The Truth About Error Fares

Ever scrolled through Facebook or Twitter and seen someone claim they just booked a return flight from New York to London for $150? You probably thought it was a scam. But most of the time, it's something called an "Error Fare."

What exactly is an Error Fare?

In simple terms: it’s a mistake. It could be a human entering the wrong currency (mistaking HKD for USD is a classic one), a technical glitch in the Global Distribution System (GDS), or a massive fuel surcharge that accidentally got dropped. Whatever the cause, it means a flight is priced way lower than the airline ever intended.

The Golden Rule: Don't Call the Airline!

This is the most important thing to remember. If you see an error fare, do not call the airline to ask if it’s real. If you do, they’ll notice the mistake and fix it immediately, ruining the fun for everyone else. Book it first, then wait.

The "Wait and See" Period

When you book an error fare, the airline has the right to cancel your ticket if they claim it was an "obvious error." Most of the time, they’ll decide within 48 to 72 hours. Our advice? Don’t book any non-refundable hotels or tours until you have that e-ticket confirmation in your inbox and a few days have passed.