Have you ever stumbled upon an unbelievably cheap flight and wondered if it was too good to be true? Welcome to the world of ‘Mistake Fares’ – a hidden gem in the travel industry that can turn your dream vacation into a reality without breaking the bank.

What Are Mistake Fares?

Mistake fares are significantly discounted airline tickets, resulting from errors in pricing. These errors can be caused by human mistakes, currency conversion mishaps, or technical glitches. They are often much lower than the usual fare for the same route and can be a traveler’s jackpot.

How to Spot a Mistake Fare

1. Unusually Low Prices: If the fare seems incredibly lower than normal, it could be a mistake fare.
2. Quick Price Changes: Mistake fares often fluctuate rapidly, so keep an eye on sudden drops in prices.
3. Inconsistencies: If the price significantly varies from other airlines’ prices for the same route, it could be a mistake.

Catching a Mistake Fare: Tips and Tricks

1. Stay Alert: Sign up for alerts from fare-tracking websites and travel deal forums.
2. Be Flexible: The more flexible you are with your travel dates and destinations, the higher your chances of catching a mistake fare.
3. Act Fast: Mistake fares don’t last long. Be ready to book quickly.

What Happens After You Book a Mistake Fare?

Airlines may honor the fare or cancel the booking. If they honor it, congratulations on scoring a great deal! If they cancel, they’ll usually offer a refund or a discount on a future booking.

Mistake fares are rare but can offer significant savings. By staying informed, acting quickly, and being flexible, you might just land yourself an incredible deal on your next flight.

Subscribe to Going for Mistake Fares and Low Price Alerts

Personally, I subscribe to Going, which is a great service that alerts you to low fares, mistake fares, and more. I have the Elite version, but they have several levels. Full disclosure, it’s a referral link, and referrals can grant me discounts on the subscription I pay.

Just today, I was alerted about a flight to Poland on Jet Blue. Normally $800 – $1600, it is an incredible $86 !

Remember, while Mistake Fares can be a fantastic find, they require quick action and a bit of luck. Happy fare hunting!