Error fares, also called mistake fares, are rare airline pricing errors that can save you up to 90% on flights. These mistakes happen due to typos, currency conversion issues, or system glitches. For example, travelers have booked $249 business class tickets to Rome or $130 round-trips to Milan. While airlines aren’t required to honor these fares, about 70% are upheld.
How to find them?
- Use deal alert services like Dollar Flight Club.
- Monitor tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner for sudden price drops.
- Follow travel communities like r/traveldeals or FlyerTalk.
Tips to secure error fares:
- Book immediately, ideally through the airline.
- Don’t contact the airline after booking.
- Wait before making non-refundable travel plans.
Act fast – these deals often disappear in hours!
Why Error Fares Happen
Error fares occur because of mistakes in the intricate systems airlines use to set prices. These errors generally fall into three main categories.
Manual Pricing Mistakes
Airline employees handle an enormous amount of pricing data, and even a small typo can have a huge impact. For instance, leaving out a zero or confusing fare classes can slash prices by as much as 50–90%. Imagine a $1,200 ticket accidentally listed for $120 – this happens more often than you’d think. Similarly, errors like entering an economy fare instead of a first-class price can lead to major price discrepancies. Another common issue is forgetting to add taxes, surcharges, or airport fees, particularly when airlines introduce or update routes.
Currency Conversion Errors
Currency-related mistakes can also cause fares to plummet. Incorrect exchange rates or listing prices in the wrong currency can drastically alter ticket costs. One notable example involved United Airlines, where a $4,000 flight was mistakenly offered for just $79 due to a conversion error between Danish Kroner and British Pounds. In another case, a currency mix-up resulted in round-trip tickets from New York to Milan being sold for only $130. Outdated exchange rates or sudden currency fluctuations can also contribute to these pricing anomalies.
System Glitches and Technical Problems
Automated pricing systems, while efficient, aren’t immune to errors. Sometimes, these systems miscalculate and unexpectedly drop prices based on demand. Outdated technology or miscommunications within global distribution systems can make things worse. For example, a glitch in 2013 caused return flights from Hawaii to multiple U.S. cities to be priced at just $7. These technical hiccups can lead to error fares until the mistake is caught and corrected.
How to Find Error Fares
Snagging an error fare takes a mix of the right tools, good timing, and persistence. These rare deals don’t stick around long – airlines usually fix them within hours. So, having multiple ways to track them can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some practical methods to help you spot these fleeting bargains.
Using Flight Deal Alert Services
Flight deal alert services are a lifesaver when it comes to finding error fares without endlessly scrolling through flight options. Dollar Flight Club, for instance, sends instant email and SMS alerts for heavily discounted flights, including mistake fares that can slash prices by up to 90%. With notifications coming straight to your inbox or phone, you can act fast before the deal disappears.
To maximize your chances, don’t just rely on alerts – pair them with active searches on flight engines.
Monitoring Flight Search Engines
Flight search engines are another great way to catch error fares. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you set up price alerts, so you’ll know immediately when prices drop by 50–90%. Apps like Hopper can even predict price trends, helping you spot unusual drops that might signal an error fare.
Being flexible is crucial here. Search for flights from nearby airports, adjust your travel dates, and consider different routes to uncover hidden opportunities. Keep an eye out for those massive price cuts – they’re your clue that you’ve stumbled onto a mistake fare.
For even more insights, tap into the wisdom of travel communities.
Following Travel Communities
Online travel communities are a goldmine for real-time updates on error fares. Forums like r/traveldeals and FlyerTalk are packed with experienced travelers sharing tips and updates. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are also worth following – many travel bloggers and deal-sharing accounts post about mistake fares as they happen.
These communities can often spot deals that automated systems miss. By combining their insights with the tools above, you’ll be better equipped to find and book error fares before they’re gone.
How to Book and Secure Error Fares
Once you stumble upon an error fare, acting fast is the key to turning that discovery into a dream trip. Whether it’s a $200 flight to Europe or another unbelievable deal, your approach can make all the difference. Here’s how to lock it in and protect your booking.
Book Immediately
When it comes to error fares, time is your enemy. These pricing mistakes don’t stick around – most disappear within 24 hours, but many are corrected in just a few hours. The moment you find one, don’t hesitate – book it right away.
Whenever possible, book directly through the airline. This reduces your chances of cancellation and gives you the added protection of U.S. law, which allows a 24-hour free cancellation period for tickets purchased at least seven days before departure . If you have to use an online travel agency, choose a reputable one, but be aware that fares booked through third-party platforms are more likely to be canceled.
Once you’ve secured your booking, avoid making any moves that could jeopardize it.
Avoid Contacting the Airline
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is contacting the airline about your error fare. Airlines don’t take kindly to pricing errors, and bringing attention to the issue could result in them canceling your ticket.
Even if you’re unsure about your booking details, resist the urge to reach out to customer service. A single conversation with the wrong agent could lead to your reservation being canceled. It’s best to let the booking process play out quietly and avoid drawing any unnecessary attention.
This hands-off approach minimizes your risks and keeps your booking safe.
Be Aware of the Risks
While error fares can offer incredible savings, they come with a degree of uncertainty. Airlines can and sometimes do cancel these bookings, especially if the pricing error is glaringly obvious. That said, the odds are in your favor – only about 10% of mistake fares are canceled.
To protect yourself, wait at least two weeks before booking non-refundable travel arrangements, like hotels or activities. This gives the airline enough time to process your ticket and reduces your chances of losing money on other reservations if your flight is canceled. Focus on securing the flight first, and plan the rest of your trip later.
If your booking does get canceled, don’t panic. The 24-hour cancellation rule provides a safety net, and there’s always another deal just around the corner.
Conclusion
Error fares can slash standard ticket prices by as much as 90%, giving quick-acting travelers a chance to snag incredible deals. These pricing slip-ups – caused by manual mistakes, system errors, or currency conversion mishaps – are short-lived, often vanishing within hours. That’s why speed and preparation are absolutely essential.
The good news? Roughly 70% of error fares are honored by airlines. But to take advantage of these rare finds, having the right tools in place is crucial. Automated alert systems like Dollar Flight Club track thousands of routes daily and send real-time notifications for error fares and flash sales straight from your home airport. This gives you a head start on securing these time-sensitive bargains.
To make the most of error fares, keep these tips in mind: book immediately, use a credit card for added protection, avoid contacting the airline, and hold off on planning additional travel until your ticket is confirmed. Since error fares account for less than 0.2% of all discounted flight deals, being prepared with the right tools and strategies can turn a fleeting pricing glitch into the trip of a lifetime – at a fraction of the cost.
FAQs
What happens if the airline cancels an error fare I booked?
If an airline cancels your booking due to a pricing error, you’re entitled to a full refund, including any extra fees you may have paid. While airlines are required to refund these canceled bookings, they are not obligated to honor the fare if they can demonstrate it was a mistake.
To safeguard yourself, take a moment to review the airline’s cancellation policy and keep a record of the fare details as evidence. Also, it’s wise to hold off on making non-refundable arrangements, such as hotel reservations or activities, until your ticket is officially confirmed and issued.
Are there risks when booking error fares, and how can I avoid them?
Booking error fares can be a gamble, with the biggest risk being that airlines might cancel your ticket if they spot the pricing mistake. Thanks to a 2015 ruling by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines are allowed to void these tickets – even after they’ve been confirmed – if they can prove the fare was issued in error. This means you could end up without a flight and possibly lose money on any non-refundable bookings tied to your trip.
To minimize the risk, it’s smart to hold off on booking any non-refundable accommodations or activities for a few days, giving the airline time to honor the fare. Opting for refundable or flexible options for hotels and other arrangements can also provide a safety net. Another layer of protection? Travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage. These precautions can help safeguard your plans when snagging an error fare.
What are the best ways to find error fares before they sell out?
To snag error fares before they vanish, speed and the right tools are your best allies. Sign up for services like Dollar Flight Club to get instant notifications about discounted flights, including those elusive error fares. Staying flexible with your travel dates and destinations can make all the difference, as these fares often apply to specific routes or timeframes.
Consider setting up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights to catch sudden price drops. Engaging with online travel communities is another great way to stay in the loop – fellow travelers often share tips and post updates about deals they’ve come across. Keep in mind, error fares don’t stick around long. If you find one, act fast and book right away!
