In an age when AI is good enough to replace you at your job, how about using it to exploit the complex system of airline ticket booking and price tracking? A data analyst and content creator, Gina Acosta, grew tired of paying more for airline tickets and, hence, figured out a hack to exploit AI for getting around unbearable ticket prices. Acosta took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a series of AI prompts that have been cleverly constructed to uncover hidden airline pricing strategies.
Acosta, a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador with over 200,000 LinkedIn followers, claims these prompts helped her use xAI’s Grok to find a $1,200 flight for just $340. Acosta’s post begins with a bold declaration, stating “AIRLINES DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS.” She credits Grok for exposing “hidden airline pricing tricks” through six targeted prompts, plus a bonus seventh for a comprehensive strategy.
These cleverly crafted prompts encourage users to query AI models like Grok for insights into flight economics, alternative routes, and loopholes that airlines often keep under wraps. Unsurprisingly, the thread has garnered millions of views and thousands of likes since it was posted.
AIRLINES DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS.
— Gina Acosta (@ginacostag_) December 28, 2025
Grok found me a $1,200 flight for $340.
Here are the 6 prompts that expose hidden airline pricing tricks:
Here’s a quick look at the prompts Acosta shared that could help you save on ticket prices:
Flight price analysis
Prompt: “I need to fly from [departure city] to [destination city] between [date range]. Analyse the typical pricing patterns for this route. What are the cheapest days to fly, best times to book, and any seasonal price variations I should know about?”
This prompt focuses on data-driven patterns, helping users identify optimal booking windows and avoid peak pricing periods.
Alternative airport strategy
Prompt: “For my trip from [city A] to [city B], what are ALL nearby alternative airports within 100 miles of each location? Calculate potential savings if I use these alternatives, including ground transportation costs. Show me the total cost comparison.”
By exploring nearby airports, travellers can often find cheaper flights with minimal added hassle, as this prompt accounts for real-world logistics like taxis or rideshares.
Hidden city ticketing
Prompt: “Explain hidden city ticketing for my route from [departure] to [destination]. Find flights where [destination] is a layover city on a longer route that costs less. What are the risks, rules, and how much could I save? Give me specific flight examples.”
This controversial technique involves booking a flight with a layover at your actual destination and skipping the final leg. Acosta warns of risks, such as airlines canceling return trips or banning frequent users.
Mistake fares and error pricing
Prompt: “Create a search strategy to find mistake fares and pricing errors for flights to [destination] or [region]. What websites, tools, and alert systems should I monitor? What patterns indicate a mistake fare vs. a normal sale?”
Mistake fares from temporary glitches in airline systems can lead to massive discounts. The prompt guides users on tools like fare alert apps to spot these fleeting opportunities.
Airline points arbitrage
Prompt: “I’m looking at a $[price] flight from [origin] to [destination]. Analyse if it’s cheaper to: 1) Buy points/miles and book with them, 2) Use a credit card signup bonus, 3) Transfer points from another program, or 4) Book a positioning flight to a cheaper hub. Show me the math for each option.”
This advanced hack compares cash prices against loyalty programs, revealing when buying or transferring points yields better value.
Dynamic pricing hack
Prompt: “Explain how airline dynamic pricing works and how to beat it. Should I clear cookies, use VPN, search in incognito mode, or use a different device? What’s the optimal search strategy to avoid price increases? Also, tell me the best time of day and day of week to book flights to [destination].”
Airlines adjust prices based on demand and user behaviour. This prompt debunks myths (like incognito mode always working) while offering practical tips to secure lower rates.
Complete booking strategy
Prompt: “I need to book a flight from [origin] to [destination] departing around [date] and returning around [date]. My budget is $[amount]. Combine all strategies: alternative airports, optimal booking time, hidden city ticketing, points programs, and mistake fares. Give me a step-by-step action plan to find the absolute cheapest option.”
This synthesises the previous tactics into a personalised plan, ideal for budget-conscious travellers planning complex trips.
