✈️ Episode Overview

Have you ever searched for a flight, left the tab open, and then gasped when the price jumped just a few hours later? In this Flashcards Friday episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak explores the mystery behind fluctuating airline prices—and reveals that it’s not magic, but a powerful blend of mathematics, algorithms, behavioral psychology, and dynamic pricing strategies.

From fare buckets and revenue management to the cookies on your browser, Gabrielle breaks down how airlines control pricing and what you can do to outsmart the system and save money.

🎓 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode

- How airline pricing algorithms use math and historical data to determine real-time ticket prices.

- Why flight prices often increase after multiple searches and how your browser behavior influences fares.

- Proven strategies and tools for booking smarter and avoiding price spikes.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Google Flights – Great for tracking price history and alerts

Hopper – App that predicts the best times to buy flights

Skyscanner – Fare comparison across airlines and booking sites

ITA Matrix Airfare Search – Advanced search tool used by travel agents

The Discipline of Revenue Management – For those interested in the math and economics behind pricing algorithms

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Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers

Until next time, carpe diem!