Sounds like a grassy knoll conspiracy theory? Really, it is true. The airlines have or at least use the best computers to handle all sorts of their businesses, with yield management as important as any need to them, and they have some sinister programs.
A year ago, I thot I had broken their trap when I posted
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...es-when-online-shopping-flights-packages.html and a few months later I posted addition help on
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...ssions/321499-more-plane-ticket-shopping.html but you folks really need to understand - their computers are watch your shopping even with cookies disabled.
Here is the scary article:
Even without cookies, a browser leaves a trail of crumbs This is pretty new, not easily understood by many, and doesn't make discussions often, but even tho it's not well known -
it is true!
It's fine to shop the airline's sites direct, but I still suggest checking Sidestep/Kayak before booking, and/or calling the airline and giving the phone agent a try. If the phone agent can't save you money, bye bye, but worth a call to be sure. Also set up fare alerts with Sidestep to continue after you buy in case you might earn a refund in the first 30 days, cuz you do have to request those.
On a somewhat related note, do you know how to trace emails to their source? You rarely need to, but it's an important tool every computer user should know too - yet not directly related to this discussion so I'll leave it at that.