BANGKOK – Travelers have long debated whether flight prices change based on the device used to book. Many claim that the same flight costs more when booked on a smartphone compared to a laptop or on a MacBook versus a Windows device. But is this just an urban myth, or is there truth behind it ?

The Evidence for Device-Based Price Discrepancies

The idea of device-based price manipulation isn’t entirely baseless. Numerous travelers have reported seeing different prices for the same flights depending on the device or browser used. In a widely circulated 2012 report by The Wall Street Journal, Orbitz acknowledged showing higher-priced hotel options to MacBook users compared to PC users, based on the assumption that Mac owners tend to spend more. While this case involved hotels, the precedent raised concerns about airlines potentially adopting similar practices for flights.

Further anecdotal reports have emerged over the years. In 2018, a traveler posted screenshots on Reddit showing a $50 difference in airfare prices between their mobile app and desktop browser. Others have noted variances when switching between devices on the same airline’s website. While no airlines have admitted to engaging in device-based pricing, the persistence of such reports keeps the debate alive.

Understanding the Technology Behind Price Differences

Price fluctuations in airfare are typically driven by dynamic pricing algorithms. Airlines use these to adjust prices in real time based on supply, demand, time of booking, and even browsing behavior. This means that if you repeatedly search for the same route on one device, cookies and browsing history may signal demand, potentially triggering a higher fare.

As for device-based differences, some experts suggest that user demographics play a role. For instance, mobile users are often seen as more impulsive buyers, possibly leading to airlines testing higher prices on those platforms. Similarly, MacBook users might be assumed to belong to higher income brackets, although there’s little concrete evidence of this being actively used by airlines.

Urban Myth or Reality?

While it’s difficult to prove systematic device-based price manipulation, enough reports exist to raise suspicion. However, many discrepancies may be explained by other factors, such as:
• Dynamic pricing algorithms adjusting fares minute by minute.
• Different versions of apps or websites offering different promotions or settings.
• Geo-targeting, where prices vary based on the user’s location or even IP address.

How to Protect Yourself

Travelers can take steps to ensure they’re getting the best deal, regardless of the device:
1. Use incognito mode or clear cookies to prevent airlines from tracking your search history.
2. Compare prices across multiple devices and browsers.
3. Use price-tracking tools such as Google Flights or Hopper to monitor trends.
4. Switch locations with a VPN to test for price differences by region.

Conclusion

While the idea of airlines tailoring prices based on devices remains a hot topic, evidence suggests it’s not widespread or deliberate. However, dynamic pricing and tracking mechanisms can create the illusion of device-specific discrepancies. By staying informed and taking precautions, travelers can avoid overpaying and enjoy the convenience of booking flights—whether on a laptop or a smartphone. (zai)