How to use a VPN to get cheaper flights in 2024

Finding cheap airline tickets can make all the difference in planning an affordable getaway, especially when you know the tricks to get the best deals. In my research, I’ve found that airlines adjust ticket prices based on booking location, often charging 40% less in regions with lower average incomes. Currently, the cheapest countries to book flights are India, Thailand, and Mexico.

However, you may need a VPN to take advantage of these lower rates, as flight booking sites track users’ geolocation. A VPN can change flight prices by hiding your actual location and letting you use a VPN server from a different country. Since flight prices fluctuate daily, finding the cheapest airfares is possible by connecting to different VPN servers.

I’ve tested 27 premium VPNs to find the best ways to secure the cheapest flights without overpaying. In my testing, NordVPN, SurfShark, and ProtonVPN stood out as top choices for finding these reduced fares. Pack your bags if you're ready to explore the best VPNs for cheaper flights!

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Top 3 best VPNs for cheaper flights: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The overall best VPN for cheaper flights in 2024
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Great wallet-friendly VPN for cheaper flights
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Security-focused VPN with great server availability
   8.6

Cheapest countries to book flights from using a VPN

After testing over 27 different connections with various VPNs and booking sites, Mexico, India, and Thailand proved to be the cheapest countries for booking flights. These countries offer significant savings due to their lower purchasing power and GDP compared to 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. Through my own tests, I found 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

In my tests, the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) helped me find lower flight ticket prices!

Many factors influence flight prices beyond just where you're browsing. Additionally, a dynamic pricing strategy involves real-time price fluctuations based on demand, competition, and customer behavior beyond just your IP address. For instance, if Billie Eilish announces a World Tour and there’s a surge in online traffic for specific flight dates, prices will likely increase quickly.

You can use a VPN to get cheaper flights by changing your location. For example, changing your virtual location to a country with a lower average income, such as Thailand or Colombia, can often result in airlines and booking sites showing you prices tailored to regional residents. In many cases, airlines adjust rates according to the purchasing power of the area from which you're virtually browsing, as it saves significantly. 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

1. NordVPN - overall the best VPN for cheaper flights
2. SurfShark VPN - a budget-friendly VPN to book flights cheaper
3. Proton VPN - the best freemium VPN with a huge server fleet

I tested 27 high-quality VPNs to find out which ones bypass geo-location detection on flight-booking sites and unlock reduced fare prices. My research focused on factors such as the number of global servers, IP leak protection, pricing, and overall experience on popular booking sites like Skyscanner, Kiwi, and Google Flights.

1. NordVPN - overall the best VPN for cheaper flights in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for finding the cheapest countries from which to book flights. With over 6900 servers across 113 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 $2.99/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.

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, speeding up browsing—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.

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 9200 servers in 110 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.

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

Comparison of the best VPNs for cheap flights

After testing 27 VPN providers, NordVPN stood out as the most reliable choice for cheap flights. A global network of 6,700 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

To find cheaper flights using a VPN, connect to a server in a country with a lower cost of living, such as Mexico, Thailand, or India. Then, search for the same flight on airline websites and comparison platforms, as airlines may sometimes adjust prices based on your perceived location due to currency fluctuations and local demand. Remember to clear cookies and browsing history before each search to avoid price manipulation based on previous searches. Below is a detailed guide on how to buy cheap flight tickets using a VPN:

1. Download and launch your VPN. Based on my testing, NordVPN, currently available with a 74% discount, has the highest success rate at reducing flight prices.
2. Connect to a server in one of the cheapest countries to book flights from, such as Thailand, India, or Mexico. 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.
3. Check reliable flight comparison sites like Kiwi or Skyscanner for cheaper ticket options, as 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.
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.
5. Pack your bags! Now, you can find better deals on those flights you've been eyeing.

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 increase 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 different 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 quickly spot the most affordable options. 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 peak for lower-fare flights. Fare alerts allow you to monitor price changes without checking 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 especially useful for tracking fluctuating airfares and is also available on most booking sites, such as Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner.

4. Arrange your own layover

There's no denying the fact that flight booking sites don't always work in your favor, especially when you're looking for round-trip flights. Often, the solution lies in doing some manual research to find separate one-way flights – both to your destination and back—that may be significantly cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket. In this way, you can maximize your savings on travel and secure better deals.

5. 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 block sites like Kiwi.com from inflating prices based on 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. Plus, a VPN will hide the data that airlines use to customize 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 prohibit VPNs often, and they simply want to present “relevant” search results based on your location. I always use a reliable VPN when searching for flights, not just to check different prices but also to secure my connection, especially when entering sensitive information like my 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

Community insights: using VPNs for cheaper flights on Reddit

Reddit, a go-to destination for internet discussions, often features debates on the effectiveness of VPNs for finding cheaper flight deals. After spending some time on several travel-related threads, it's evident that many users are skeptical about whether a VPN can actually help find lower flight ticket prices.

After testing 27 VPNs, I found that premium options like NordVPN can indeed influence airfare prices. Contrary to the popular Reddit opinion, while searching for cheaper tickets from New York Kennedy (JFK) to London Heathrow (LHR) on Skyscanner, I lowered the fare by $80 using different NordVPN server locations.

However, when I tried the same with freemium VPNs like StrongVPN and PrivateVPN, I had no such luck, likely because the airfare providers had already flagged their limited IP addresses.

How to get cheaper flights with VPN: video overview

Key takeaways of using a VPN to get cheaper flights

Technology and marketing tactics have made it more challenging to find great flight deals. Using techniques like dynamic pricing and price discrimination, flight ticket prices are raised based on tracking your IP address and search history. Luckily, a VPN can help you find the best flight deal by letting you browse from different locations where flight prices may be lower, such as India, Mexico, or Thailand.

NordVPN is my top recommendation since it offers worldwide coverage with over 6900 servers in 113 countries so that you can conveniently compare prices. Its obfuscated servers help you avoid geo-detection, while the Threat Protection feature keeps you safe from sketchy booking sites. Plus, the flexibility and reliability of NordVPN make it the ideal choice for comparing fares between different countries or protecting your data on public Wi-Fis while traveling.

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FAQ

Do airlines change prices based on IP address?

Yes, airlines can change flight prices based on your IP address through a practice called "dynamic pricing." Booking websites can determine your location and track your actions, which allows them to adjust fares depending on your browsing history or regional demand. Basically, if you keep searching for the same flight, they may raise the price, knowing you're likely interested. To prevent this, I recommend NordVPN, as it masks your IP address and makes it appear that you're browsing from a different location.

How do websites determine your location?

Websites determine your location primarily through your IP address, which gives a general idea of your geographic region. They can also use GPS data from mobile devices, Wi-Fi network information, and the browser’s geolocation API (if you grant permission). Tracking cookies and scripts can analyze your browsing history to estimate your location.

How do you hide your IP address when booking flights?

You can change your IP address to appear in a different geographical region with a VPN like NordVPN. By preventing airlines from using your actual IP address to implement dynamic pricing, you will be able to prevent flight prices from rising due to your location. When you change your virtual location, you can potentially access cheaper fares from regions with lower demand.

Does using a VPN make flights cheaper?

Using a VPN can change flight prices by masking your IP address and making it look like you're browsing from another country. This means that, for example, if I connect to a server in India or Mexico using NordVPN, I may see prices that are different, often lower, than I would from my actual location. Airlines and booking sites sometimes adjust fares based on regional demand and purchasing power, so switching to a location with typically lower prices can help me find cheaper flights.

Does a free VPN work for booking flights cheaper?

Yes, a free VPN can work for booking flights cheaper, but I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs often have limited servers and slower speeds, making it more difficult to find consistent results when searching for fares in different locations. They may also lack strong security features, which could put your personal and payment data at risk when booking flights. I recommend NordVPN because it offers fast speeds, a massive server network in 111 countries, and high-quality security 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 accessing the settings menu in the top-right corner. From there, navigate 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.’ This will remove stored cookies and may help you find lower prices on the flights you've been tracking.

What is the cheapest country to book flights from?

India is the cheapest country to book flights from, followed by Thailand and Mexico. This is due to India's lower operational costs and median income compared to wealthier countries like the UK and US.

Do flight prices go down on Tuesday?

The idea that flight prices drop down on Tuesdays is simply not true. While this was once a common belief, modern pricing algorithms have made airfare more dynamic, adjusting fares constantly based on demand, competition, and other factors. From my experience, flight deals can pop up any day of the week, so I focus more on using tools like NordVPN to explore prices in different regions rather than waiting for a specific day to book.