Why does searching for flights from a computer in the US give different results from the same search from the UK?
If I search Virgin Atlantic's website for return flights LHR-PDX in August 2017 I can see the direct flights it offers (operated by Delta as a codeshare) if I'm looking from a UK IP address. But if I perform the same search from a US IP address, only flights with one stop each way (e.g. via SEA or JFK) appear in the results. However, the direct flights are available from Delta's website.
Why is this? How can I ensure that I see all the flights available within a codeshare no matter where I am located when I search?
Best Answer
If you check Google search engine ITA (https://matrix.itasoftware.com/), you will see that they offer a field at the very bottom that reads 'Sales City'. See also the respective Help page (click 'Help' and search for 'Sales City':
Due to airline business rules, the currency, fares, taxes, fees, and flights available for sale can vary by city. Before searching, make sure that the sales city is accurate so that you get the right information for your location. If left blank, the sales city is set to the departure city of your flight search. Click the Learn more link for additional detail before choosing an alternative sales city.
That alone proves that there are intended differences in offers, depending on where you search and buy a flight from. The detailed differences of course depend on each airlines gusto and marketing decisions; sometimes also on their agreements - maybe in you case, Virgin has an agreement with Delta to not offer specific flights to customer starting on one side (and Delta vice versa); you'll never know for sure unless you work in these circles.
Fact is that it is intended by the airlines to offer flights sales location dependent for different prices or not at all.
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Do flight prices change if you keep searching?
However, airlines say prices change not because of a consumer's search history on a website, or their cookies, but because of inventory updates or glitches on the website, FareCompare's Rick Seaney said in an email.Can airlines track your searches?
Airlines are not tracking your searches. Neither is Google Flights \u2013 the best search platform for finding good deals on airfare \u2013 or most other search engines and online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Priceline. Your flight searches aren't being affected by your previous searches.Why is airfare different?
But the most likeliest reason fares fluctuate is simply due to supply and demand, and the few seats left in each class of service selling the closer you get to departure. Having said all of that, airlines and travel providers, like Flight Centre, can put flights on sale at any time, and do.Should I clear cookies when searching for flights?
In fact, it may make the price go up as it changes based on demand, as airlines and travel websites will use your search history against you. Cookies are pieces of information that store the details of your web browsing, so deleting those effectively deletes your search.HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS - My Best Tips After Booking 500+ Flights
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