A Beginner's Guide to Error Fares and How to Book it

Have you ever heard of the term "error fare" and wondered if it's just another travel myth or if there's some truth behind the buzz? Well, buckle up because we're about to embark on a journey into the world of error fares, where budget-conscious travelers can uncover unbelievable flight deals. So, what exactly is an error fare, and how can you book one? Let's dive in!

What Exactly is an Error Fare?

Let's start from the beginning. An error fare is not a trick, nor is it a scam. It's simply a mistake made by airlines when setting ticket prices. These can result from various factors such as technical glitches, currency conversion errors, or simple human oversight. Imagine stumbling upon a flight ticket that's a fraction of its regular price – that's the allure of an error fare!

What types of error fares occur?

• OTA Glitch fare - occurs when the price listed by an Online Travel Agency (OTA) vastly differs from the price being offered directly by an airline.
• Currency Conversion error - occurs when the price of a fare in one currency is substantially lower than its price in other currencies.
• Human Pricing error - self-explanatory, and is the most common type of error fare. Airline employees are human (for now anyway!) and do sometimes make errors when manually entering data.
• Fare class errors - these occur when an OTA or airline allows you to book a higher class fare at the price of a lower one.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding Error Fares

Now that you know what error fares are, the next step is finding them. Luckily, there are dedicated platforms that specialize in tracking and alerting users to these incredible deals. Websites like Flaity. But that's not all – social media plays a huge role too. Joining online communities and forums can be like having a network of travel-savvy friends who share the latest error fares and tips.

What to DO when you spot an error fare?

• Double-check before you book it - The excitement of finding an error fare can be overwhelming, but before you hit that "book now" button, take a deep breath. It's crucial to verify the legitimacy of the deal to avoid falling victim to scams. Check the reputation of the airline, review customer feedback, and make sure the deal aligns with the terms and conditions provided by the airline.
• Book it! - The best error fares rarely last more than a few hours, so if you see one that matches your schedule, it’s important to act quickly. Time is of the essence when it comes to snagging an error fare. However, it's equally important not to rush into a decision you might regret. Act swiftly, but take a moment to ensure the travel dates and conditions fit your plans. Flexibility is your best friend in the world of error fares, so keep an open mind.
• Check the airline’s cancellation policy - The best error fares rarely last more than a few hours, so if you see one that matches your schedule, it’s important to act quickly.

What NOT to DO when you spot an error fare?

• Call the airline or OTA - It’s natural to be unsure when booking an error fare but unfortunately, calling the airline or OTA to ask permission will not lead you to positive results. Alerting the airline or OTA about the error will unlikely lead them to allow you to book it. As you’ve read above, there is simply little downside to booking an error fare, so if you’re keen on the destination, it’s best to just go for it.
• Book non-refundable accommodation - If you’ve booked an error fare, give yourself a high five, but hold off from booking the rest of your trip just yet. As you’ve read above, there is some risk that the fare may be refunded, so give it a couple of weeks before you book any non-refundable hotels or activities.
• Ignore additional cost - While the headline price might be jaw-dropping, don't forget to consider additional costs. Some error fares might come with extra fees or charges that can add up. Make sure to factor in these expenses and assess if the overall cost still makes it a fantastic deal.

How long do error fares last?

Error fares can stick around for multiple days or be gone within a couple of hours. It comes down to how fast the error is spotted and corrected by the airline. Unfortunately, this is impossible to predict.

Can error fares be canceled? What are the risks?

Yes, error fares can be canceled. Generally, the risks associated with booking error fares are quite low.

According to our data, approximately 70% of error fares are honored by the airlines. Airlines usually prefer to avoid canceling tickets because it's a hassle and can lead to negative publicity. Some countries have laws that mandate honoring any listed fares.

In case your ticket does get canceled, there's no need to worry. You will always receive a full refund. Airlines are not allowed to charge you more than the agreed amount without your permission, and they cannot withhold your money without providing a ticket.

How to better your odds of having an error fare get honored?

If an error fare is listed on Google Flights and available to book directly via an airline’s website, it’s always better to book it directly. There are cases where the airline has honored the tickets booked directly while asking OTAs to cancel the tickets they’ve sold to their customers for the same flights. If that’s not an option, book any way you can.

From our experience, more ‘reasonable’ error prices are more likely to be honored. For example, $20 error fare flight to Japan is less likely to be honored than a $200 flight to Sydney.

Examples of Mistake Fares

Here are some nice error fares we've previously sent to members of Flaity:

• Chicago to Japan for $260 in business class
• NYC to Rome for $251 roundtrip
• Los Angeles to Sydney in business class for $600 roundtrip
• Miami to Buenos Aires for $235 roundtrip
• NYC to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands for $80 roundtrip