Imagine booking business class to Tokyo for $300 instead of $4,000, or roundtrip flights to Europe for $200 instead of $900. Mistake fares make this possible — but you need to act fast.
What is a Mistake Fare?
A mistake fare (also called an error fare) occurs when an airline or booking site accidentally publishes a drastically incorrect price. Common causes include:
- Currency conversion errors: The airline's system confuses dollars with another currency
- Missing digits: A $2,000 fare is published as $200
- Tax calculation errors: Fuel surcharges or taxes aren't added properly
- Pricing algorithm glitches: Automated systems make mistakes
- Human error: Someone enters the wrong price manually
Real Examples of Mistake Fares
Here are actual mistake fares from recent years:
- Hong Kong to New York business class: $675 (regular price: $7,000+)
- Los Angeles to Fiji: $350 roundtrip (regular price: $1,200)
- Toronto to Bangkok: $320 (regular price: $1,500)
- London to multiple cities in Asia: £200 return (regular price: £800+)
- United States to South Africa: $400 roundtrip (regular price: $1,500+)
These fares typically last 2-12 hours before the airline notices and corrects them.
How to Spot a Mistake Fare
Mistake fares have telltale signs:
- Price is 60-90% off normal: If it seems too good to be true, it might be a mistake fare
- Business/First class cheaper than economy: Clear pricing error
- Specific date ranges only: Usually affects a limited booking window
- Appears on multiple booking sites: If the error is in the airline's central system, it appears everywhere
How to Book Mistake Fares Successfully
1. Act Immediately
When you see a potential mistake fare, book first and ask questions later. These fares can disappear within hours or even minutes. Airlines monitor social media and deal forums, killing fares once they go viral.
2. Book Multiple Passengers if Traveling in a Group
Availability on mistake fares is often limited. If you're traveling with family or friends, book each ticket separately to increase your chances of getting at least some confirmed.
3. Don't Contact the Airline Beforehand
Calling to "verify" the fare will just alert them to the error. Book online and wait for confirmation.
4. Use the Right Payment Method
Use a credit card with:
- Good travel protections (in case the airline honors it)
- Easy dispute process (in case they cancel)
- No foreign transaction fees (for international bookings)
5. Wait for E-Ticket Confirmation
A booking confirmation is not enough. Wait until you receive an actual e-ticket number (starts with the airline's 3-digit code). This is your strongest proof that a contract exists.
Will the Airline Honor It?
This is the big question. Airlines handle mistake fares differently:
U.S. Department of Transportation Rules
In the U.S., airlines must honor fares they publish, even if they're mistakes — with a few exceptions:
- If the fare is "clearly" an error (like $0 or $1)
- If the airline can prove no reasonable person would expect that price
In practice, U.S. airlines sometimes honor mistake fares to avoid bad PR, but they're not strictly required to.
International Airlines
European and other international carriers are generally not bound by U.S. rules. They have more leeway to cancel mistake fares, though some choose to honor them for customer goodwill.
Historical Outcomes
Looking at past mistake fares:
- ~50-60% are honored: Especially by major U.S. carriers
- ~30-40% are cancelled: The airline refunds your money
- ~10% are "compromised": The airline offers a discount code or upgraded fare class
What to Do If Your Fare is Cancelled
If the airline cancels your mistake fare:
1. Get a Full Refund
The airline must refund all charges, usually within 7-14 days. Check your credit card statement to ensure the refund appears.
2. Don't Make Non-Refundable Bookings
Never book hotels, rental cars, or request time off work until your tickets are confirmed and you're confident they won't be cancelled. With mistake fares, wait at least 72 hours after booking.
3. Stay Polite
Being angry or demanding won't help. Airlines are more likely to offer compensation (vouchers, discounts) to polite customers.
4. Watch for Compensation Offers
Some airlines offer vouchers or discount codes to customers whose mistake fare was cancelled. These are usually sent via email.
Where to Find Mistake Fares
Mistake fares are rare and unpredictable. The best strategies:
- Deal alert services: FlightMate and similar services monitor for mistakes automatically
- Social media: Follow deal hunters on Twitter/X and travel deal forums
- Booking sites: Occasionally check ITA Matrix, Google Flights, or Momondo for anomalies
- Airline glitches: System updates or website maintenance sometimes cause temporary pricing errors
Ethical Considerations
Some travelers feel guilty booking mistake fares. Consider:
- Airlines make billions in profit; one mistake fare won't hurt them
- You're following the 24-hour cancellation rule and paying what was advertised
- Airlines cancel your bookings all the time (overselling, schedule changes)
That said, be respectful and understand the risk. Never harass airline staff if your fare is cancelled.
Final Tips
- Set up deal alerts so you hear about mistake fares quickly
- Have your credit card and frequent flyer details ready to book fast
- Book first, celebrate later (after e-tickets are issued)
- Don't post publicly about mistake fares until after you're ticketed (this kills the deal faster)
- Use the 24-hour free cancellation window to verify the fare before fully committing