The Insider’s Guide to Error Fares: How to Snag Ultra-Cheap Flights

Have you ever heard someone brag about booking an international flight for the price of dinner and wondered how on earth they pulled it off? Chances are, they landed what’s known as an error fare. These rare pricing mistakes can slash ticket prices to a fraction of their usual cost—and if you act fast, you can take advantage of them too.

My Most Recent Find

Back in September, I was in Baltimore checking out the Museum of Art when an alert popped up on my phone: a round-trip flight from Toronto to Paris for just $169 CAD (about $135 USD). Normally, that route would cost at least four times as much. I had only minutes to decide, so I quickly checked my calendar, picked dates, and booked. Within an hour the deal was gone, but my seat was secured. This is the magic of error fares—you snooze, you lose.

What Exactly Is an Error Fare?

An error fare happens when an airline or booking system accidentally lists the wrong price. It could be a technical glitch, a missing digit, or a conversion error between currencies. These slip-ups don’t just happen with economy tickets—sometimes you’ll see them for business class, first class, or even hotels.

The tricky part is that you can’t request an error fare to a specific destination. They appear randomly, and often they won’t be for a place you were planning to visit. But every now and then, the stars align: the city, the dates, and the destination all work out. When that happens, the only right move is to grab it before it disappears.

How to Catch One Before It’s Gone

1. Stay Alert
Since error fares can vanish in minutes, the key is being notified right away. Travel deal sites like Secret Flying, Fly4Free, and Scott’s Cheap Flights frequently post them, and you can set up alerts through social media or apps. Some travelers use automation tools like IFTTT to receive custom notifications the moment “error fare” is mentioned online.

2. Be Flexible
Error fares reward those who don’t have rigid schedules. If you’re open to traveling solo, even better—you won’t waste precious time checking with others before booking. Make a mental list of when you’re available so you can lock in the deal instantly without second-guessing.

3. Act Fast
The biggest mistake is hesitating. I once missed a flight to Peru priced at a fraction of the norm simply because I debated for too long. By the time I decided, the offer had already vanished. With error fares, hesitation almost always means missing out.

After You Book

Once your payment goes through, resist the urge to immediately book hotels or tours. Airlines don’t always honor these fares, and you’ll want to wait at least 48 hours to see if your ticket is confirmed. If the airline cancels, you’ll typically receive a full refund.

Also, never call the airline to “double check” your booking. That only draws attention to the error and increases the chance of the deal being pulled before tickets are issued. Your best move is to quietly wait for that e-ticket to land in your inbox.

Final Thoughts

Error fares are not a guarantee, but when they work out, they can turn dream destinations into affordable adventures. With the right tools, a flexible attitude, and quick decision-making, you could find yourself exploring the streets of Paris, the beaches of the Seychelles, or any number of incredible places for a price you never thought possible.

So next time you see an unbelievable deal pop up, don’t overthink it—just book.