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In the digital era, booking travel online has become the norm. But did you know that the price of the same trip can vary depending on the device you use? A recent analysis by the Chamber of Labor (AK) shows that prices for online travel bookings can vary depending on the device, booking date, and browsing behavior.
Price differences depending on device and day
The AK conducted a comprehensive study between March 11 and 22, 2025, in which 30 price queries were carried out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with up to 22 different devices throughout Austria. The results were surprising:
On March 20, a hotel in Corfu cost 629 euros on booking.com, queried with a notebook in Vienna. On 13 other devices, only 350 euros were charged for the same offer—a difference of 279 euros or around 80 percent.
No systematic correlations were found for flights via booking.com, fluege.de, or opodo.at. Neither devices nor locations clearly explained the differences.
These fluctuations make it difficult for consumers to determine the best time or the ideal device for a booking.
Possible reasons for the price differences
The exact reasons for these price differences are complex and not fully transparent. Some possible factors are:
Device-dependent pricing: Some platforms might display different prices based on the device used.
Browsing behavior: Analysis of your online behavior may result in you being shown higher prices if you frequently search for specific trips, for example.Today
Location: Although location is only occasionally significant according to AK, it can still influence the price displayed in some instances.
Browser settings: To avoid personalized price adjustments, use your browser’s incognito mode, block tracking, and regularly delete cookies.
Use comparison platforms: Websites like geizhals.at, idealo.at or checkfelix.com can help you find the best deals.
Book early: Plan your trip, as prices usually increase the closer to the travel date.
Possible reasons for the price differences
The AK is calling for clearer EU regulations on a transparent pricing policy for online providers. Consumers should understand how prices are set and which factors influence them.
The pricing of online travel bookings is complex and often non-transparent. However, consumers can find better offers and avoid price traps by consciously using different devices, adjusting browser settings, and using comparison platforms.
- source: diefinanz.at/picture: Image by Edeltravel_ from Pixabay
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