A popular claim circulating online suggests that using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to spoof your location can unlock cheaper flights and hotel rates. The idea is simple: connect to a VPN server in a country with lower average prices, then search for travel deals. But does this actually work in practice? Recent testing reveals the truth is more nuanced than viral posts suggest.
The Experiment: Testing the VPN Hack
To verify the claim, a thorough test was conducted using three leading VPN providers (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Proton VPN) across multiple routes. Searches were performed in incognito mode to avoid tracking, and spoofed locations were confirmed on sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner. Routes included major international and domestic flights (LHR to NYC, MAN to HKG, SFO to LAX) booked two months in advance to avoid peak pricing.
The results? Minimal savings on flights. While a San Francisco to Japan flight was $63 cheaper through a Brazilian VPN (about 7%), most prices differed by less than $1. In some cases, using a VPN actually increased the cost. The widely touted “jackpot fares” remained elusive.
Hotels: Where the VPN Hack Still Holds Some Weight
The story changes when it comes to hotels. Savings between $100 and $200 were observed on Manhattan hotels using a VPN, particularly when connecting to Brazilian servers. A four-night stay at the Westin Times Square cost $815 with a VPN versus $976 without. Though not a game-changer, these savings are noticeable.
Why the Hack Works Less for Flights Now
Experts confirm that the flight-saving trick is largely outdated. Companies now employ techniques like deep packet inspection and browser fingerprinting to detect real location despite VPN use. Vendors no longer rely solely on IP addresses; they dig deeper to apply accurate pricing. The occasional discount seen online is often a glitch or isolated case, not a reliable loophole.
What Are VPNs Still Good For?
Despite their diminishing effectiveness for travel hacking, VPNs remain valuable tools. They enhance online privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi, shielding browsing activity from ISPs and network administrators. VPNs also bypass location-based censorship and unlock geo-restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer or HBO Max.
For remote workers, VPNs secure traffic to organizations, though they aren’t foolproof. No service guarantees complete anonymity, and outdated software creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Keeping your VPN updated is crucial.
While a VPN won’t deliver a luxury hotel for hostel prices, it remains a powerful tool for privacy, security, and accessing restricted content.
In conclusion, the viral VPN travel hack is mostly debunked for flights. While hotel savings are possible, they aren’t the dramatic discounts often claimed. VPNs still serve essential purposes beyond travel, but relying on them for massive travel bargains is unrealistic.
