Mistake fares—often the holy grail for budget travelers—are unintentional pricing errors by airlines that lead to steeply discounted flight tickets. While rare, mistake fares can offer up to 90% off regular ticket prices, providing adventurous travelers with the chance to fly for far less than the norm. But these deals don’t last long, so it’s essential to know where to look, how to act quickly, and what to expect.

In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of spotting, booking, and handling mistake fares so you can maximize your travel savings.

Introduction to Mistake Fares

Mistake fares, also known as error fares or glitches, are accidental ticket prices set far below typical rates due to human error or technical issues. These deals offer travelers a unique opportunity to book flights at a fraction of the regular price, but they’re often available for only a short period. Being prepared and understanding the booking process is key to securing these elusive deals before they’re corrected.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to mistake fares, understanding the basics can help you seize these deals with confidence.

Common Reasons for Mistake Fares

Mistake fares happen for a variety of reasons, but they usually boil down to data errors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Data Entry Errors: A simple typo by an airline employee, such as entering $200 instead of $2,000, can lead to a dramatically discounted fare.
Currency Conversion Glitches: Sometimes, an airline or booking site might accidentally display prices in the wrong currency, leading to significant savings.
System Glitches: With complex booking algorithms, airline websites occasionally display the wrong fare due to technical issues, such as an overnight system update or website malfunction.
Fuel Surcharges Not Included: Occasionally, an airline might mistakenly exclude fuel surcharges, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a ticket.

Real-Life Examples: In recent years, travelers have found first-class flights from the U.S. to Asia for $800 (usually $8,000+) and round-trip flights to Europe for less than $200. These deals may seem too good to be true, but they’re possible with mistake fares.

Top Tools and Websites for Finding Mistake Fares

Several tools and websites specialize in tracking mistake fares, notifying subscribers when these fares appear, and providing updates on other deals. Here are some of the best resources to keep you in the loop:

1. Secret Flying

Secret Flying is a website dedicated to finding and sharing mistake fares, flash sales, and other discounted flight deals. With a user-friendly interface, Secret Flying provides options for region-specific deals, making it easier for travelers to find fares relevant to their location. The site also has an app, which sends notifications for real-time updates on fare errors.

2. Scott’s Cheap Flights

Scott’s Cheap Flights offers free and premium subscriptions. The premium service includes access to exclusive mistake fares and deal alerts. Scott’s team constantly monitors for error fares and sends alerts straight to your inbox, which is ideal for travelers who want to stay informed but don’t have time to check sites frequently.

3. Airfarewatchdog

Airfarewatchdog is a popular platform that tracks fare deals, including mistake fares and special discounts. They post deals across various airlines, giving subscribers access to a range of destinations. Users can sign up for alerts based on preferred routes, so you’ll be notified when there’s a fare error for your chosen destinations.

4. Fly4Free

Fly4Free provides a comprehensive look at mistake fares, deals, and special offers. The site has sections for travel deals by continent and country, making it an efficient way to search for fares on specific routes. Fly4Free also has a helpful community of travelers who post updates on fares and deals as they happen.

5. Premium Subscriptions for Deal Alerts

Some sites like The Points Guy and Airfare Spot offer premium subscriptions for deal alerts. These services often provide more accurate and timely updates on mistake fares than free resources.

Using Google Flights to Detect Fare Patterns

Google Flights is an excellent tool for tracking fare patterns and spotting potential mistake fares. While it doesn’t always alert users to mistakes, the platform’s search functions can help you identify irregular pricing patterns.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Google Flights

Set Your Search Parameters: Enter your preferred origin, destination, and dates. For broader results, choose flexible dates to compare fares across several days or weeks.
View Price Graphs: Google Flights offers a price graph tool to track historical prices for specific routes. If you see an unusually low price compared to typical rates, it could signal a mistake fare.
Enable Price Alerts: Toggle on the “Track prices” option to receive email notifications if prices drop. While this feature isn’t specific to mistake fares, it can help you catch sudden changes.
Explore Nearby Airports: If you’re flexible with your departure or arrival airport, check nearby options. Sometimes, mistake fares are available from one airport but not others.

Social Media Groups and Forums for Real-Time Alerts

Social media platforms and forums are invaluable for spotting mistake fares quickly. Here are some of the best options:

1. Facebook Groups

There are dedicated Facebook groups focused on mistake fares, flight deals, and travel hacks. Groups like Travel Dealz and Flight Deal Zone have active members who post updates on mistake fares, often with booking instructions.

2. Reddit Communities

Subreddits like r/travel and r/awardtravel frequently post mistake fares and special deals. Engaging in these communities can help you get insights from other travelers and receive alerts on new fares.

3. Twitter Accounts

Follow accounts like @TheFlightDeal and @SecretFlying on Twitter for real-time notifications on mistake fares. You can set up alerts so you’re instantly notified when they post new fare deals.

Best Practices for Booking Mistake Fares

When you spot a mistake fare, there are a few critical steps to follow to maximize your chances of successfully booking it. Here’s what to do:

Book Immediately: Mistake fares are usually corrected within hours, so book as soon as you see the deal. Airlines have systems in place to detect errors and will likely fix them quickly.
Use a Credit Card: Booking with a credit card provides protection if the fare is canceled. Plus, many credit cards offer travel insurance, which can be helpful if your flight is canceled or rescheduled.
Avoid Additional Bookings: Don’t book non-refundable accommodations, car rentals, or other travel arrangements until your ticket is confirmed and the airline honors the fare.
Fly Under the Radar: Avoid calling the airline directly about the fare. Drawing attention to a mistake fare increases the likelihood of it being corrected.

What to Do If Your Mistake Fare Gets Canceled

While many airlines honor mistake fares, cancellations can happen. Here’s how to handle it if your fare gets voided:

Check Airline Policies: Some airlines have policies stating they’ll honor mistake fares under specific conditions, so it’s worth checking your airline’s rules.
Wait for Official Communication: The airline will typically notify you if they intend to cancel your booking. Wait for an email confirmation before taking further action.
Request a Rebooking: If your fare is canceled, politely request a rebooking or an alternative. Airlines may accommodate you, especially if the error was minor.

Legal Aspects of Mistake Fares

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has guidelines around mistake fares, especially for international flights. While airlines aren’t always required to honor them, some fares may be covered by DOT regulations, which could give you leverage in negotiations.

Know When Airlines Are Likely to Honor Fares

Generally, if a fare mistake is discovered before tickets are confirmed, airlines may cancel it without penalty. However, once a ticket is confirmed and paid for, airlines may be more likely to honor the fare.

Additional Tips for Getting the Best Flight Deals

Mistake fares are just one way to save on flights. Here are some additional strategies:

Use VPNs for Currency Differences: Some travelers find cheaper fares by booking in a foreign currency using a VPN. However, be cautious, as this may impact exchange rates or incur foreign transaction fees.
Combine Deals with Loyalty Programs: If you have points or miles, use them in conjunction with low fares for even better savings.
Track Fare Drops After Booking: Some airlines allow free cancellations within 24 hours. If you spot a lower fare, you can rebook for the lower price.

Conclusion

Finding and booking mistake fares can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but it requires vigilance, speed, and a bit of luck. By using dedicated tools, following real-time alerts, and acting fast, you can secure these deals and explore the world at a fraction of the cost.

Remember to follow best practices when booking, including using a credit card and waiting for confirmation before making additional plans. With the right approach, mistake fares can be a valuable addition to your travel savings strategy, offering memorable trips and adventures for less.