How to Beat AI in Airline Ticket Pricing and Find Cheaper Flights: A Guide for Indian Travelers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, including the travel industry. In India, major airlines have adopted AI-driven systems that predict and adjust ticket prices based on demand, season, time of booking, and even browsing habits. While AI has streamlined many aspects of booking, it’s also caused prices to fluctuate, often making it harder for budget-conscious travelers to find affordable flights. This article breaks down how AI influences flight prices, and offers some practical tips on bypassing these price hikes to book cheaper tickets.

How AI Influences Airline Ticket Prices

AI-powered algorithms in airline booking systems analyze vast amounts of data in real time. Here’s a look at some of the major ways AI impacts ticket pricing:

1. Demand Prediction: AI algorithms track historical data to predict periods of high and low demand. For example, during festivals or school holidays, demand increases, and so do ticket prices.
2. Dynamic Pricing: AI systems can adjust prices within seconds based on demand. If a flight is filling up, the AI may quickly increase prices. Conversely, if tickets aren’t selling well, AI might reduce prices to fill seats.
3. Browsing Habits and Search Patterns: If a person frequently searches for flights to a particular destination, AI may increase prices, predicting that this user is likely to book soon. This practice, often called “price surging,” can make booking costly if you’re seen as a “high intent” buyer.
4. Time of Booking: AI can also adjust prices based on how far in advance or how close to the departure date you book. Generally, booking well in advance or at the last minute can yield the best deals, while middle-ground bookings may face price hikes.
5. Competitor Pricing and Market Trends: AI keeps an eye on competitor pricing and adjusts accordingly. If another airline offers a sale, the AI system might slightly reduce prices to stay competitive.

Tips to Book Cheaper Flights and Avoid AI-Driven Price Hikes

Now that you know how AI influences flight prices, here are some strategies to help you bypass these price hikes and book cheaper tickets for Indian airlines.

1. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies

• When you search for flights online, your browsing habits are tracked. Using incognito mode in your browser or clearing cookies regularly helps prevent AI systems from “learning” that you’re planning a trip.
• How to do it: Open a new incognito window (Ctrl+Shift+N on Chrome or Firefox) each time you search for flights. Alternatively, clear your browser cookies manually if you don’t want to use incognito mode.

2. Book During Off-Peak Times

• AI models track when people are most likely to book flights—typically on weekends or during the day. Booking late at night, around 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., on weekdays can sometimes reveal cheaper fares, as fewer people are searching at that time.
• How to do it: Search for flights in off-peak hours, especially Tuesday nights or early Wednesdays.

3. Leverage Flight Comparison Websites and Apps

• Use comparison tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, or Ixigo to track fare changes across multiple airlines. These platforms often have built-in AI systems that compare prices and alert you to fare drops, helping you find the best deals.
• How to do it: Set fare alerts on these websites or apps. For example, Google Flights allows you to “track prices” for a specific route and will notify you of any significant price drops.

4. Book Directly on Airline Websites After Checking Comparison Sites

• Many comparison sites show “discounted” prices, but final costs can vary. Once you identify a low price, head to the airline’s official site to book. Direct bookings often avoid additional charges from third-party sites and are sometimes cheaper.
• How to do it: After comparing prices, visit the airline’s official site to see if they offer the same fare. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet sometimes have promotions exclusively on their sites.

5. Book in Advance, But Not Too Early

• While booking far in advance generally offers lower prices, AI systems tend to fluctuate prices 3 to 6 months before departure. Booking within this “sweet spot” period can get you the best rates.
• How to do it: Plan to book your tickets about 3 to 4 months before your travel date, especially for peak season trips.

6. Consider Alternative Airports

• Flying to or from smaller airports nearby can often be cheaper. AI doesn’t always account for these alternate routes, so you might find better deals.
• How to do it: For example, instead of flying out of Mumbai, try Pune or Ahmedabad if it’s convenient. Some apps like Skyscanner allow you to search flights to “All Airports” in a region to compare costs.

7. Use VPN to Get Region-Specific Pricing

• Airlines occasionally offer different prices for the same flight based on the country or region of the user. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to search as if you’re in a different location, potentially revealing cheaper fares.
• How to do it: Use a VPN to connect to a server in another country. Set the location to the destination you are traveling to, which might sometimes offer lower rates.

8. Check for Airline Sales and Flash Deals

• Many Indian airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, and GoAir, announce flash sales or seasonal offers on their websites and social media platforms. Signing up for newsletters or following them on social media can alert you to these deals before AI-driven demand hikes kick in.
• How to do it: Sign up for newsletters or follow airlines on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Watch out for their “Big Sales” or festive discounts.

9. Look Out for Credit Card and Loyalty Program Discounts

• Banks and credit card providers in India often have tie-ups with airlines, offering discounts on select cards. Loyalty programs can also grant you special fares or points that help save money on future bookings.
• How to do it: Explore credit card offers on flight bookings, like HDFC’s travel offers with various airlines. Join loyalty programs such as Air India’s Flying Returns or Club Vistara for additional discounts and perks.

10. Use Fare Prediction Tools

• Apps like Hopper or websites like Google Flights use their own AI models to predict whether prices will go up or down. While it’s not foolproof, fare prediction tools can help you decide the best time to book.
• How to do it: Download Hopper or use Google Flights’ fare prediction feature to receive notifications on price predictions.

Final Thoughts Before You Fly

While AI-driven pricing may make airline tickets feel out of reach, using some strategic booking methods can help you bypass these algorithms. By clearing your browser history, using comparison sites, checking at odd hours, and following airline sales, you can find affordable flights that won’t break the bank. AI has certainly made booking a flight more complex, but with a few tips and tricks, you can take advantage of the system and travel within your budget. While all these tips and tricks work in some way it may not work for everyone especially those who are not tech-savvy. But anyway we wish you Happy travels!