Do travel websites have tracking cookies?

miamoo

I have been looking for a holiday later in the year on the first choice website to either antalya turkey or greece (skiathos/santorini).

I have just recieved an email detailing there best deals to the above 3 places, is this just a huge coincidence or are you tracked when on the website?

HXDave

most do, yes.

exactly how sophisticated they are, well i cant say (because I don't know). i am not sure they would be able to send you an e-mail regarding these if you have not given them your e-mail address.

I have certainly heard of the rumour that if looking for low cost flights, then clear your cookies before you go through to book.

Regards

HXDave

miamoo

Yes I have given them my email adress, and agreed to deals. But as you dont actually loggin, you just browse, I had no idea they would know it was me doing the browsing.
I have read alot of conflicting opinions on the tracking cookies on low cost airline sites, I will definately clear my cookies in future!

HXDave

Yes I have given them my email adress, and agreed to deals. But as you dont actually loggin, you just browse, I had no idea they would know it was me doing the browsing.

You have answered your own question yuorself. You have given them your e-mail, and they know which computer it belongs to (IP addressy, cookies and all that). So, even by not logging in again, when you go on their site and you still have a 'cookie' on your pc, it knows it's you, and knows the e-mail address that belongs to the user of that pc.

As well as clearing cookis, i have also heard stories that putting slightly different dates, and clicking (where available) flexible on dates, sometimes brings in cheaper flights. I can see where it comes from, as if you put specific dates in, the travel companies know you want to travel them dates, and could 'cash in'. Not sure if it's true or not. like i say, just something i had heard.

Regards

HXDave