once. This strategy takes into account the revenue from selling the ticket as well as the future revenue from that seat. By finding the right balance between these two factors, airlines can maximize their overall revenue.
As a result of this pricing strategy, ticket prices for any given flight are limited to a few mixed prices. This means that prices do not change in real-time as you might expect.
The Role of Airlines’ Pricing Teams
Interestingly, the study also reveals that the cheapest flights are often the result of mistakes made by the airline’s pricing teams. Poor communication between departments can lead to prices that are far too low.
“We find that these prices are a consequence of teams from different departments choosing the best pricing inputs when they are unable to coordinate,” explains Olivia Natan, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of marketing at the Haas School of Business.
The Future of Finding Cheap Airfare
While current airline pricing is not influenced by buyer actions or competition, there is potential for change in the future. Airlines are starting to experiment with more flexible pricing systems that could benefit non-business travelers. However, for now, finding a foolproof hack to score cheap airline tickets remains a challenge.
So, while there may be many tips and tricks circulating about finding cheap airfare, it’s important to understand that airlines’ pricing methods are not as responsive to consumer actions or competition as you might think. That being said, if you’ve found a system that works for you, feel free to stick with it.
As the study concludes, prices tend to increase significantly 21, 14, and 7 days before a flight. Therefore, it’s wise to purchase your tickets before these time frames to avoid higher prices.
Author’s Quote: “Finding cheap airline tickets is more about luck than following supposed hacks. Don’t fall for the myths; instead, focus on booking your flights at the right time.”
Author’s Conclusion: The truth is, finding cheap flights is not as easy as following popular hacks. Airlines use complex pricing strategies that are not influenced by factors like browsing history or buyer location. While there may be changes in the future, for now, it’s best to focus on booking your flights strategically and avoiding price increases closer to the departure date.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
