The main reason for not calling an airline is so that it won't bring attention to the error fare. An alert reservation agent may see the pricing and shoot of an inquiry to Rev. Mgmt, and then the fare is pulled and worse, the error fare not honoured.
So whether it is to get seat assignment, confirm the reservation or change dates, any interaction with the airline might mean game over for everyone.
For those who insist on calling for their seats, come on. At this price, you should contend with the lousiest seat in the house and if there are still seats left, ask for a better one at the airport.
Originally Posted by
HarbourGent
Other people take an alternative view, for example that having purchased a ticket one then needs to make contingent plans and so it can be helpful to contact the airline for example to confirm the ticket. That also has a logic.
For these type of people, I don't think they should be making use of error fares at all. If you don't have deep enough knowledge and experience with the airline industry/mileage running game to have ways and means to bail yourself out when the airline cancels, then please don't play with fire. Buy a flexible standard fare from the airline direct.
Because an airline can cancel an error fare ANYTIME they fancy. So calling to check really does not do much and you are pretty much safe only AFTER you have flown.
If you want to participate in an error fare, understand the risks and if you cannot handle it, then at least be nice enough to not spoil the fun for the rest.
Would love an idea of a private sub forum, but with all the blogs etc, I think most fares will be leaked and the risk of cancellation just gets higher over time.