Error fares - how to get notified and where to find them?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 4
Error fares - how to get notified and where to find them?
Hi,
I have already used from error fares to book cheap flights but I was wondering where I could find them myself in this forum or on other websites? Any recommendations? Here I often find "Fare Gone" so obviously I was too late but is there an easier way of finding error fares than just clicking through all postings?
Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
Sebastian
I have already used from error fares to book cheap flights but I was wondering where I could find them myself in this forum or on other websites? Any recommendations? Here I often find "Fare Gone" so obviously I was too late but is there an easier way of finding error fares than just clicking through all postings?
Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
Sebastian
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
This forum helps. Couple of hints though.
1) don't ever spread them until you have booked yours if you are going
2) don't ever call the airline thirty seconds after booking the fare for fifty cents asking about upgrades, asking to change your seats, whatever. Don't do anything to draw their attention to the mistake.
Unfortunately, lots of people have been totally ignoring hint number two, so fares don't get mentioned here near as often anymore, too many people spoiling it.
Fatwallet is another good source, though for the most part they are just copied from here.
Once it hits any of the more wide distribution lists like farecompare or fat wallet, it's life is probably very short, as by then the airline certainly is aware of it.
You are usually talking just a few hours they are alive, so it's not that uncommon to miss them .
1) don't ever spread them until you have booked yours if you are going
2) don't ever call the airline thirty seconds after booking the fare for fifty cents asking about upgrades, asking to change your seats, whatever. Don't do anything to draw their attention to the mistake.
Unfortunately, lots of people have been totally ignoring hint number two, so fares don't get mentioned here near as often anymore, too many people spoiling it.
Fatwallet is another good source, though for the most part they are just copied from here.
Once it hits any of the more wide distribution lists like farecompare or fat wallet, it's life is probably very short, as by then the airline certainly is aware of it.
You are usually talking just a few hours they are alive, so it's not that uncommon to miss them .
#5
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
Wouldn't every airline like to know "how to get notified and where to find [Error fares]?"
The easier we make it, the faster they will die.
----------------------------------------------------------
On another note, I would like to submit that FT should not be about error fares. FTers are primarily frequent flyers and, in the long run, what is good for the airlines is good for us. We want airlines to succeed. We need them to succeed to preserve our miles, status benefits, favorite routes, and continue to compete with other carriers, keeping fares in check. While I am willing to book error fares when I see them if they work for my travel needs, I also regularly give airlines a greater number of profitable bookings. Those who are only after error fares are at odds with airlines success, and by extension, frequent flyers long term success.
The easier we make it, the faster they will die.
----------------------------------------------------------
On another note, I would like to submit that FT should not be about error fares. FTers are primarily frequent flyers and, in the long run, what is good for the airlines is good for us. We want airlines to succeed. We need them to succeed to preserve our miles, status benefits, favorite routes, and continue to compete with other carriers, keeping fares in check. While I am willing to book error fares when I see them if they work for my travel needs, I also regularly give airlines a greater number of profitable bookings. Those who are only after error fares are at odds with airlines success, and by extension, frequent flyers long term success.
Last edited by wanaflyforless; Nov 10, 2009 at 7:06 pm
#6
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,891
Welcome to FT, notsofrequentflyeryet!
There is no magical trick to finding error fares, just stop by frequently, and sooner or later your timing will be right. The most important thing, though (which has already been pointed out by wanaflyforless) is that there's so much more to FT and travel than finding mistakes.
I'll move this thread to the MR discussion forum.
--jpdx, MR Moderator
There is no magical trick to finding error fares, just stop by frequently, and sooner or later your timing will be right. The most important thing, though (which has already been pointed out by wanaflyforless) is that there's so much more to FT and travel than finding mistakes.
I'll move this thread to the MR discussion forum.
--jpdx, MR Moderator
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SMF
Programs: UA Gold, 1 MM
Posts: 11,632
Please follow the advice of others in the hopes of keeping specific fares active for longer periods.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,067
If you know it's an error, why would you book it?
Anyone who calls something an error fare doesn't know how to play the game.
I book whatever fares are presented to me and I choose to accept. I don't know the motivation behind them, nor do I care. If I like the price I see, I click purchase.
I just bought some batteries at Walgreens for 99 cents. That's 80% off the usual price. I have no idea what their intent was there, I just needed batteries, and liked what I saw.
Same goes for airlines. If a transcon is typically $200, and I see one for $40, I may choose to buy it.
Got it?
Anyone who calls something an error fare doesn't know how to play the game.
I book whatever fares are presented to me and I choose to accept. I don't know the motivation behind them, nor do I care. If I like the price I see, I click purchase.
I just bought some batteries at Walgreens for 99 cents. That's 80% off the usual price. I have no idea what their intent was there, I just needed batteries, and liked what I saw.
Same goes for airlines. If a transcon is typically $200, and I see one for $40, I may choose to buy it.
Got it?
#9
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Exec, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Plat Elite
Posts: 151
If you know it's an error, why would you book it?
Anyone who calls something an error fare doesn't know how to play the game.
I book whatever fares are presented to me and I choose to accept. I don't know the motivation behind them, nor do I care. If I like the price I see, I click purchase.
I just bought some batteries at Walgreens for 99 cents. That's 80% off the usual price. I have no idea what their intent was there, I just needed batteries, and liked what I saw.
Same goes for airlines. If a transcon is typically $200, and I see one for $40, I may choose to buy it.
Got it?
Anyone who calls something an error fare doesn't know how to play the game.
I book whatever fares are presented to me and I choose to accept. I don't know the motivation behind them, nor do I care. If I like the price I see, I click purchase.
I just bought some batteries at Walgreens for 99 cents. That's 80% off the usual price. I have no idea what their intent was there, I just needed batteries, and liked what I saw.
Same goes for airlines. If a transcon is typically $200, and I see one for $40, I may choose to buy it.
Got it?