What an error fare is and how to book one safely
Every so often a fare shows up that looks far too cheap. Sometimes it's a sale, and sometimes it's a mistake. Here's what an "error fare" is, what can go wrong, and how to book one without getting burnt.
1. What we mean by an error fare
An error fare (also called a "mistake fare") is a price that appears to have been published by mistake. It might be a missing fuel surcharge, a currency mix-up or a data-entry slip. It's different from a sale, where the airline means to offer a low fare. From the outside you often can't tell which is which, so treat any unusually cheap fare with care.
2. The catch: it may not be honoured
Airlines set out their rules in their conditions of carriage and fare rules, and you agree to them when you book. Whether a mistaken fare is honoured depends on the airline, the circumstances and the law that applies. We can't promise any fare will be honoured, and you shouldn't assume it will. If it's cancelled, see our guide Error fare cancelled? Your rights explained.
3. How to book one more safely
- Book with the airline directly where you can. Third-party sites can have their own terms on top of the airline's. The ACCC notes that if you book through an intermediary, you should check its terms too.
- Read the fare rules before you pay. Check what's included, and what happens if you change or cancel.
- Hold off on non-refundable extras. Wait until the booking is ticketed and has settled before you lock in accommodation, tours or connecting travel you can't get back.
- Keep records. Screenshot the fare, the fare rules and your confirmation, with the date and time.
- Check your passport and entry rules. A cheap international fare is no use if your travel documents aren't sorted. Smartraveller (https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/) has destination advice.
4. How we show error fares on PoTayto Picks
When we post a fare, it will have a "Last checked" time in Melbourne time and a status label: Live, Unverified or Expired. See Live, Unverified, Expired: how we label fares for what each one means.
Quick checklist
- [ ] Is it a sale or a likely mistake?
- [ ] Booking with the airline directly?
- [ ] Read the fare rules and conditions of carriage?
- [ ] Holding off on non-refundable extras?
- [ ] Screenshots saved?
- [ ] Travel documents sorted?
We don't list fares here, because they change all the time. Check the airline's own website for current fares and conditions.
Sources
- ACCC, Travel delays and cancellations: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/specific-products-and-activities/travel-delays-and-cancellations
- Qantas Conditions of Carriage: https://www.qantas.com/en-au/book/flights/conditions-of-carriage
- Virgin Australia Conditions of Carriage: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/policies/legal/conditions-of-carriage/
- Jetstar Conditions of Carriage (JQ): https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/conditions-of-carriage-jq
- Smartraveller: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/