Traveling by air is an essential part of modern life, but it can also be an expensive endeavor. Whether you’re booking a vacation, a business trip, or a last-minute getaway, finding the best possible deal on flights can save you a significant amount of money. One of the most exciting and lucrative ways to score affordable flights is by discovering error fares and secret deals. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best strategies to help you find these hidden gems and share how popular booking sites like Expedia, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb, and platforms like GetYourGuide can aid in making your flight booking experience smoother and more cost-effective.
What are Error Fares?
Error fares, sometimes referred to as “glitch fares,” are pricing mistakes that occur when airlines or booking platforms accidentally list tickets at a lower price than intended. These errors can happen for several reasons, including software glitches, incorrect fare settings, or human errors in data entry. However, once discovered, these fares often sell out quickly, and travelers who catch them can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on airfare.
Why Are Error Fares so Valuable?
Error fares are typically much cheaper than regular flight prices. Since they are mistakes, airlines or booking sites usually honor the fare for travelers who book quickly before the error is corrected. For savvy travelers, booking an error fare means they get to travel for a fraction of the cost, which leaves more room in the budget for hotels, activities, or souvenirs.
However, these fares are not always easy to find, and you’ll need to be quick to grab them when they appear. Error fares are often for specific routes, so it helps to have flexibility in your travel plans. With that in mind, let’s dive into some hacks to help you find these elusive deals.
1. Use Specialized Error Fare Websites and Tools
There are several websites and tools dedicated to finding and sharing error fares. These sites monitor airlines and booking platforms for pricing mistakes and alert users when they spot a deal. Some of the best platforms to use include:
- Secret Flying: Secret Flying is one of the most well-known websites for finding error fares. They provide detailed listings of error fare opportunities, often including international destinations at a fraction of the regular cost.
- Airfarewatchdog: Another great resource, Airfarewatchdog is an alert service that notifies you of deals and error fares for specific routes you’re interested in. Their team manually checks for flight deals, so they catch more hidden fares than automatic services.
- The Flight Deal: This website offers an extensive collection of error fares and flight deals across a variety of routes. The Flight Deal often posts about hidden fares to less-known destinations that travelers can snag at discounted prices.
- Scott’s Cheap Flights: Scott’s Cheap Flights is a subscription-based service that sends out alerts for error fares and secret deals on flights. With a free account, you’ll get notified about limited-time offers, but upgrading to the paid version will give you access to even more premium deals.
2. Sign Up for Fare Alerts on Major Booking Sites
Booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor allow you to set up fare alerts for specific routes, dates, and destinations. These alerts can be invaluable in helping you stay updated on any price drops or hidden deals.
- Expedia: Once you’ve chosen your destination, you can set up fare alerts for specific flights, which will notify you if the price drops. Expedia also frequently runs promotions and sales, so keep an eye on the homepage for discounted fares.
- TripAdvisor: Known for its travel reviews, TripAdvisor also has a flight search feature that aggregates prices from multiple sources. You can sign up for email notifications about price changes or promotions related to your desired route.
- Booking.com: While Booking.com is more well-known for accommodations, they also offer flight bookings. You can monitor flight deals through their mobile app and website, which offers timely updates for special promotions and price drops.
3. Use Google Flights and Flexible Dates
Google Flights is one of the best tools for finding flight deals, including error fares. It allows you to search across multiple airlines, see price trends, and use flexible dates to adjust your travel schedule for the lowest fares. With Google Flights, you can also track specific routes, set up fare alerts, and explore nearby airports for cheaper options.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ “Explore” feature to find affordable destinations based on your travel dates. This is particularly useful if you’re open to various destinations and just want to find the best deal.
4. Book Flights in Incognito Mode
Sometimes airlines or booking platforms track your search history and increase the prices of flights you’ve searched repeatedly. By browsing in incognito mode or private browsing, your search history remains hidden, and you may have a better chance of seeing lower fares. This trick doesn’t guarantee error fares, but it can sometimes help you find better prices on tickets.
5. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Routes
Flexibility is key to finding hidden flight deals. If you’re set on a specific destination, try changing your travel dates to see if fares fluctuate. Often, flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) can be significantly cheaper than flying on weekends. Similarly, if you can fly from or to a nearby airport, it might save you money.
Pro Tip: Consider using GetYourGuide to book tours or activities at your destination. Sometimes, booking a tour package together with your flight can unlock discounts or bundled deals that offer greater value.
6. Look for Airline Flash Sales
Airlines occasionally run flash sales that are not always well-publicized. These limited-time promotions often feature great deals on airfare, including error fares. Following airlines on social media, subscribing to newsletters, and checking their websites regularly can help you catch these sales before they disappear.
- Airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines are known for running occasional flash sales, where you can find discounted flights to popular destinations.
7. Consider Booking Flights with Alternative Airlines
Major airlines aren’t the only ones offering deals on flights. Low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jetstar often feature error fares, though the baggage policies and seating options may differ. If you’re flexible on amenities and want to save money, these airlines can offer great deals when you find error fares.
8. Look for Hidden Deals on Airbnb for Accommodation
Once you’ve snagged an amazing deal on a flight, don’t forget to check out Airbnb for affordable accommodations. Many travelers who book flights at discounted prices also look for unique stays to match their budget. Airbnb offers everything from luxury properties to quirky, affordable options in any destination.
Pro Tip: Use Airbnb’s “Instant Book” feature to secure your stay faster and avoid missing out on a property that’s in high demand. You can also find curated travel guides on Airbnb to help plan your trip effectively.
9. Check Airline Booking Sites Directly
While third-party platforms like Expedia and TripAdvisor can help you find deals, don’t overlook the airlines themselves. Sometimes, error fares and secret deals are only available directly through the airline’s website. Additionally, many airlines offer exclusive discounts to people who book directly, such as loyalty program members or those signing up for newsletters.
Tip: Many airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines offer flash sales via their email newsletters, so be sure to subscribe for updates.
Conclusion
Finding error fares and secret deals is an exciting challenge that can save you significant amounts on your travel expenses. By using a combination of specialized websites like Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and major booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb, you can optimize your chances of landing an amazing deal on flights, hotels, and tours.
Remember to be flexible with your travel dates, set up alerts, and use tools like Google Flights to track price changes. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to booking your dream vacation at an unbeatable price. Happy travels!
