Finding affordable flights can make all the difference for frequent and budget-conscious travellers. While many rely on traditional sales or discount airlines to cut costs, seasoned travellers know a secret mistake in fares. These hidden gems can save you hundreds of dollars on flights. If you’ve ever wondered how to find mistake fares and take advantage of these pricing anomalies, you’re in the right place.

These opportunities can lead to incredible travel experiences without breaking the bank.

Here’s a simple step to find mistake fares and save big.

 

1. Use Fare-Tracking Websites and Apps

One of the easiest ways to find mistaken fares is by using websites and apps specifically designed to track and notify users about fare drops, including mistaken fares. These platforms offer real-time alerts, ensuring you get all short-lived deals. Many also allow you to customize alerts for specific destinations or travel dates, giving you complete control over your travel preferences.

Here are some of the best resources –

 

• Google Flights – While not mistake fare-specific, they allow you to track flight prices and receive notifications of price changes. Mistake fares occasionally pop up during searches.
• Secret Flying – This platform finds discounted flights, including mistake fares. Users can browse error fares or subscribe to email alerts for personalized notifications.
• Airfarewatchdog – Known for its curated fare deals, Airfarewatchdog often lists mistake fares and last-minute deals. You can sign up for fare alerts based on your preferred destinations.
• The Flight Deal – Another excellent resource, it regularly posts mistake fares alongside general travel deals and tips. Sign up for alerts to catch deals instantly.
• Scott’s Cheap Flights – Focusing on finding flight deals, including mistake fares, it sends regular email alerts to subscribers when these opportunities arise. The premium version offers more exclusive deals.

 

💡 Related – Going Review: Is It the Right Choice for Your Flight Needs?

 

2. Follow Social Media Accounts

Social media can be a powerful tool for finding mistake fares. Several accounts like X and Facebook regularly post updates on error fares and flash sales. Following travel deal accounts will inform you quickly, ensuring you get all the offers. Joining travel-focused Facebook groups can also give you insider tips and updates from fellow travellers.

Be sure to turn on notifications for immediate alerts.

 

• X – Follow accounts like @TheFlightDeal, @SecretFlying, and @GoingTweets, which post timely updates on flight deals and mistake fares.
• Facebook Groups – Joining travel deal groups can give you real-time notifications from other travellers spotting mistake fares. Some popular groups include “Private Jet Charter Flights World Wide & Short Haul Empty Legs” or “AOPA Flying Club Network.”

 

 

3. Check Airline Websites Directly

Mistake fares sometimes appear on the airline’s website before third-party platforms can pick them up.

If you’re manually searching for flights, check the official airline sites and aggregators like –

 

• Expedia
• Kayak

 

Refreshing these sites frequently can help you spot a sudden price drop. Mistake fares are often found during late hours or weekends when there’s less monitoring, so that that timing can be crucial. Being proactive can give you an edge in snagging these deals. Clear your cookies or use incognito mode to avoid price fluctuations based on browsing history.

Signing up for exclusive offers and newsletters directly from airlines is also helpful.

 

4. Set Fare Alerts and Monitor Often

Set up alerts for your preferred routes on your favourite flight search platforms, such as –

 

• Google Flights
• Kayak
• Skyscanner

 

These platforms allow you to receive notifications when prices drop, ensuring you never miss a potential deal.

By monitoring fares over time, you’ll notice when a price drops drastically, which could indicate a mistake fare. Staying consistent with fare tracking increases your chances of catching these rare deals. Consider setting alerts for multiple destinations to broaden your chances of finding an error fare.

 

5. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Flexibility plays a significant role in scoring mistake fares. The more open you are to adjust your travel dates or destination, the higher your chances of stumbling upon an error fare. Consider flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons, as mistake fares are more likely to appear outside high-demand periods. These fares are often available for specific routes or dates that may not match your initial plan.

Having a wide window of travel dates allows you to capitalize on unexpected deals, and even considering alternate nearby airports can help you save even more. Being open to layovers or longer travel times can increase your chances of finding mistake fares. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to see and secure these hidden savings.

💁‍♀️ Also read – 12 Best Flight Tracking Apps for Real-Time Updates

 

6. Book Quickly

Mistake fares only last a short time, sometimes only a few hours. Once you find an error fare, it’s essential to book immediately. Airlines might catch mistakes and correct prices soon after posting, so hesitating could cost you the deal. Double-check all the details before confirming, but act quickly to secure the fare. Timing is everything when it comes to snagging these rare deals.

Always have your payment method ready and details prepared for rapid booking. Use a credit card that protects travel if the airline cancels the fare. Booking and asking questions later is often better, as most airlines offer a 24-hour free cancellation window. The sooner you act, the higher your chances of securing the deal before it’s gone.

 

7. Know the Risks

While mistake fares can save you a ton of money, they are not always guaranteed. Airlines may cancel mistake fare tickets after discovering the error, although some carriers will honour the price. The airline usually gives a full refund if they cancel your ticket, but they may not offer an alternative. It’s also wise to wait until the airline will honor the fare before booking non-refundable accommodations or other travel plans.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind –

 

• Cancellation – If the airline cancels your ticket, you will likely receive a full refund, but they are not obligated to offer alternatives or honour the mistake fare.
• Wait Before Booking Non-Refundables – If you score a mistake fare, wait at least 24 to 72 hours before booking additional travel arrangements like hotel stays, car rentals, or tours.
• Refund Policies – Research the airline’s refund policy. Some budget airlines are more lenient about honouring mistake fares than others, so understanding their policies can help manage expectations.

 

 

8. Join Travel Hacking Communities

If you’re serious about finding mistake fares, consider joining travel hacking communities where experienced travellers share tips and strategies for finding the best deals. These communities often have real-time updates and discussions on mistake fares and insights into maximizing travel rewards.

Joining these groups keeps you informed about rare deals and insider tips.

 

• Flyertalk – This popular forum has a wealth of information about mistaken fares, fare rules, and booking strategies.
• Reddit’s r/churning – While focused on credit card points and travel rewards, this subreddit also discusses mistake fares when they appear.

 

 

9. Use Credit Card Protections

When booking mistake fares, using a credit card with travel protections can offer extra security if something goes wrong. Many premium credit cards offer protections like trip cancellation or delay coverage, even if the airline decides not to honour your mistake fare. These cards often include valuable emergency assistance services while travelling internationally.

It can provide peace of mind, ensuring you don’t lose money on other non-refundable parts of your trip. Some cards compensate for lost baggage or delays, adding another layer of protection and making your travel experience far less stressful. Certain cards offer perks like access to exclusive airport lounges, further enhancing your trip.

Examples – Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum often provide travellers with these protections.

Recommended read – The Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads and Travelers

 

10. Leverage Mileage Programs and Points

Another savvy way to save when searching for mistake fares is by combining them with frequent flyer miles or credit card points. You can still book some mistake fares through points programs or earn bonus miles when price discrepancies occur. Taking advantage of your points can reduce the out-of-pocket cost significantly.

Keep an eye on promotions or mileage multipliers that can make your travel experience even more rewarding. Credit cards offer double or triple points on travel purchases, maximizing your savings. Check for any special deals that coincide with your travel plans.

Tip – When booking through an airline’s loyalty program, double-check the earning potential for that flight. Mistake fares also count toward elite status and can add significant mileage to your account.

With these extra strategies, you’re better equipped to find mistake fares while maximizing your savings and travel benefits!

 

11. Monitor Flash Sales and Promotions

Mistake fares often coincide with flash sales or special promotions when airlines adjust prices quickly to compete. Keeping an eye on these flash sales can reveal error fares, mainly when a sale drives prices lower than expected. Regularly monitor airline websites, travel apps, and promotional emails to take advantage of these limited-time offers.

Some travel agencies and booking platforms also run limited-time flash deals, where mistake fares could easily slip through due to fast-changing pricing algorithms. Signing up for price alert tools during these sales can help you act when fares drop. Timing is crucial, so setting up notifications ensures you take advantage of these fleeting opportunities.

 

12. Use Incognito Mode When Searching for Flights

It helps avoid potential price increases based on your search history for mistake fares. Many airline websites and flight aggregators use cookies to track your browsing habits, and repeated searches can cause prices to rise. Using incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies can prevent dynamic pricing from affecting your search results.

This approach helps you find mistake fares that others might miss. This method ensures you get the freshest prices without being influenced by previous searches.

Also, use different devices or networks to compare flight prices to ensure you see the lowest available fares.

 

Bring It All Together!

Finding mistake fares can be a significant advantage for travellers seeking to save money. You do need the right tools, the right strategies, and a decent amount of flexibility when finding such relatively cheap flights that include huge savings. Remember that booking quickly, knowing the risks, and staying informed with fare-tracking websites and social media increase the chances of success.

Now that you know how to find mistake fares, it’s time to stay alert and act fast.

 

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