Geospoofing: The Clever Hack for Travel Savings That Airlines Don’t Want You to Know!
As a frequent traveler, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money on travel. After hundreds of flights and a thousand plus hotel nights I thought I had pretty much seen it all when it came to travel and travel hacking. I was absolutely floored when I discovered the concept of geospoofing, a clever hack that can save big money on flights and accommodations. Geospoofing involves tricking airline and hotel websites into thinking you’re located in a different region or country, which can result in lower prices for the same flights. In this article, I’m going to explain what geospoofing is, how it works, and share tips and tricks for using it to save on travel.
What is geospoofing and how does it work?
Geospoofing is the act of changing your computer or phones location data to make it appear as though you’re in a different location than you actually are. This can be done by using a virtual private network (VPN) or a proxy server to mask your IP address, which is what websites use to determine your location. By spoofing your location, you can access websites and services that may not be available in your actual location, or you can access them at a lower cost.
The benefits of geospoofing for travel savings
The primary benefit of geospoofing for travel savings is, of course, the ability to access lower prices on flights and hotels. Another benefit of geospoofing for travel savings is the ability to access deals and promotions that may only be available in certain locations. For example, airlines may offer special deals to customers in certain countries or regions. By spoofing your location, you can access these deals even if you’re not actually located in the target region.
Geospoofing and discounted travel: How to find the best deals
Now that you understand what geospoofing is and how it works, you’re probably wondering how to use it to find the best deals on travel. Here are some tips and tricks for using geospoofing to save money on flights:
- Use a reputable VPN or proxy server: When geospoofing, it’s important to use a reliable VPN or proxy server to ensure that your location data is being accurately spoofed. Look for VPNs or proxy servers that have a large number of servers in different locations to maximize your options. If you’re not using the VPN’s search engine be sure and turn off your location sharing with your browser (i.e. turn off location sharing in Google otherwise Google knows where you are and will share the information.)
- Experiment with different locations: Don’t assume that one particular location will always offer the best deals. Experiment with different countries and regions to see which ones offer the lowest prices.
- Clear your cookies: Airlines and hotels often use cookies to track your browsing history and adjust prices accordingly! To ensure that you’re getting the best possible price, clear your cookies before searching for flights. You should always clear your cookies when searching for travel regardless of whether you geospoof or not. I was horrified to learn this, ever notice sometimes when you look for a flight, don’t book right away, and then go back later and the price has jumped. You’re not imaging things, airlines use cookies to track the flights you’re looking at and will adjust the price up when you return to look…shady business!
- Use multiple search engines: Different search engines may offer different prices for the same flights. Use multiple search engines to compare prices and find the best deals.
Geospoofing and travel hacking: Tips and tricks
Geospoofing can also be used in conjunction with other travel hacking techniques to maximize your savings. Here are some tips and tricks for using geospoofing in your travel hacking efforts:
- Use credit card rewards: Many credit cards offer rewards points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights. By using a credit card to book your flights and geospoofing to access lower prices, you can maximize your rewards and save even more money.
- Book flights during off-peak times: Airlines often offer lower prices for flights during off-peak times, such as weekdays or early morning flights. Use geospoofing to access these lower prices and save money.
- Combine flights: Sometimes, booking two separate flights can be cheaper than booking a direct flight. Use geospoofing to access different airline websites and search for combinations of flights that offer the lowest prices.
The risks and downsides of geospoofing for travel savings
While geospoofing can be a great way to save money on travel, there are some risks and downsides to be aware of. Here are a few potential issues to keep in mind:
- Violating terms of service: Many travel websites explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs or proxy servers to access their services. These sites will explain any potential consequences within their terms of service, make sure you’re aware of the companies terms and associated consequences before proceeding!
- Security risks: Using a VPN or proxy server can introduce security risks, as you’re effectively giving a third party access to your internet traffic. Make sure to use a reputable VPN or proxy server to minimize these risks.
- Limited options: Some airlines may only offer flights to customers in certain regions or countries. If you’re geospoofing to access a different region, you may have fewer flight options to choose from.
Alternatives to geospoofing for discounted travel
If you’re not comfortable with the risks associated with geospoofing, there are other ways to save money on travel. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Use a travel rewards program: Many airlines offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for each flight you take. These points can be redeemed for free flights or other travel perks. Most of the major programs offer credit cards that allow you to earn travel points on every day purchases, this can be a powerful way to earn points and status with airlines and hotels.
- Plan ahead: Airlines often offer lower prices for flights that are booked well in advance. If you know your travel dates ahead of time, book your flights as early as possible to save money. It’s generally cheapest to fly on nonpeak travel days. During the week buisness travel peaks are Monday morning, Thursday afternoon/evening, and Friday. Traveling on Tuesday or Saturday tends to be the cheapest. Utilize flight price monitoring apps and websites that use AI prediction models to identify pricing trends and alerts on when the best prices are available (I love Hopper, Google Flights, and Kayak.)
- Use a budget airline: Budget airlines may offer lower prices than traditional airlines, although you may have to sacrifice some amenities to save money. Also, when looking at budget airlines be sure to take into consideration any and all upcharges you might be assessed for things like, seat selection, bags, drinks & snacks. There have been several situations I’ve seen where the super cheap flights ends up costing more than a flight on a larger traditional airline when you factor in all of the additional charges for comparable services.
The future of geospoofing and travel savings
As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that geospoofing will become both more effective and more risky. Airlines may invest in more advanced location detection technology to prevent geospoofing, while hackers may develop new techniques for bypassing these measures. It’s important to stay informed about the risks and benefits of geospoofing and adjust your travel hacking strategies accordingly.
Geospoofing and travel hack resources
If you’re interested in learning more about geospoofing and travel hacking, there are plenty of resources available online. Here are a few websites and forums to check out:
- FlyerTalk: A forum dedicated to travel hacking and frequent flyer programs.
- Reddit r/travelhacking: A subreddit dedicated to travel hacking and discounted travel.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Geospoofing can be a powerful tool for saving money on travel, but it’s important to understand the risks and downsides before using it. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest techniques and technologies, you can use geospoofing to access lower prices and maximize your travel savings. Whether you’re a seasoned travel hacker or just getting started, geospoofing is a technique that’s worth exploring.