How to Find Error Fares in 2025: Travel Hacks to Book Ultra-Cheap Flights

Ever seen a $50 flight from New York to Paris? Or a round-trip to Tokyo for less than $300? These aren’t myths — they’re error fares, and they still happen in 2025.

Whether it’s a currency glitch, system miscalculation, or human error, airlines occasionally publish the wrong prices. If you’re quick enough to spot them, you can grab a seat for a fraction of the normal cost. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find error fares and how to book them before they’re gone.

What Is an Error Fare?

An error fare (also called a mistake fare) is an airline ticket sold at a significantly lower price than usual due to:

• Currency conversion mistakes
• Omitted fuel surcharges or taxes
• Technical glitches in fare systems
• Human error when entering fare details

These fares are typically available for a few hours to a couple of days and disappear quickly once they are discovered.

How Common Are Error Fares in 2025?

They’re less frequent than a few years ago due to improved algorithms, but they still happen, especially:

• During airline system updates
• On long-haul international routes
• When currencies fluctuate rapidly
• With complex multi-city itineraries

Staying alert and using the right tools is key.

Best Tools to Spot Error Fares

You don’t have to hunt manually — these platforms specialize in finding mistake fares:

Pro Tip: Follow them on Twitter or enable Telegram alerts to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.

How to Book an Error Fare Without Losing It

Once you find one:

1. Book immediately – don’t wait, don’t refresh the page.
2. Book Direct (if possible) – airlines may be more likely to honor fares booked directly.
3. Use a 24-hour hold (if available) – Some carriers allow a temporary hold.
4. Avoid adding extras immediately – don’t add seat selection or baggage yet; wait to see if the ticket is confirmed.
5. Be flexible – mistake fares usually have odd dates or connections.

Will the Airline Cancel My Error Fare?

Airlines can cancel error fares, but many choose to honor them to avoid bad press. It depends on:

• Whether the fare was truly an error or just a great deal
• How many people booked it
• How soon will the mistake be caught

If it’s canceled, you’ll be refunded — but don’t make non-refundable hotel bookings until your flight is ticketed and confirmed.

Best Times to Catch Error Fares

• Late nights (10 PM – 2 AM) – when fewer people are online
• Mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) – after fare updates
• Around major airline sales or glitches – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year’s

Real-Life Examples

• London to Bali round-trip for £199
• New York to Nairobi for $251
• Frankfurt to Bangkok business class for €388

These were all spotted and booked by travelers using the tools above, often within hours of the glitch.

FAQs – Error Fares Explained

Are error fares legal?
Yes, but airlines are not legally required to honor them unless your ticket is confirmed. Some countries offer more consumer protection than others.

How long do error fares last?
Most disappear within 6–24 hours. It’s crucial to book fast and avoid over-planning before confirmation.

Can I book for a group?
You can try, but booking more than 2–3 seats may flag the error and increase the chance of cancellation.

What happens if my error fare is cancelled?
You’ll be refunded in full. No penalties are charged, but your trip won’t happen unless you rebook at full fare.

Related Guides from Flightofly

• How to Book a Flight for Someone Else:?
• Why Tuesday Flights Are Cheaper
• Airlines with 40kg Baggage Allowance

Final Thoughts

Error fares are one of the travel world’s most exciting loopholes. While they’re not always honored, they offer huge savings for travelers who act fast and understand the risks.

If you’re a flexible traveler with a bit of luck and the right tools, you can score incredible flights at prices no one else will believe. Keep this page bookmarked and check our Flightofly Deals section for updated travel tips, hacks, and insider secrets.