How to use a VPN for cheaper flights in 2025

Your location plays a big role in how much you pay for your flight. Airlines and travel sites use dynamic pricing-adjusted fares based on your IP address, local demand, browsing history, and even your device. That means someone in India might see a lower fare for the same route than someone from the UK. However, with a reliable VPN, you can change your virtual location and access lower regional prices, regardless of your actual location.

My tests showed that the best VPN location for cheap flights are India, Mexico, Thailand, and Turkey. Since booking platforms assume that people from these regions have low purchasing power, these countries tend to offer significantly lower fares. When I connected to servers in these regions, I often found savings of up to 40%, especially for international round-trip flights.

However, not all VPNs performed well - some had limited servers or poor location masking, which affected their ability to unlock better prices. After extensive testing, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for cheaper flights due to its large server network, strong ability to hide your real location, and consistent success in bypassing dynamic pricing restrictions.

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Top 3 best VPNs for cheaper flights

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for cheaper flights with a large server network
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   A budget-friendly VPN to get cheaper flights in 2025
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium VPN with servers in the cheapest flight countries
   8.6

Cheapest countries to book flights from using a VPN

After testing over 18 different connections with various VPNs and booking sites, Mexico, India, Turkey, and Thailand proved to be the cheapest countries for booking flights. These countries offer significant savings due to their lower purchasing power and GDP than the US, UK, or Canada.

Finding cheaper flights with a reliable VPN takes a bit of trial and error, as you’ll need to connect to servers in various countries and compare prices. Moreover, my own tests showed that certain countries consistently offered better flight deals. Here are some of the cheapest countries to buy flights from:

• Mexico
• Thailand
• India
• Sri Lanka
• Hong Kong
• Colombia
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan

The cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) in my tests helped me find lower flight ticket prices!

However, the price of a flight varies significantly depending on where you book it, and this is largely due to factors beyond your control. Instead, it has to do with the pricing of airlines. Some countries have higher fares because of local taxes, higher average incomes, or limited airline competition. On the other hand, some airlines offer lower prices to travelers from their home country due to local deals, subsidies, or loyalty programs.

According to my tests, flights booked mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday), off-peak hours, or on less popular routes are usually much cheaper. Also, booking 6–8 weeks in advance increases your chances of finding a good deal. It is also important to consider currency exchange rates. For instance, booking from a country with a lower currency can result in you paying less on your own. Using Skyscanner, I've made the following price comparisons:

(Please note that all prices were accurate when writing and may change. All flights are scheduled for the same dates: departure on March 1, 2025, and return on March 31, 2025.)

Best VPNs for cheaper flights: a detailed list

• 🥇NordVPN – overall the best VPN for cheaper flights
• 🥈Surfshark – a budget-friendly VPN to book flights cheaper
• 🥉Proton VPN – the best freemium VPN with a huge server fleet

I tested 18 high-quality VPNs to find out which ones effectively bypass geo-location detection on flight-booking sites. When it comes to a VPN for cheaper flights, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out for their extensive server networks, strong leak protection, and reliable ability to unlock lower fares. Moreover, my research focused on factors such as the number of global servers, IP leak protection, pricing, and the overall experience on popular booking sites like Skyscanner, Kiwi, and Google Flights.

Top 1. NordVPN - overall the best VPN for cheaper flights in 2025

NordVPN is the best VPN for finding the cheapest countries from which to book flights. With over 7400 servers across 118 countries, including budget-friendly regions like India, Mexico, and Thailand, you can access cheaper fares by virtually changing your location. Its strong security features, including high-level encryption, enable you to bypass ticket booking sites and avoid inflated fares.

In my tests, NordVPN consistently helped me save on flights. For example, when I searched for a one-way flight from Nairobi to Mumbai on Skyscanner, the best price in the US was $206. But by connecting to a server in Mexico, I found the exact same flight for $32 less—a small but welcome discount! I usually skip the absolute lowest fares since they often mean longer travel times, but this method has been a reliable and easy way to find good deals.

Those traveling in more restricted regions, such as China, can access restricted booking sites using NordVPN's obfuscated servers. Plus, NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks ads and malicious sites, which is especially useful when browsing discount sites like Skiplagged.com. With the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, I can easily share my VPN connection with fellow travelers to hunt down deals.

If you’re looking for the best flight deals, NordVPN is my top choice. And with the current deal at just $3.39/month, it easily pays for itself with just one successful flight discount. You can also try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark - cheaper flights with a wallet-friendly VPN

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for finding cheaper flights. With 3200 servers in 100 countries, including budget-friendly destinations like India and Thailand, Surfshark provides access to some of the best fares available.

When I tested Surfshark with Skyscanner, it worked seamlessly across locations. Connected to a server in Mexico for a one-way flight from Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT), I found the highest price at $3,534 and the lowest at $179. Switching to a server in India revealed the same flight for just $171 - offering a potential savings of $3,344 compared to the highest price. This savings method takes just a few clicks and can make a big difference on popular routes.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature also blocks annoying ads and potential malware, which speeds up browsing, making it especially important when trying to snag a good deal before prices change. With powerful encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, Surfshark keeps your data secure while searching. Plus, its strict no-logs policy means your personal information stays private.

Surfshark is the most affordable premium VPN for unlocking lower airfare prices, available now for just $2.19/month. You can try it free for 7 days and get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN - security-focused VPN with great server availability

Proton VPN is a solid choice for finding cheaper flights, and its freemium plan makes it accessible to anyone looking for a bargain. With over 13000 servers in 122 countries, Proton VPN allows you to check airfares from various locations, including budget-friendly destinations like Thailand and India.

I discovered some notable price differences when testing Proton VPN on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner. For instance, while searching for a one-way flight from São Paulo (GRU) to Santiago (SCL), the highest price connected to a US server was $1,912, but switching to a Thailand server yielded the same flight for as low as $110 - a massive saving of $1,802. This simple change shows how using the right VPN can significantly reduce travel expenses.

Proton VPN comes with advanced features that enhance your deal-hunting experience. Due to its proprietary Stealth technology, flight booking sites cannot detect or block your VPN usage due to VPN blocks and deep packet inspection. The VPN Accelerator can boost connection speeds by up to 400%, especially when connected to a server across the globe. Additionally, Proton VPN’s IPv6 Leak Protection keeps your real IP address hidden, allowing you to benefit from lower airfare prices across different parts of the world. In general, most of these features are available only to paid subscribers.

The free version includes 5 server locations (the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan), unlimited bandwidth, and the Stealth protocol. However, if you upgrade to the Plus plan, which starts at $3.59/month, you get more comprehensive features backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about Proton VPN’s overall performance.

Comparison of the best VPNs for cheap flights

After testing 18 VPN providers, NordVPN stood out as the most reliable choice for cheap flights. A global network of 7400 servers allows you to compare prices across countries where fares are typically lower, such as Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and India. Also, VPN users can save an average of 40% per flight by leveraging these location-based price differences. With NordVPN, you also get fast and secure browsing, threat protection to block ads, and a kill switch to keep your data safe while browsing. Plus, its obfuscated servers prevent booking sites from inflating prices based on repeated searches.

How to use VPN to get cheaper flights: detailed guide

1. Download and open the VPN app
2. Connect to a server in a low-income country (e.g., Thailand, India, Mexico)
3. Check the prices and note them down
4. Repeat the steps until you find the cheapest flight price

When using a VPN to get cheaper flights, connect to a server in a country with a lower cost of living, such as Mexico, Thailand, or India. Then, search for the flight on airline websites and comparison platforms. Remember to clear cookies and browsing history before each search to avoid price manipulation based on previous searches. You may need to repeat these steps multiple times with different server locations to find the best price.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to buy cheap flight tickets using a VPN:

Step 1: Download and launch your VPN

I recommend NordVPN, currently available with a 77% discount, which has the highest success rate at reducing flight prices.

Step 2: Connect to a server in one of the cheapest countries to book flights from

Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the country you’re booking from. To get the best deals, connect your VPN to a server located in countries known for having cheaper flight rates, such as India, Mexico or Thailand.

When I tested flight prices on Skyscanner, I compared results from different server locations in cheaper countries. For example, using a server in India, I found a ticket for $490 (₹40,500), while the same flight on a US server was priced at $550. Similarly, connecting to a server in Mexico showed a fare of $505 (converted from MXN 9,250), compared to $560 on a UK server.

Step 3: Check reliable flight comparison sites like Kiwi or Skyscanner

These platforms often feature exclusive deals. Once connected to a VPN, you'll notice that the booking site's default currency matches your virtual location, helping you find more affordable fares.

Step 4: Find the cheapest flight using a VPN

Connect to a VPN server in countries known for cheaper flights (such as Mexico, India, or Thailand). Open an incognito browser window and clear your cookies and cache to avoid price tracking. If the price isn't right, switch to another server location and try again. You should also consider smaller airports near your destination, which may offer better fares. Additionally, checking prices on comparison websites can also help you spot trends and find the best deal.

Get cheap flights with NordVPN

Steps to take if a VPN doesn't change flight prices

A VPN is one of the most cost-effective and secure ways to avoid fluctuating flight rates. However, even the most powerful VPNs won't be able to help you find the cheapest flights - as forum users have repeatedly pointed out. In that case, if your flight prices aren't changing while using a VPN, try these steps:

1. Clear your browser’s cookies and cache. When you search for flight deals, your location and data are tracked. So, to ensure your VPN works effectively, clear your browser’s cookies and cache before using it. Consider switching to a different browser, such as DuckDuckGo, or using incognito mode.
2. Check for IP and DNS leaks. When your online security leaks, your IP address can be exposed to your ISP. This defeats the purpose of using a different server to find cheaper flight tickets and may also lead to higher airfare prices.
3. Switch to a different server. Hardware disruptions may cause connectivity issues. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to another server. For better results, I also recommend experimenting with servers in other countries (Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Pakistan).
4. Keep your VPN updated. Regularly updating your VPN connection is crucial for maintaining its security and stability. With an updated VPN service, you can fix common connectivity problems and stay ahead of flight-booking services and their advanced geolocation detection technology.

Additional tips for finding the lowest ticket price

If you want to know more about other strategies to score the best flight deals, I've got you covered. To ensure your next flight is as affordable as possible, here are some tips and tricks you can use:

1. Use a flight price search engine

Tools like Google Flights or Skiplagged are my go-to because they scan fares from major airlines and travel sites, making it easy for me to compare prices all in one place. These platforms usually have filters for flexible dates, nearby airports, and specific airlines, allowing me to spot the most affordable options quickly. Plus, they often highlight special discounts or exclusive offers I might miss if I searched directly on airline websites.

2. Be flexible with your flight destination

Being flexible isn't just important when finding a comfortable seat on a Ryanair or Wizzair flight and when catching great deals on Google Flights. It's ideal to find a bargain for your exact dates, but it's usually rare, so you'll have to choose between a more convenient date and a cheaper fare. If you're willing to change your travel date by a day or two, you can save a lot of money. Luckily, many flight search engines allow you to view prices across various dates, making it easier to spot the best deals. Plus, this flexibility can also extend to nearby airports; sometimes, departing from or arriving at a less popular airport leads to lower fares because of reduced demand.

3. Set fare alerts

Setting fare alerts is another effective strategy to find for lower-fare flights. Fare alerts enable you to monitor price changes without needing to check constantly. They notify you when prices drop or when a deal matches your criteria, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential savings. This feature is handy for tracking fluctuating airfares and is also available on most booking sites, such as Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner.

4. Arrange your free stopovers

Let's not forget about free stopovers, which save money by allowing you to explore an extra city without paying for an additional flight. Many airlines, such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, offer free stopovers in their hub cities (like Reykjavik, Doha, or Istanbul) when flying long-haul. For example, if you're flying from New York to Bangkok with Turkish Airlines, you can add a multi-day stop in Istanbul at no extra cost. Rather than booking separate flights to Turkey and Thailand, you can get both trips for the price of one, saving hundreds.

5. Keep track of your frequent flyer alliances

Frequent flier alliances can turn slightly more expensive tickets into long-term savings by allowing you to earn miles or points that accumulate over time. These points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags. In general, the more flexible you are with your dates, airlines, or even destinations, the better your chances of finding a cheap flight.

6. Use Black Friday deals

Black Friday is a great time to get discounted flights since airlines and travel sites often offer substantial promotions during this time. As Black Friday falls towards the end of November, it coincides with the months when flights are normally cheaper - January and February. When you book during Black Friday, you can lock in lower fares for these budget-friendly months. Plus, using a flight comparison site such as Skyscanner, which provides competitive prices and fare alerts, can increase your savings.

What is the ‘incognito hack’ for flights?

The ‘incognito hack’ is the idea that using your browser’s incognito or private mode while searching for flights can prevent travel sites from tracking your search history. In theory, browsing incognito stops cookies and other tracking data from being stored. This should prevent sites like Kiwi.com from inflating prices due to repeated searches. However, this is largely a myth; studies, including one from Berkeley, have shown that airlines and booking sites don’t adjust prices solely based on individual search frequency.

While incognito mode can prevent price increases by refreshing search data, it doesn’t guarantee cheaper fares. From my own experience, pairing this technique with a VPN, like NordVPN, actually helped me save money. For example, when I connected to a server in Delhi, I saved $20 on a one-way flight from London to NYC. So, while the incognito hack alone may not cut flight costs, using it with a VPN can sometimes help you access lower prices by changing your virtual location.

Is it legal to book flights with a VPN?

Yes, it's legal to use a VPN to get lower fares. A VPN (virtual private network) masks your IP address and routes your internet connection through a secure server in another location. Additionally, a VPN will conceal the data that airlines use to personalize prices. This can make it appear that you’re browsing from a different country, sometimes allowing you to access regional pricing variations on flights.

While airlines and booking sites may use geo-location systems to show location-based prices, they don’t often prohibit VPNs, and they simply want to present “relevant” search results based on your location. I always recommend using a VPN to get cheaper flights – not only to compare prices from different regions but also to secure your connections when entering sensitive information like credit card details. A reputable VPN can protect your data from potential security risks on public Wi-Fi networks, adding an extra layer of safety to the booking process.

Get reliable VPN for cheap flights

Key takeaways of using a VPN to get cheaper flights

Finding cheaper flights online is no longer straightforward. Airlines use advanced dynamic pricing and location-based tracking to adjust flight prices based on your IP address and browsing habits. Using a VPN for flights lets you change your virtual location to countries like India, Mexico, Thailand, or Turkey, where airfare tends to be significantly lower. By booking through these VPN server locations, you can unlock hidden flight deals and save money on airline tickets that aren’t visible from your usual location.

Based on my tests, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for cheaper flights. With over 7400 servers in 118 countries, you can compare prices across regions easily. Also, its obfuscated servers help bypass geo-blocking, and the built-in Threat Protection adds an extra layer of security when browsing sketchy booking websites.

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FAQ

Do flight prices change based on IP address?

Yes, flight prices can vary depending on your IP address because airlines and travel websites use this data to tailor prices based on your location and browsing patterns. This approach, called dynamic pricing or price discrimination, means that the cost of the same flight might be higher or lower depending on where you are searching from or your previous search behavior.

How do you hide your IP address when booking flights?

To hide your IP address when booking flights, use a reliable VPN service like NordVPN to mask your real location. Start by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache to remove any stored tracking data. Then, connect to a VPN server in countries known for lower flight prices, such as India, Mexico, or Thailand. Finally, compare prices across multiple VPN server locations to ensure you get the cheapest flights available.

Does using a VPN make flights cheaper?

Yes, using a VPN can potentially help you find cheaper flights by masking your IP address. This makes it appear like you're browsing from a different location. Airlines and booking sites often adjust prices based on your region, local demand, and perceived purchasing power. If you connect to a VPN server in a country where fares are usually low, such as India, Mexico, or Thailand, you may get better prices.

Does a free VPN work for booking flights cheaper?

Yes, a free VPN can help you book flights cheaper, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs offer limited server options, slow speeds, and weak data protection, making it harder to compare prices reliably across multiple countries. Some also lack strong security features, which could put your personal and payment data at risk when booking flights. I recommend NordVPN, which offers fast speeds and strong encryption to keep your data safe.

How to clear cookies for flight search?

While clearing cookies varies slightly between browsers, the process is generally similar. Begin by opening your browser and navigating to the settings menu, located in the top-right corner. From there, go to the privacy or security section and find the option to ‘clear browsing data.’ Select the choice to ‘remove cookies and other site data,’ choose a time range, or opt for ‘all time’ to delete everything, then confirm by clicking the ‘clear data button.’

Where to set VPN for cheap flights?

The cheapest country to book flights from is India, followed by Thailand and Mexico. These countries tend to show lower fares due to regional pricing strategies based on local demand, operational costs, and purchasing power. However, using a VPN like NordVPN to access these locations can help you unlock better deals than in higher-income countries like the US or the UK.

Are flights cheaper on Tuesdays?

While booking flights on a Tuesday might occasionally offer slight savings, it's not a guaranteed strategy for securing the lowest fares. Airline prices now fluctuate based on demand, location, and browsing behavior rather than specific days of the week. To truly save, consider using a VPN to change your virtual location - airlines often show different prices depending on where you're browsing from. By comparing fares from multiple countries using a VPN, you can sometimes unlock significantly cheaper deals that aren’t visible in your region.

Do flights get cheaper closer to the date?

No, flights generally do not get cheaper closer to the departure date. In most cases, prices increase as the travel date approaches due to limited seat availability and rising demand. Airlines use dynamic pricing to charge more when they know travelers are booking last-minute. Luckily, by changing your IP address with a VPN to a lower-income country like India or Mexico, you can sometimes unlock region-specific discounts.