How to Find Error Fares and Super Cheap Flights
Finding error fares and super cheap flights can feel like discovering hidden treasure in the world of travel. These deals often arise due to mistakes made by airlines, travel agencies, or booking systems, resulting in deeply discounted airfares. While error fares are rare and fleeting, there are proven strategies to uncover them and secure incredible savings on your next trip. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find these golden opportunities.
What Are Error Fares?
Error fares occur when an airline or online travel agency (OTA) mistakenly lists a flight at a price far below its intended cost. These errors can happen for several reasons:
- Human Error: A pricing analyst accidentally sets the wrong fare.
- Currency Conversion Mistakes: Errors during currency conversions can lead to unusually low prices.
- System Glitches: Software bugs or technical issues may cause incorrect pricing.
- Promotional Oversights: Airlines sometimes fail to remove discounts after promotions end.
While error fares are not guaranteed to be honored, many travelers successfully book and fly using these deals. Airlines occasionally honor them to avoid bad publicity, but they reserve the right to cancel tickets if the error is significant.
How to Find Error Fares
1. Use Fare Alert Tools
- What They Do: Fare alert tools notify you when prices drop for specific routes or destinations.
- Popular Options:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Hopper
- Kayak
- How to Use Them: Set up alerts for your desired routes, and monitor for sudden price drops that could indicate an error fare.
2. Follow Deal Websites and Social Media
- Deal Websites: Platforms like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Scott’s Cheap Flights specialize in finding and sharing error fares.
- Social Media: Follow accounts dedicated to cheap flights on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Many deals are shared in real-time on these platforms.
- Tip: Join relevant travel forums or Reddit communities (e.g., r/TravelDeals) where users share error fares.
3. Check Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
- OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, and Momondo sometimes display error fares due to discrepancies between their systems and airline databases.
- Compare prices across multiple OTAs to spot anomalies.
4. Monitor Airline Sales and Promotions
- Airlines occasionally offer flash sales or limited-time discounts that mimic error fares.
- Sign up for airline newsletters to stay informed about upcoming deals.
5. Search in Incognito Mode
- Some websites track your browsing history and adjust prices accordingly. Using incognito mode or clearing cookies can help you see the lowest available fares.
6. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
- Error fares often appear for specific dates or less popular routes. Flexibility increases your chances of snagging a deal.
- Use flexible date search features on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to identify cheaper options.
7. Book Multi-City or Nearby Airports
- Sometimes error fares are available for unconventional routes, such as flying into one city and out of another.
- Check nearby airports for better deals, as smaller hubs may have lower prices.
Tips for Securing Super Cheap Flights
Even if you don’t stumble upon an error fare, these strategies can help you find affordable flights:
1. Fly During Off-Peak Seasons
- Avoid holidays, school breaks, and peak travel times. Prices are generally lower during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).
2. Book in Advance or Last Minute
- For most trips, booking 1-3 months in advance yields the best prices. However, last-minute deals can also arise if airlines need to fill empty seats.
3. Use Budget Airlines
- Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Southwest, and Spirit often offer rock-bottom prices, especially for short-haul flights.
4. Leverage Stopovers
- Some airlines offer free or discounted stopovers, allowing you to explore an additional destination without paying extra.
5. Combine Flights Manually
- Instead of booking a round-trip ticket, split your journey into two one-way flights with different airlines. This method can sometimes save hundreds of dollars.
6. Use Points and Miles
- If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points, redeem them for flights to maximize savings.
What to Do When You Find an Error Fare
If you come across a potential error fare, act quickly—these deals rarely last long. Here’s what to do:
1. Double-Check the Details
- Verify the price, dates, and routing to ensure it’s legitimate.
- Cross-reference the fare on the airline’s official website to confirm availability.
2. Book Immediately
- Error fares disappear within minutes or hours. Use a fast internet connection and complete the booking process as soon as possible.
3. Pay with a Credit Card
- Paying with a credit card provides protection in case the airline cancels your ticket. You may be able to dispute the charge and receive a refund.
4. Wait for Ticket Confirmation
- Airlines typically take 24-48 hours to issue tickets. During this time, they may review the booking and decide whether to honor the fare.
5. Be Prepared for Cancellation
- If the airline cancels your ticket, politely inquire about alternatives, such as rebooking at a higher rate or receiving a refund.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Overlooking Terms and Conditions
- Always read the fine print. Some error fares may have restrictions, such as non-refundable tickets or limited baggage allowances.
2. Sharing the Deal Publicly
- Avoid posting about the error fare on social media until after you’ve booked. Publicizing it can draw attention and prompt the airline to fix the mistake.
3. Assuming It’s Too Good to Be True
- While skepticism is healthy, some error fares are genuine. Trust your instincts and act fast if the deal seems legitimate.
4. Ignoring Hidden Fees
- Budget airlines and OTAs may add fees for baggage, seat selection, or other services. Factor these costs into your decision.
