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How To Snag an Airline Glitch Fare: Tips & Tidbits

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare

Glitch fares. Error fares. Mistake fares. They go by many names, but what are they exactly? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like, glitches and errors due to human or technical error that ultimately benefits the heck out of travelers, who are able to book flights for a fraction of the cost of normal airfare (like that one time I caught a glitch fare to Abu Dhabi for $187, roundtrip).

Some of you reading this may have actually snagged the most recent glitch fare from the U.S. to parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Thailand. Congrats my friends! Hope to meet some of you in South Africa!

For those of you that didn’t and are wondering how you can find and take advantage of glitch fares, don’t you worry your pretty little head, I’ve got you covered. Here are some Tips and Tidbits on How to Snag an Airline Glitch Fare.

Book Now. Plan Later.

My #1 piece of advice and motto when it comes to glitch fares. You don’t have time to worry about the details. Where to stay. Things to do. How you’re going to get to the departure city (if it’s a city that’s different than where you currently are). How the airline food is. You’ve never heard of the airline? Who cares?! Book the flight and worry about the details later!

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare

Be Patient & Persistent

Sometimes getting these glitch fares is no walk in the park. They’re not going to be handed to you on a pretty silver platter, tied up in a big red bow. Sometimes you really have to work for them. You’re likely going to have to hunt and search for applicable dates, toggle from one airfare search engine to the next, but it is so well worth it. Be patient. Even when sometimes people declare the glitch fare is over, all it takes is a little bit of extra searching. For example, this last deal I nabbed to South Africa, people were saying the deal was dead a few hours after it was discovered, I was still able to find dates the following day. It just took a bit of persistence and a sleepless night to find it, but it was there. You have to play around with the dates. A lot. I mean a whole lot. Which leads to the next point…

Be Flexible

This is probably one of the most important things when booking glitch fares. You have to be flexible. There’s just no way around this. You have to be flexible with your dates, flexible with your departure city, heck, even flexible with where you’re willing to travel to. You have to be willing to go where the deals are and when they are available. I know we all think the universe revolves around us and our needs, but sorry Charlie…not in the world of glitch fares. You take what you can get, when you can get it.

Also, just because the flight doesn’t depart from your city doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t take advantage of the deal. For example a $1000+ flight to New Zealand is now $220, but doesn’t depart from your city. Fine. Book a separate ticket to a city that does offer the deal. You still come out hundreds and hundreds of dollars cheaper.

See a glitch fare, but never heard of the place? So, what?! Yolo do people even still say that?! Book that ridiculously cheap international flight, refer back to my first point, and go have you one epic adventure.

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare

Get On It Doggone It!

Listen Linda, time is of the essence, and while you’re sitting around twiddling your thumbs trying to figure out the who, what, whys and hows a kick ass deal will have passed you by. It’s not something you think on, it’s something you act on…IMMEDIATELY. Taking a couple of days to think it over…no, my dear. You’re doing good if the deal even lasts a couple hours. That means, unfortunately, you also cannot wait around for me and you, yo’ mama, and yo’ cousin too (an ode to the one and only Outkast, in case you didn’t know) your friends, family, whomever to get their ish together and decide whether or not they want to come along. Nobody has time for them to think about it, check their work schedule, their bank accounts, their this or their thats. Fend for yourself or you’ll find yourself sitting on that same friend’s sofa sipping your cheap wine, pining over your shoulda coulda wouldas, instead of sipping Sangria in Santorini. Just sayin’.

Yes, I know, I know…some people don’t like to or are afraid of traveling alone. However, don’t let the inconvenience of others hinder you from living your life. Had I sat around and waited for my friends I never would have booked that glitch fare to Abu Dhabi (for a whopping $187), I would have missed the opportune time to check skydiving off my Wanderlist, and I never would have met some of the most amazing people that I now call friends. That’s the thing about solo travel, you are never really alone, unless you just absolutely want to be. You always meet people along the way.

 

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare

These days, I let my friends know about a glitch fare or great deal, as more as a ¨Hey, FYI…¨, but not so much as an invitation, because I’m booking it regardless, with or without them. Moral of the story, don’t wait around for somebody else to make the decision for you. Get on it doggone it! Get yours and let them worry about theirs.

Get Social

The best way to nab a glitch fare is to use social media, hands down. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are your BFFs. The best thing you can do is join various travel groups on Facebook. If there is a glitch fare to be had, someone is going to post about it, and it is going to spread like wildfire. Some of my favorite groups are:

Black Travel Movement  
Black Girl Fly 
Bucket List Beasts
Girls Love Travel 

Another great way to stay on top of glitch fares is to follow/like Facebook pages such as Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Airfarewatchdog. These sites are AMAZING for being the first to post glitch fares and flight deals. But, don’t just stop at following them on Facebook. Set your notifications so that you see their posts first on your feed. This way their posts are not lost in the land of memes and cute baby videos. Any time I log into Facebook the first thing I see are flight deals posted by one or all of the aforementioned.

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare www.worldofawanderer.com

Twitter is also a great source. Add your favorite airlines, booking engines, etc. to a ¨List¨ and check it throughout the day for any great deals.

Another tip for never missing a flight deal, is download the app, IFTTT (If This Then That). This app is amazing for syncing your apps and setting up alerts from travel websites like the ones mentioned above. You simply create what they call applets (formerly known as recipes) saying IF such and such tweets/posts about THIS, THEN I’m notified (through whatever medium you prefer).

I love this app because you can tailor your alerts any way you see fit, for specific airlines, departure cities, destinations, keywords (i.e. Error Fare, Glitch Fare, Mistake Fare, etc.) etc. Check out my post on Must-Have Travel Apps to see what kind of applets I currently have set up that keeps me in the know of travel deals.


Here are 28 Other Wanderlusty Facebook Groups You Should Join!


Other Tips & Tidbits

***NEVER EVER CALL THE AIRLINE OR BOOKING SITE DURING A GLITCH FARE!!! EVER!***

Do not call to inquire about the price and whether it’s legit or not, or to ask about seating, or to ask about anything. This only tips the airline off that there’s a glitch and you can guarantee they’ll be scrounging around to get it fixed ASAP! Don’t be that guy that messes it up for everybody else, or for yourself even.

Just wait. Almost all U.S. bases airlines, and most booking sites will allow you to cancel within 24 hours, with no penalty, and you’ll get a full refund. If the site doesn’t offer this for free, they may offer it for a small fee. If this is the case, purchase it just to be on the safe side.

If you need to change something just book another flight and then cancel the other one within the 24 hours. 

– Always always always read the terms and conditions of the booking site as well as the fare terms. As I mentioned before, most sites offer the 24-hour cancellation period, but some don’t. Some may only offer 12 hours. Some may offer none on super cheap flights, and you’re just SOL if you need to change or cancel anything. Check the rules before booking.

– I’ve noticed that often times glitch fares typically work best when you book for 7 days.

– Airlines are not required to honor glitch fares, mistake fares, fuel-dumping fares, whatever you want to call them. Nothing is guaranteed.

If you book through a third-party site and you receive a booking confirmation, that does not mean your flight is confirmed. You must receive your e-ticket from the actual airline to ensure your reservation has been made. Once you’ve received your ticket reservation number from the airline, go to their website and enter your reservation information just to double check that your flight is confirmed in their system.

– Do not get carried away and start booking hotels, Airbnbs, excursions and all things of the sort right away because again, nothing is guaranteed. Wait at least until you the deal is dead and you have your flight confirmation from the airline. But, again, nothing is guaranteed.

If you do jump the gun and start booking accommodations, I’d recommend booking places with a flexible cancellation policy, or will allow you to cancel the day before arrival. Booking.com is great for offering these kinds of options.

– Get travel insurance! I can’t stress this enough! Even if the flight is dirt cheap, it’s still money. Anything can happen, and you may need to cancel/change your trip. Even during your trip, the airline could lose your luggage, you could have a medical emergency, so many things could happen. Be protected.

Alright, so there you have it. Tools, tips, and tidbits on how to Snag a Glitch Fare.


Want to Save $100’s on your flights? Check out this post on how to do just that!


Have you ever booked a glitch fare? What was the deal? Any other tips and tidbits? Leave a comment below.

Tips & Tidbits: How to Snag a Glitch Fare

This post contains affiliate links. This is just a fine way of directing you straight to the source instead of a bunch of searching on your part. 
  • Dee

    Thank you for dropping that knowledge! I’m so mad I didnt catch that SA deal but hopefully soon happens. Holler at your girl if you find another deal. Awesome post! I’m joining all those Facebook groups.

    March 9, 2017 at 12:38 am Reply
  • Hallie

    “Listen Linda” hahaha. I think my number one thing that has stopped me from purchasing these fares, even though I totally follow the groups that tell you when they’ve found one, is the planning part. I’m always like.. dang, but can I leave at that time? Can I make the dates work?! I think one of these days I just need to jump on it and do it.. no looking back!

    March 9, 2017 at 2:44 am Reply
  • Stephanie

    I’ve never had a glitch fare, but I’ve started working less and traveling more in the past few months. I would love to catch one. These tips are great and now I know where to look. And don’t worry, the secret is safe with me. I won’t tell the airlines.

    March 9, 2017 at 4:50 am Reply
  • Megan Indoe

    We have never done this and always wondered how the heck to do it! It always seems like when someone shares a deal we already have plans! I would love to take full advantage of one of these glitch fares one day! Thanks for all the insider tips!

    March 9, 2017 at 5:52 am Reply
  • Iuliana Marchian

    I liked very much your advice not to call the airline during a glitch fare . I must admit that you’re very temped to do that, but of course, you’d lose the best offer. What about if I book at a very low price and then they rise the price immediately? Is there any chance that they cancel my ticket?

    March 9, 2017 at 11:10 am Reply
  • Paige Wunder

    I would love to be fortunate enough to catch a glitch fare. I love the book now, plan later philosophy though. There are so many epically amazing places out there that we’ve never heard of, but this could force you to get out there. Being social is key – I live GirlsLOVETravel for this very reason. I definitely just starting following SecretFlying! Thanks for the tip!

    March 10, 2017 at 1:05 am Reply
  • Claire

    Great tips! I’ve always wondered how people manage to find these super cheap fares, and now I know! I love the community aspect of it too, at least once you’ve bagged your cheap flight its nice to spread the love and share it with others too!

    March 10, 2017 at 1:29 am Reply
  • Anne

    Wow these are fantastic tips. I’d never heard of half these Facebook groups but I’m signing up now.

    March 10, 2017 at 1:51 am Reply
  • Izzy

    I just found out about airfare errors this year from a friend who kept traveling all over the place for pennies! I have yet to find a deal I really want but thank you thank you thank youuuuu for listing all your resources! I’m liking all these facebook pages now! Also, I love the idea of spontaneity and really committing to the purchase before the planning, so many people are so distracted by logistics and less about the promise of a new adventure!

    March 10, 2017 at 1:59 am Reply
  • Sandy N Vyjay

    I have never had the luxury of grabbing a glitch fare! But, now after this post of yours I am going to put in all the efforts to grab one.This was really helpful!

    March 10, 2017 at 3:50 am Reply
  • Jenna Whistlecraft

    I got a super cheap deal (1/3 of the original price) for a trip UK- Tokyo over the new year with air france! Seen it about 6 weeks before the trip…and even met someone on the flight who got the same prices! Best 10 day trip ever!!

    March 10, 2017 at 2:03 pm Reply
  • Stella the Travelerette

    This was very helpful. I’ve never booked a glitch fare before but I’ve heard about it and was curious. My only problem is that I’m a teacher, so I can’t be flexible about my vacation weeks. But it’s good to know about some sites to follow. Maybe I’ll get lucky and something will pop up over summer break!

    March 11, 2017 at 2:04 am Reply
  • Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

    I have heard of glitch fares but I don’t think I have ever seen one while it was still current. Thanks for the advice.

    March 12, 2017 at 7:25 am Reply
  • Ambition & Mischief

    Love this post! I usually use The Flight Deal and always tell everyone about it because it’s so great.

    March 15, 2017 at 6:33 pm Reply
  • Joe

    Some very useful tips there! I think you simply ave to be flexible and ready to ‘go to the fare’ rather than wait for it come to you, to be realistically successful with this. And yes, you’re right – wait for other people to travel with you and you’ll be waiting forever…

    March 27, 2017 at 6:24 pm Reply
  • D of Love C and D

    Thanks for sharing this post, some great tips! Can’t say I’ve ever snagged a glitch fare, but that’s probably due to my level of commitment when booking stuff. I’m more, ‘spend an hour and just choose the cheapest you can find’. I do follow secretflying and having returned from our RTW trip and definitely up for more travelling. So from now on I will be paying much more attention. Thanks again,

    March 28, 2017 at 10:42 am Reply
  • Cat Lin

    I have seen glitch fares from time to time but it usually departs from US. Thanks for all the tips, I will look into the groups you suggested. Hopefully, I will be able to spot one departing from Canada 🙂

    March 29, 2017 at 6:49 am Reply
  • Neha Gupta

    I would love to be fortunate enough to catch a glitch fare. There are so many epically amazing places out there that we’ve never heard of, but this could force you to get out there.

    March 30, 2017 at 5:09 pm Reply
  • Nikki

    Some great tips there! I’ll have to bookmark this for future reference I think! Thanks for sharing!

    March 31, 2017 at 12:25 pm Reply
  • Ana Rose | Roads and Pages

    I can relate on you. When it comes to booking a ticket, it is my boyfriend and I who have always on the watch out. It is really a good thing if we can book a much cheaper flight cost that the normal flight cost. Whenever we book tickets it is always on promo and promo tickets require no cancellation or refund.

    April 1, 2017 at 3:40 am Reply
  • Ryan Crain

    Yesterday I booked a glitch fare with American Airlines departing from OKC and arriving in Paris; and then 10 days later leaving from Amsterdam back to OKC; Total price: $401. It must have been a glitch because the taxes and surcharges equaled $400 and the Base Fare was $1.00. I checked the same itinerary the next day and those flights were over $1,500. I agree with the “Book now, Plan later” idea for these types of fares. When I saw this price, I didn’t ask any questions, I just booked it.

    November 22, 2017 at 12:20 pm Reply
  • Angelica Martinez

    I was lucky enough to get to Dubai for under $400. I booked it like 7 months in advance but it was worth the wait. I’ve noticed that the buy now think later plan may not always work as life happens and things can come up. I belong to Fly Glitch and sometimes Secret Flyer posts good ones.

    January 17, 2018 at 4:27 pm Reply
  • Alkcom

    That is a very helpful tip. People save lots of money by doing this. What is the best travel site?
    The number of people in my booking will include a baby! So, sometimes it looks way cheaper but it is due to the per person amount posted!

    February 5, 2018 at 4:50 am Reply
  • Alkcom

    That is a very helpful tip. People save lots of money by doing this. What is the best travel site?

    At this moment I am trying to find a good deal for a Paris- Bangkok around May 7th 2018.

    February 5, 2018 at 4:57 am Reply
  • Manu

    Omg the Abu Dhabi mosque is the most beautiful place ever

    August 5, 2022 at 2:11 am Reply

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