Airline Mistake Fares: How to Find and Take Advantage of Them

1 March 2025

Ever dreamed about snagging a round-trip flight to Paris for the price of a fancy dinner? Or jetting off to Bali for less than what you’d pay for a night at a local hotel? Well, buckle up, because today, we’re diving into the world of airline mistake fares—a travel hack so sweet it feels like it’s too good to be true. Spoiler alert: it’s not! So, grab your imaginary boarding pass and let’s explore how you can sniff out these elusive deals and get one step closer to living your globetrotting dreams.

What Are Airline Mistake Fares?

Let’s start with the basics. An airline mistake fare is exactly what it sounds like—a pricing error made by airlines when listing their tickets online. Think of it like finding a five-star meal listed for the price of a fast-food burger. It’s rare, it’s magical, and it’s a whole lot less calorie-heavy.

Mistake fares happen for a bunch of reasons. Sometimes, a tech glitch miscalculates the price. Other times, someone types the wrong number (hey, we’ve all hit “Send” on a text we didn’t double-check). Currency conversion errors, tax miscalculations, or even weird promotions gone wrong can also play a part. Whatever the cause, mistake fares create an opportunity for travelers to score insane deals.

Why Would Airlines Honor These Mistake Fares?

It might sound counterintuitive—why would any airline willingly honor a ticket that was priced way below its value? Imagine running a restaurant and accidentally selling a $100 steak for $10. Wouldn’t you be frustrated?

Well, here’s the thing: airlines often chalk it up to customer relations. In many cases, canceling these tickets could harm their reputation, leading to bad press or unhappy customers. Plus, mistake fares are not super common, so airlines tend to absorb the loss rather than deal with the mess of cancellations. That said, there are no guarantees. If a fare is too good to be true, the airline may cancel your ticket after booking, but you’ll usually get a refund.

How to Spot Airline Mistake Fares

Alright, so how do you actually find these hidden gems? While it’s partly luck, there are a few tips and tricks to dramatically up your chances. Let’s break it down.

1. Follow Deal-Hunting Websites and Blogs

There are some amazing websites and blogs out there dedicated to exposing mistake fares and travel deals. Some of the big names include:
- The Points Guy (TPG): They’re always on the pulse of great travel deals.
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going): They send alerts when mistake fares pop up.
- Secret Flying: Known for finding jaw-dropping deals globally.

Subscribing to their newsletters or following their social media accounts can make you one of the first to know when something juicy drops.

2. Utilize Fare-Tracking Tools and Apps

If you’re not already using fare-tracking tools, you’re missing out. Apps like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner can alert you when fares drop to crazy-low levels. They’re not specifically designed for mistake fares, but they’ll pick up on unusual pricing shifts faster than your eyeballs will.

3. Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

Here’s a golden rule: flexibility is key. Mistake fares are often for random destinations, dates, or itineraries. If you’ve got your heart set on flying to one specific place on exact dates, you’ll likely miss out. Instead, keep an open mind. Maybe you didn’t plan to visit Tokyo in April, but when round-trip tickets show up for $200, why not?

Here’s the metaphor: mistake fares are like a buffet—you don’t always get your favorite dish, but there’s always something delicious to savor.

4. Act Fast (Like, Really Fast)

Mistake fares disappear faster than a plate of cookies at a family gathering. Once the airline realizes the price error, they’ll fix it. Sometimes, you’ve only got a matter of hours—or even minutes—to book.

So, when you see a mistake fare, don’t overthink it. Book first, plan later. Most airlines offer free cancellations within 24 hours, so you can always backtrack if you change your mind or need to confirm your schedule.

Tips to Successfully Book and Use a Mistake Fare Ticket

Spotting a great deal is one thing; actually snagging it and making the most of it is a whole different beast. Let’s walk through the essentials.

1. Don’t Call the Airline

This one’s important. When you stumble upon a mistake fare, resist the urge to call the airline to double-check. Drawing attention to the error increases the chances of them catching and canceling the fare. Play it cool—book online and keep quiet.

2. Book Directly or Through Trusted Platforms

Whenever possible, book directly through the airline’s official website. If you’re booking via a third-party site, make sure it’s reputable (like Expedia or Priceline). This adds a layer of security if the booking gets canceled or there’s a mix-up.

3. Wait Before Making Other Travel Plans

As tempting as it is to start planning your dream vacation the second you book, hold off on booking hotels, tours, or other non-refundable expenses. Airfare mistake fares can still get canceled, so don’t overcommit until you’re sure your ticket is confirmed.

Is There a Downside to Mistake Fares?

Here’s the honest truth: snagging a mistake fare isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, you’ll encounter unexpected hiccups. Airlines might tweak the itinerary to less convenient times, or worse, the ticket could get canceled entirely.

Also, mistake fares are often non-upgradable and come with restrictions (e.g., no checked bags, no seat selection). But when you’re flying for next to nothing, who’s complaining? You’d happily skip the free mojito if it meant saving hundreds of dollars, right?

Mistake Fare Etiquette: Play Fair

Last but not least, let’s take a moment to talk about ethics. While finding a mistake fare is exciting, don’t abuse the system. No one likes the person who hoards 10 seats just because they’re cheap. Book what you’ll use and allow others to take advantage of the deal too.

Also, don’t scream about the deal on social media until after you’ve booked—it raises the chances of the airline catching on and fixing the price before others can benefit. Play it cool and let others quietly enjoy the win.

Final Thoughts on Airline Mistake Fares

In a world where travel is becoming more accessible, airline mistake fares are like finding a secret door to the places you’ve always wanted to explore. They’re rare, unpredictable, and oh-so-satisfying when you stumble upon one. Sure, timing and luck play a role, but if you keep your eyes peeled, stay flexible, and act fast, you’ve got a good shot at scoring one of these unicorn deals.

Think of mistake fares as an adventure in themselves—the journey to find them is half the fun. So, the next time you hear someone say, “Traveling is too expensive,” give them a sly smile and let them in on the secret.