If you’ve ever dreamed of flying across the globe for a fraction of the usual cost, you’re going to love this: error fares are one of the travel world’s best-kept secrets. These elusive flight deals can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars, but they come with a few important caveats.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about error fares, including what they are, how they happen, and—most importantly—how you can find and book them before they disappear.
What Are Error Fares?
Error fares (also called mistake fares or fare glitches) are airline ticket prices that are significantly lower than normal, often due to a technical glitch, currency conversion error, human mistake, or a data sync issue between systems.
For example, a round-trip business class ticket from New York to Tokyo that normally costs $2,000 might accidentally be published at $200. Sounds too good to be true? It’s rare, but it happens — and travelers who are quick enough can snag them.
Example:
From Wroclaw (Poland) to San Antonia Texas, USA for just € 122 (one-way)
Or in BUSINESS CLASS from Thailand to France: (even booable at the airline direct)
Why Do Error Fares Happen?
There are a few main reasons:
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Human input errors: A staff member accidentally types “100” instead of “1000”.
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Currency conversion issues: The airline’s system miscalculates international exchange rates.
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Omitted fees or taxes: Some fare engines forget to add fuel surcharges or airport taxes.
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Glitches in OTA systems: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) might sync incorrectly with airline systems.
Are Error Fares Honored?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
It depends on the airline and how quickly they catch the mistake. Many airlines choose to honor the fare as a goodwill gesture—especially if the ticket has already been issued. Others may cancel the booking and issue a refund.
Pro Tip:
Wait a few days before making non-refundable bookings (hotels, tours, etc.) when you score an error fare. Wait to see if the airline confirms or cancels your ticket.
While an ERROR FARE can be very tempting, there are some rules to follow when booking an error fare:
- Book immediately: Error fares can disappear quickly, sometimes within hours or even minutes of being discovered. If you find an error fare that you want to take advantage of, book it as soon as possible.
- Don’t make any non-refundable plans: Since error fares are often mistakes, airlines and travel agencies may cancel your booking without notice. Therefore, it is important to refrain from making any non-refundable plans until your booking has been confirmed.
- Use a credit card: When booking an error fare, it is recommended to use a credit card for payment, as credit cards offer more protection in case the booking is cancelled or there is an issue with the fare.
- Be prepared for itinerary changes: Airlines may try to cancel or change the itinerary of an error fare booking, so it is important to be flexible and prepared for any itinerary changes.
- Be patient: Airlines and travel agencies may take some time to confirm an error fare booking, so it is important to be patient and wait for confirmation before making any further plans.
- Don’t spread the word: It’s important not to share error fares widely as airlines and travel agencies may quickly catch on and fix the mistake. Instead, book the fare quietly and enjoy your travel.
How to Find Error Fares
Finding error fares is all about timing and the right tools. We here at WorldTravelerClub are on the lookout for the best travel deals 24 hours a day 7 days per week. We’re happy to share sensational deals and error rates with you. WorldTravelerClub members have already saved thousands of $$ and €€. See also our testimonials.
Here’s how you can stay ahead of the game:
1. Follow Deal Sites
Websites like:
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WorldTravelerClub.com – Curated error fares and flight deals
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ErrorFareFinder.com
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TheFlightDeal.com
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Fly4Free.com
These platforms constantly scan for price glitches and post them quickly.
2. Set Fare Alerts
Use platforms like:
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Google Flights
While they may not catch every error fare, they can notify you when prices drop abnormally.
3. Join Flight Deal Newsletters
Sign up for newsletters from trusted deal websites. WorldTravelerClub deal alerts, for example, offers daily updates on the hottest flight deals — including error fares.
4. Use Premium Memberships
Some platforms offer premium alerts or early access to mistake fares. This gives you a head start before the general public even knows.
Timing Is Everything
Error fares don’t last long. They can be gone in minutes or hours—so if you see one, don’t wait. Book immediately and figure out the rest later (just be sure you’re booking with a refund window in case the fare is not honored).
Tips for Booking Error Fares
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Be flexible with your dates and destinations.
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Use a credit card for added protection.
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Avoid adding extras like baggage or seat selection until the fare is confirmed.
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Don’t contact the airline about the fare until it’s confirmed—they may cancel it if they didn’t notice.
Final Thoughts
Scoring an error fare feels like hitting the travel jackpot. With a bit of vigilance, the right tools, and some luck, you could be flying in style for less than a budget ticket. Stay alert, stay flexible, and you might just find yourself sipping wine in business class for economy prices.
Ready to catch your first error fare?
Join WorldTravelerClub.com for free and start receiving real-time alerts on mistake fares, flight deals, and luxury travel offers.
Happy deal hunting! ✈️💸
