Glitch Fares 101: Legal Loopholes to Lock in Mistake Prices
Have you ever stumbled upon a ticket price for a flight that seemed too good to be true? Did you immediately book it, only to find out later that it was a mistake fare? It can be incredibly frustrating to have your hopes of a cheap vacation dashed by an airline’s pricing error. But what if we told you that there are legal loopholes that can help you lock in those mistake prices? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of glitch fares and explore 101 ways to take advantage of these pricing mistakes. Read on to learn how you can turn airline mishaps into major savings.
What are Glitch Fares?
Glitch fares, also known as mistake fares or error fares, are airline ticket prices that are significantly lower than the standard fare for a particular destination. These errors can occur for a variety of reasons, such as computer glitches, currency conversion errors, or human error. Whatever the cause, these prices can sometimes be as low as 10% of the regular fare, making them a steal for budget-conscious travelers.
Are They Legal?
One of the first questions that comes to mind when it comes to glitch fares is whether or not they are legal. The answer is yes – these fares are not technically illegal. However, airlines do have the right to cancel these fares if they deem it necessary. This is why it’s crucial to act fast if you come across a glitch fare. The sooner you book, the less likely it is to be canceled.
How to Find Glitch Fares?
The first step to taking advantage of glitch fares is to know where to find them. There are a few ways you can go about this:
Follow Deal Websites and Forums
There are many deal websites and forums out there that specialize in finding glitch fares. Some popular ones include Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Fly4Free. These websites are frequently updated with the latest deals, and you can sign up for email alerts to get notifications when a new glitch fare is found.
Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines often use social media to promote their deals and sales, including mistake fares. Following airlines on Twitter and Facebook can increase your chances of catching a glitch fare as soon as it’s announced. You can also set up notifications so that you don’t miss out on any deals.
Use Flight Alerts
You can also set up flight alerts on websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper. These alerts will notify you when prices drop for a particular destination, including mistake fares. You can also set multiple alerts for different destinations to increase your chances of catching a glitch fare.
Legal Loopholes to Lock in Glitch Fares
Now that you know how to find glitch fares, it’s time to learn how to lock them in. Here are some legal loopholes you can use to ensure you get the best deal on your next flight.
Freeze a Price
Some airlines allow you to put a price on hold for 24 hours, giving you time to confirm your travel plans and make arrangements. If you come across a glitch fare, you can freeze the price and take your time to make a decision. Just be sure to check with the airline’s policies beforehand to see if this option is available.
Book a One-Way Ticket
If you’re hesitant to book a round-trip ticket at a lower price, consider booking a one-way ticket. This way, if the mistake fare is canceled, you won’t be out of a significant amount of money. You can always book a return ticket on another airline or take advantage of frequent flyer miles to complete your round-trip journey.
Use a Travel Agent
This may come as a surprise, but using a travel agent can sometimes be helpful when it comes to mistake fares. Travel agents often have access to systems that allow them to book flights at a lower price than the advertised fare. They can also negotiate with the airlines on your behalf if there are any issues with your booking.
Closing Thoughts
Glitch fares are a travel hacker’s dream – a chance to get a fantastic deal on flights that would otherwise be out of budget. By knowing where to find these fares and using legal loopholes to lock them in, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your next trip. So keep your eyes peeled and be ready to jump on a mistake fare when you see one. Happy travels!
