How to Hunt (and Actually Book) Airline Error Fares

## What an error fare actually is An error fare is a mistakenly published ticket price — usually a currency conversion mistake, a filed-fare bug, or a decimal place error. Historically: NYC–Milan business class for $187, US–Vietnam first class for $675. These vanish in hours. ## Where to find them - **Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, Thrifty Traveler, Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights)** — free tiers surface most public deals. - **r/awardtravel and r/flights** — community catches many first. - **Twitter/X follows** — @SecretFlying, @TheFlightDeal. Set mobile push notifications for these; the window is usually 4–12 hours. ## The 30-minute booking rule When an error fare drops: 1. Book immediately at the airline's own website in an incognito window. Do NOT call. 2. Pay with a credit card that offers trip cancellation/interruption protection (Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Amex Platinum). 3. Do NOT book hotels, tours, or connecting flights for at least 7 days. 4. Do NOT post the fare, tag the airline, or brag on social. ## Why the wait matters Airlines have historically been allowed to cancel obvious mistake fares within a reasonable window. Most either honor the fare or refund with a small voucher (often $200+). If you booked non-refundable hotels immediately, you're on your own. ## Legal protection in the US The DOT's old "must honor mistake fares" rule was rescinded, but airlines that cancel must fully refund and typically offer compensation. Trip insurance from your credit card covers most non-refundable losses if the ticket is invalidated. ## Realistic expectations Most error fares are still honored — especially those already ticketed (an e-ticket number, not just a reservation). But treat every one as speculative for the first week. ## The mindset Error fares aren't a strategy — they're a lottery ticket. Build your normal travel plans around points and cash sales. When lightning strikes, you'll be ready with a passport, credit card, and 14 days of PTO in your back pocket.