Clever Travel Hacks: Best Ways To Use a VPN for Cheap Flights

Did you know that using a virtual private network (VPN) to search for cheap flights is a smart way to snag airline deals offered to specific geographic locations? In this article, we provide a guide on how to book a flight using one of the best VPNs so you can bypass geographical-based pricing and receive the cheapest fares.

How to use VPN for cheap flights

Using a VPN lets you conceal your location and encrypt your internet data and traffic to keep it secure while you find cheaper flight options. Here are the steps to implement a VPN for cheap flights.

1. Pick a VPN and install its app on your device.
2. Launch the VPN application and select a server in the location you prefer.
3. Delete your browsing cookies and enable private browsing mode.
4. Search for your flight in different countries or cities to compare prices.
5. Book the cheapest flight.

The cheapest countries to book flights from using a VPN

Booking flights from low-income countries often leads to better deals because airlines adjust their pricing based on local purchasing power. Countries like Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Argentina, and Brazil tend to offer more competitive airfare prices. Use a VPN to appear as if you're booking from these locations and effortlessly access more competitive pricing.

How to choose a VPN

When selecting a VPN, key features should guide your decision to ensure optimal security and usability. Opt for VPNs boasting strong encryption standards like AES 256-bit to protect your data.

Speed is another critical factor. Choose VPNs that support reliable protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2, to boost your internet security. A VPN with a broad server network also enables you to access a wider range of global content, which is an advantage for those keen on international media.

Prioritize safety features when selecting a VPN. Seek options equipped with a kill switch to protect your data in case your connection unexpectedly fails and DNS leak protection to maintain the privacy of your online activities.

Additionally, choosing a VPN located outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliances can significantly boost your privacy, particularly if it adheres to a stringent no-logs policy. Device compatibility is equally important, so make sure you review each VPN’s compatibility.

• NordVPN: With its expansive server network spanning numerous countries, NordVPN is excellent for scouring various global markets for the best flight deals. It is also the best VPN for Netflix and unlocking streaming content. Its strong encryption and privacy features ensure that your online activities remain secure while you search.
  
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• Surfshark: Surfshark offers an economical option for group travelers because of its unlimited connections for devices. It has strong security features, and its split tunneling tool, Bypasser, cleverly allows you to activate the VPN for selected apps. Therefore, it can secure the best local flight deals without compromising on security.
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
  
• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN boasts rapid speeds and robust security with its own proprietary protocol, Lightway, which ensures a seamless browsing experience essential for timely bookings. It's particularly vital when using public Wi-Fi because it safeguards transactions against potential cyber threats.
  
  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

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Are free VPNs worth trying?

Free VPNs offer a cost-effective way to access restricted content and provide basic privacy without a financial commitment, making them suitable for occasional and light internet use. However, they come with notable limitations and potential risks.

For instance, free VPNs impose data caps that restrict internet activities and often throttle speeds due to high traffic on limited servers. Moreover, they pose security risks with weaker protections and sometimes raise serious privacy concerns. Some free VPNs log user activity or sell data to third parties, directly undermining the purpose of using a VPN.

Thus, while free VPNs serve users with minimal and non-sensitive internet needs, those requiring robust security and privacy should opt for paid VPN services.

Other cash-saving tips

Leveraging a VPN is a strategic method to secure more affordable flight options; however, adding further cost-saving measures is a clever way to significantly reduce your travel expenses.

The tips in the following sections will enable you to lower costs substantially while still enriching your travel experience without sacrificing quality. One of them may even surprise you and is dependent on a rare stroke of luck!

Flight comparison websites

Utilize flight comparison websites to effortlessly browse and compare prices across multiple airlines. These platforms aggregate ticket prices and show you the best available deals, helping you make an informed decision without visiting numerous airline websites.

Plan a layover

Opting for flights with layovers can significantly reduce your airfare. Although these flights take longer, the savings can be substantial, especially on international routes. Consider this strategy for less urgent trips where time is not the primary concern.

Book flights individually when traveling in a group

When reserving flights for several individuals, consider booking each ticket separately rather than as a group. This approach circumvents the typical airline pricing strategy that escalates costs when seats are sold collectively to leverage group buying power.

Consider budget airlines

Budget carriers are a viable choice for thrifty travelers. These airlines maintain lower ticket prices by eliminating non-essential luxuries and services, though it’s wise to watch for extra charges related to luggage and in-flight conveniences.

Black Friday deals

Vigilantly watch for Black Friday promotions. During this event, airlines frequently reduce fares substantially, offering a prime opportunity to secure tickets for future travel at a significant reduction from standard prices.

Error fares

If you’re skilled in identifying exceptional offers, remember that airlines sometimes inadvertently publish extremely low fares known as “error fares.” These occasional blunders can lead to substantial savings on airfare if you respond swiftly and employ previously mentioned techniques.

Common VPN issues and solutions

Encountering issues with your VPN can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your internet access or compromises your security (when you are trying to book a flight, for example). Common VPN challenges range from IP leaks and connection difficulties to the app failing to open or the inability to switch locations.

Often, the first steps to resolve these issues involve verifying your VPN settings and updating your software to ensure optimal performance. Here are detailed troubleshooting steps for the most frequent problems.

• VPN won’t connect: Ensure your internet connection is active by checking your router and internet status. Restart your device or VPN software, and don't forget to check for any pending updates.
• Slow VPN speed: Choose a server closer to your location or switch to a different protocol to improve speed. Consider rebooting your router, reducing your internet activity, or running a speed test to see if the slow speeds are related to your VPN or your overall network performance.
• VPN disconnections: Inspect your router and firewall settings to make sure they’re not blocking your VPN. You might try temporarily disabling the firewall or rebooting your router to resolve connectivity issues.
• VPN login issues: If you can't log in, reset your password and ensure your subscription is active. Sometimes server overloads can also prevent successful logins.
• VPN crashes: If your VPN application crashes frequently, try uninstalling and then reinstalling it. It's also a good practice to restart your router to ensure a clean slate for network connections.
  

Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to maintaining a robust and secure VPN connection. Understanding these common setbacks and knowing how to address them can significantly enhance your online experience, ensuring continuous connectivity and improved security.

VPNS for cheap flights FAQs

Bottom line

The choice of an appropriate VPN should align with your security needs, preference for ease of use, and budget.

NordVPN excels with its extensive server network and robust encryption, which are ideal for those prioritizing data protection. Surfshark offers straightforward configuration and unlimited connections, making it an excellent option for families or VPN newcomers. If speed and streaming are your priorities, ExpressVPN is unmatched for its fast performance and reliable access to global content.

While a free VPN might be appealing, it typically imposes limitations like data caps, reduced speeds, and potential security vulnerabilities, making them appropriate only for basic, non-essential internet usage. Opting for a reputable paid VPN service is advisable for those seeking robust security, privacy, and reliable performance.

Evaluate the benefits of paid services over the best free VPNs, and select a provider committed to a no-logs policy and strong encryption to ensure your activities remain protected.

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Author Details

Mars Groves

About the Author

Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.