Here's the article:
The Elusive Dream: Scoring an Airline Error Fare and Flying the World on the Cheap
Imagine scrolling through your social media feed and stumbling upon a flight from New York to Tokyo for, say, $200 roundtrip. Not $2000, not $1200, but two crisp Benjamin Franklins. Your brain does a double-take. Is it a scam? A typo? Probably… but what if it's not? What if it's that mythical creature all budget travelers dream of: an airline error fare?
Error fares, also known as mistake fares or glitch fares, are pricing discrepancies that happen on airline websites or booking platforms. These errors can occur due to human input mistakes, currency conversion issues, technical glitches, or even simple miscommunications between airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs).
They're rare, fleeting, and sometimes, just sometimes, they lead to incredible travel adventures for those quick enough to snag them. But how do you find these unicorn-like deals, and more importantly, how do you book them successfully? Let's dive in and unravel the secrets of error fare hunting.
What Exactly is an Error Fare? Understanding the Different Types
Before we become professional error fare hunters, let's clarify what they look like. Not all unbelievably cheap flights are error fares. Sometimes, it's just a really good sale. So how do we tell the difference?
Human Error: This is the most common type. A data entry mistake, like dropping a zero, can lead to significant price reductions. For instance, instead of $1200, the fare might be listed as $120. Currency Conversion Issues: Fluctuations in exchange rates or errors in the conversion process can sometimes result in unusually low prices, especially when booking flights that involve multiple currencies. Technical Glitches: Website glitches or software bugs can sometimes cause incorrect pricing to be displayed. These are often short-lived but can be exploited if you're fast. Fuel Surcharge Errors: Airlines sometimes forget to add (or incorrectly calculate) fuel surcharges, which can drastically reduce the overall cost of the ticket. OTA Errors:Online travel agencies, like Expedia or Kayak, sometimes experience errors when retrieving or displaying pricing information from airlines.
Distinguishing between a genuine sale and an error fare often comes down to common sense. If a flight is significantly cheaper than what you'd typically expect for that route and time of year, it's worth investigating further.
Where to Find These Elusive Deals: Your Error Fare Hunting Tools
Finding error fares requires a combination of luck, vigilance, and the right tools. Here are some essential resources to add to your arsenal:
Flight Deal Websites & Social Media
Secret Flying: Secret Flying is a website that specializes in finding and posting flight deals, including error fares. They have a team of deal hunters constantly scouring the web for the best prices. They also have region-specific sites (Secret Flying US, Secret Flying UK, etc.) The Flight Deal: Similar to Secret Flying, The Flight Deal focuses on finding and sharing deeply discounted flights. Travel Pirates: While not exclusively focused on error fares, Travel Pirates often features incredibly cheap flight deals that could potentially be error fares. Scott's Cheap Flights (Now Going): Although now a subscription service offering general deals, the underlying tech they use might still occasionally highlight an error fare. Keep an eye out.
Social media is another powerful tool. Follow these websites and deal bloggers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Setting up notifications for their posts can help you be among the first to know about a potential error fare.
Flight Search Engines: Your Booking Powerhouses
While these aren'tfindersof error fares, you'll use them tobookthe potential finds, and double-check prices that seem too good to be true.
Google Flights: Google Flights is an excellent starting point for any flight search. It allows you to explore a wide range of destinations and compare prices from different airlines and OTAs. Use the calendar view to see the cheapest dates for your desired route. Skyscanner: Skyscanner is another popular flight search engine that offers a similar range of features to Google Flights. It also allows you to search for flights to "Everywhere" to find the cheapest destinations from your departure city. Kayak:Kayak aggregates flight information from various sources and provides price alerts that can notify you when prices drop. The "Explore" feature is also helpful for finding cheap destinations.
Pro Tip: Consider using a VPN and clearing your browser's cookies before searching. Some believe airlines and OTAs track your searches and may increase prices based on your browsing history. While the evidence is anecdotal, it's a good precaution to take.
Set Up Price Alerts: Let the Deals Come to You
Most flight search engines allow you to set up price alerts for specific routes. When the price drops below a certain threshold, you'll receive an email notification. This is a great way to stay informed about potential deals, including error fares.
Booking an Error Fare: Speed, Strategy, and a Little Bit of Luck
Finding an error fare is only half the battle. Successfully booking it and having the airline honor the ticket requires speed, strategy, and a dash of luck.
Act Fast: Time is of the Essence
Error fares are often short-lived. Airlines typically realize their mistake quickly and correct the pricing. Therefore, you need to act fast. If you see a flight that seems too good to be true, don't hesitate. Book it immediately.
Book Directly with the Airline (If Possible)
While booking through an OTA might seem appealing, booking directly with the airline offers several advantages. It's often easier to resolve any issues that might arise, and the airline is more likely to honor the ticket if you booked directly with them. Plus, airlines will often offer complimentary add-ons if you've booked directly.
Book One Ticket at a Time
If you're traveling with a group, it's best to book each ticket separately. If the airline cancels the error fare, it's less likely to cancel multiple bookings than a single booking with multiple passengers.
Don't Call the Airline (Yet!)
While it's tempting to call the airline to confirm the booking, resist the urge! Calling them might alert them to the error and prompt them to correct the pricing. Let the booking process run its course and wait for the confirmation email.
Be Prepared for Cancellation
Even if you successfully book an error fare, there's no guarantee that the airline will honor the ticket. Airlines reserve the right to cancel tickets booked at incorrect prices. However, they typically do so within a week or two of the booking. Be mentally prepared for the possibility of cancellation and have a backup plan.
The 24-Hour Rule: Your Safety Net
In the United States and some other countries, airlines are required to allow passengers to cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund. This is your safety net. If you're unsure about the booking, use the 24-hour rule to your advantage. Book the flight and then take your time to research the airline's error fare policy and decide whether to keep the booking.
What Happens After You Book: Waiting and Hoping
After you've booked your potential error fare, the waiting game begins. Here's what to expect:
Check Your Email Frequently
Keep a close eye on your email inbox for any notifications from the airline or OTA. They might send you a confirmation email, a cancellation email, or a request for additional information.
Don't Make Non-Refundable Arrangements
Until you're confident that the airline will honor the ticket, avoid making any non-refundable arrangements, such as booking hotels or tours. Wait until you've received confirmation that the ticket is valid before committing to other travel expenses.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline's error fare policy. Some airlines are more likely to honor error fares than others. Knowing your rights can help you navigate the situation if the airline tries to cancel your booking.
The Ethical Dilemma: Is Booking an Error Fare Morally Right?
The ethics of booking an error fare are a topic of debate. Some argue that it's unethical to take advantage of a company's mistake, while others believe that it's fair game as long as you're not doing anything illegal.
Ultimately, the decision is a personal one. However, it's important to be aware of the potential consequences. Booking an error fare might result in the airline canceling your ticket, which can be frustrating and inconvenient. Also, remember that smaller airlines may take a heavier hit if they have to honor the deals.
Error Fare Success Stories (and Failures): Lessons Learned
I’ve personally had a mix of success and failure with error fares. Once, I snagged a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to London for $300 (normally $800+). The airline honored it, and I had an amazing trip! On another occasion, I booked a flight to Bangkok for a ridiculously low price, only to receive a cancellation email a few days later.
Key takeaways from these experiences
Don't get too excited until the ticket is confirmed. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Read the fine print. Understand the airline's terms and conditions regarding error fares. Be polite and respectful when dealing with the airline. Even if they cancel your ticket, maintain a positive attitude.
Final Thoughts: The Thrill of the Hunt
Hunting for error fares can be a fun and rewarding experience. It requires patience, vigilance, and a bit of luck, but the payoff can be incredible. Just remember to act fast, be prepared for cancellation, and understand the ethical implications.
Happy hunting, and may the error fare odds be ever in your favor! Remember, the world is out there waiting to be explored, and with a little savvy and persistence, you can do it without breaking the bank.