Ever stumbled across a jaw-dropping flight deal that seemed too good to be true? It might have been a mistake fare – a rare pricing error that savvy travelers turn into their dream getaways. At BestFareDeal, we specialize in uncovering these golden ticket moments. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about mistake fares and how to grab them before they vanish.
✈️ What Are Mistake Fares?
A mistake fare (also called an error fare or glitch fare) is an airline ticket that’s sold at a significantly lower price than intended. These errors usually happen due to:
- Human typing mistakes (e.g., entering $69 instead of $699)
- Currency conversion glitches
- Missing fuel surcharges or taxes
- Software issues in fare-loading systems
These fares don’t last long – once the airline or OTA (Online Travel Agency) spots the error, they correct it. So timing is everything!
🔍 Why Do Mistake Fares Happen?
Even the biggest airlines aren’t immune to pricing mistakes. Here’s why they occur:
- Manual Entry Errors: A staff member types in the wrong number or misses a digit.
- Currency Confusion: A $300 fare in USD accidentally listed in another currency.
- Automation Bugs: Computer systems miscalculate taxes, fuel charges, or discounts.
- Fare Matching Gone Wrong: Algorithms undercut competitors and go too low.
At BestFareDeal, we monitor these fluctuations in real-time so you don’t miss out.
🕵️♂️ How to Spot Mistake Fares
Want to be the first to snag a mistake fare? Use these tips:
1. Follow Fare Deal Sites
Websites like BestFareDeal constantly scan and post glitch fares. Bookmark us and enable notifications!
2. Set Fare Alerts
Use fare alert tools for specific destinations. If the price suddenly drops by 70-90%, it’s likely a mistake fare.
3. Use Flexible Dates
Being flexible with your travel dates gives you more chances of spotting mistake fares.
4. Search One-Way & Roundtrip Separately
Sometimes, mistake fares appear on just one leg of a roundtrip. Searching both can reveal hidden deals.
🎯 How to Book a Mistake Fare (Before It’s Gone!)
Once you find a mistake fare, act fast:
- Book immediately – Do not wait!
- Don’t contact the airline – That might alert them to the error.
- Use a credit card – Offers better dispute and cancellation options.
- Wait before making other plans – Mistake fares can be canceled by airlines.
💡Pro Tip: Always wait 48–72 hours before booking hotels or non-refundable extras. Airlines may void error fares (though some honor them!).
📜 Will the Airline Honor My Mistake Fare?
It depends.
- If booked through the airline: Higher chance they’ll honor it.
- If booked via OTA: Airlines might cancel if they catch the mistake.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Used to require airlines to honor all published fares, but that’s changed. Now, it’s up to the airline.
Still, many airlines do honor mistake fares to avoid negative PR.
✅ Real-Life Example: Paris for $89?
One traveler using BestFareDeal snagged a New York to Paris roundtrip for just $89 – all taxes included. The airline later admitted it was a pricing mistake but chose to honor it.
📲 Stay Ahead with BestFareDeal
At BestFareDeal, we live for price drops and mistake fares. Our team constantly monitors international and domestic routes, giving you exclusive alerts the moment a pricing error pops up.
Want to be the first to know about the next $20 flight to Europe?
➡️ Join our Mistake Fare Alerts now
➡️ Follow us on social media @BestFareDeal
➡️ Bookmark our Latest Deals
✈️ Final Thoughts
Mistake fares are rare but real. With the right tools, timing, and a little bit of luck, you can fly across the world for less than the price of dinner. Stay alert, stay flexible, and always book fast.
At BestFareDeal, we don’t just find cheap flights – we find unbelievable ones.
🔥 FAQs: Mistake Fares
Q1: Are mistake fares legal?
Yes. They are legal, but airlines are not always obligated to honor them.
Q2: Can I get a refund if the airline cancels the fare?
Yes, you’ll get a full refund if your mistake fare is canceled.
Q3: Should I call the airline after booking?
No. That could prompt the airline to correct the fare before others can grab it.
Q4: What if my booking gets canceled?
You’ll be refunded, and sometimes offered a discount on rebooking at the correct fare.