Set real-time alerts, verify prices, book directly, pay with a credit card, and wait 2-3 days before booking nonrefundable plans to secure mistake fares.
Mistake fares are rare airline pricing errors that can save you hundreds on flights - but they vanish quickly, sometimes in minutes. To secure these deals without hassle, here's what you need to do:
Timing is everything. Act fast, stay cautious, and always monitor your booking for updates. This approach balances speed with smart planning, giving you the best chance to snag incredible deals.
Mistake fares can disappear in as little as 20 minutes, so relying on manual checks just doesn’t cut it anymore. The best way to catch these fleeting deals is by setting up real-time alerts ahead of time.
These alert systems scan thousands of routes and instantly flag significant price drops. Without them, you’re essentially gambling on being in the right place at the right time. But with immediate notifications, you’ll have that critical window to book before airlines fix their pricing errors.
To increase your chances, configure alerts on multiple platforms so you’re always a step ahead.
If you’re flying out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL), Joe’s Flights is a game-changer. This service focuses exclusively on these airports, tracking major price drops and delivering alerts straight to your inbox. Each alert includes all the essential details: the route, price, travel dates, airline, and even a direct booking link.
The beauty of Joe’s Flights is its laser focus on Dallas departures. You won’t get bombarded with irrelevant deals. As they put it:
"Only Dallas. Every deal starts here. If it's not out of DFW or DAL, we don't care."
In November 2025, Joe’s Flights helped Dallas travelers snag $79 flights to Los Angeles and $440 flights to Rome, thanks to catching airline errors in real time. Their motto says it all:
"Deals vanish faster than Group 9 boarding. We send them while they're hot."
Joe’s Flights offers both free and premium plans. The free version gives you one hot deal per week, while the Premium Plan ($59 per year) provides unlimited alerts the moment deals go live. Over 1,000 Dallas millennials are already on board, and in just one week, 12 travelers booked $89 flights to NYC through these alerts.
Once you’ve got Dallas covered, it’s time to expand your reach with other platforms.
For broader coverage, platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner are excellent tools to help you catch deals beyond Dallas.
To get the most out of these tools, monitor 3–5 primary routes along with 2–3 flexible alternatives. If your schedule allows, enable flexible date tracking, ideally with a range of ±3 to 7 days around your preferred travel dates. This increases your chances of spotting a great deal. Don’t forget to check your alert settings monthly to ensure everything is still active and up to date.
Once you're alerted to a potential mistake fare, the next step is crucial: verifying the fare. Acting quickly is key to avoid scams or missing out on these fleeting deals.
Mistake fares often stand out because they’re 50–70% below normal rates. Here’s what to watch for:
The best way to confirm a mistake fare is to compare it with historical prices. If a route you’ve been watching suddenly drops dramatically, especially during peak travel times, it’s likely an error. Sometimes, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can also lead to these pricing mistakes if airlines accidentally price tickets in a weaker currency or apply incorrect conversions.
Once you’ve spotted a suspiciously low fare, the next step is to confirm its authenticity.
To avoid scams and ensure the fare is legitimate, take these steps immediately. Mistake fares disappear fast, and scams can cost you both money and personal information.
If the fare can’t be verified on the airline’s official website and seems too good to be true, it’s better to skip it. Risking a scam or a canceled booking isn’t worth it.
Once you've confirmed the mistake fare, head straight to the airline's official website to book your ticket. Skipping third-party platforms ensures that the airline processes your booking directly through its system, giving you faster confirmation and a better chance of securing the fare before the error is discovered by the airline's team. This direct method not only speeds things up but also reduces the risk of your booking being canceled.
Using online travel agencies (OTAs) like Kayak or Expedia adds an extra layer of communication between you and the airline, which can create delays. These delays give the airline more time to spot and correct the mistake fare, potentially voiding your booking. By the time your OTA processes the ticket, the window of opportunity might already be closed.
Booking directly with the airline also gives you the benefit of the U.S. Department of Transportation's 24-hour cancellation rule. This regulation allows you to cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchase without any penalties, giving you a full day to confirm the fare and finalize your travel plans. Many OTAs don’t offer this same level of protection.
That said, there are rare cases where a mistake fare is only available through an OTA and not on the airline’s website. In such situations, book as quickly as possible to lock in the fare, but be aware that this approach carries a higher risk of cancellation. Once your booking is secured, focus on completing the payment quickly and securely.
For payment, always use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections than debit cards, including travel insurance benefits and easier dispute resolution if something goes wrong. Make sure to save your booking confirmation in multiple formats - email, screenshots, or even a printed copy - for added security.
If the airline cancels your booking, they are required to refund the full amount within seven days for credit card payments. In some cases, airlines may offer travel credits as a goodwill gesture. Additionally, if you’ve made any non-refundable travel arrangements tied to the canceled ticket, the airline must reimburse you for those expenses, as long as you provide proper documentation.
It’s worth noting that the airline bears the responsibility of proving the fare was a mistake. They must demonstrate to the DOT Enforcement Office that the advertised price was indeed an error. If they fail to do so, they are obligated to honor the ticket.
Finally, avoid contacting the airline with questions about the fare after booking. Drawing attention to the price could lead them to investigate and cancel your ticket before the booking is fully processed.
Once you've found that elusive mistake fare, the next step is crucial: completing your payment as quickly and securely as possible. Time is of the essence here - hesitation could mean losing the deal altogether. To avoid delays, have your payment details ready to go before you even start searching. A little preparation can make all the difference when every second counts.
One of the easiest ways to speed up the payment process is by saving your credit card information in your browser's autofill settings or directly within your airline account profile. This allows the payment form to fill in automatically during checkout, saving you precious time - sometimes up to a minute, which can be critical when mistake fares disappear in the blink of an eye.
Double-check that all your information - billing address, zip code, phone number, and email - matches the records on file with your credit card. Mismatched details can trigger fraud alerts and slow you down. If you're using an airline loyalty account, log in ahead of time and make sure your payment method is already linked and verified. While guest checkout might seem quicker, it often requires manually entering all your payment and billing information, which can eat up valuable time.
Also, ensure your credit card is valid and has enough available credit. A declined payment can instantly derail your booking. If you're booking from a new location or using an international card, it’s worth notifying your card issuer in advance to prevent unnecessary blocks or delays.
Finally, disable VPNs during the payment process, as they can sometimes cause security flags. Keep your CVV (card verification number) handy, though many modern browsers can autofill this field as well. With these steps in place, you’ll be ready to breeze through checkout without any hiccups.
Speed is important, but security matters just as much. That’s why using a credit card is always the smarter choice for booking mistake fares. Credit cards offer layers of protection that debit cards simply don’t. For instance, they often come with built-in travel insurance benefits and chargeback options, which can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong with your booking.
If an airline cancels your mistake fare after payment, your credit card issuer can dispute the charge on your behalf, giving you an added safety net. Unlike debit cards, credit cards don’t immediately withdraw funds from your account, keeping your money secure during the transaction. Recovering funds from a canceled debit card transaction can be a slow and frustrating process, whereas credit cards streamline this significantly.
The U.S. Department of Transportation also provides a 24-hour cancellation grace period for flights booked with credit cards. This policy allows you to cancel your booking within 24 hours without penalties, giving you extra time to confirm your plans. Plus, if the airline cancels your mistake fare, they’re required to refund the full amount within seven days for credit card purchases.
Credit cards also excel in fraud protection, which is especially valuable during the chaos of booking mistake fares. Some issuers even offer virtual card numbers - temporary numbers that add an extra layer of security without slowing down your checkout process.
For even more peace of mind, consider using a credit card that includes travel insurance perks. These might cover trip cancellations, lost baggage, or travel accidents, offering a little extra security for your booking.
If your payment doesn’t go through on the first attempt, don’t panic. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again to avoid triggering fraud alerts. If it still fails, switch to another credit card if possible. Just remember to keep your browser window open with the mistake fare still displayed - refreshing the page could cause the fare to disappear.
Once you've booked your ticket, the next step is to safeguard your fare. Airlines often spot pricing errors within 24 to 48 hours and may cancel tickets during this time. To avoid unnecessary complications, keep a close eye on your booking and hold off on making any additional travel plans right away.
After booking, check your email (including your spam folder) for the airline's confirmation. This should arrive within two to four hours. If you don’t see it after four hours, reach out to the airline with your booking reference and payment details. Keep your inquiry straightforward - ask them to resend the confirmation. Avoid mentioning the low fare to minimize the risk of drawing attention to the error.
Save all essential details, including the confirmation email, booking reference, ticket number, payment receipt, and fare amount. Back these up in multiple ways - take screenshots, print copies, or store them in cloud storage. These records will be crucial if the airline cancels your ticket and you need to request a refund or file a dispute.
Consider using tools like Check My Trip to monitor your reservation in real-time. These services notify you of any changes to your booking, helping you stay on top of potential cancellations. Since airlines typically decide within 48–72 hours whether to honor mistake fares, set reminders to check your booking status during this period. If you notice the fare has reverted to its normal price on the airline’s website or platforms like Google Flights, it could indicate the airline has identified the error and is processing cancellations.
During this waiting period, limit your contact with the airline to essential issues only.
Even though your payment is complete, proceed cautiously with additional travel arrangements. Wait at least two to three days before booking any non-refundable accommodations or services. This gives the airline enough time to either confirm or cancel your ticket, reducing the risk of financial loss if things fall through.
If your ticket remains valid after 72 hours without a cancellation notice, the chances of it being honored increase. However, keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed until you board the plane.
If you need to book accommodations during this waiting period, opt for refundable options with free cancellation policies. Look for hotels with cancellation windows up to 24 hours before check-in or rental cars with no-fee cancellation terms. If your travel dates are within two weeks of booking, weigh the risks carefully. The confirmation period may overlap with your trip, leaving little time to make alternate arrangements if the fare is canceled. Decide whether you're comfortable with the potential financial risks or prefer to wait for solid confirmation.
If the airline cancels your fare, they are required to refund the full ticket price within seven days if you paid by credit card. Additionally, they must reimburse any reasonable, documented expenses you incurred due to the booking, like non-refundable hotel reservations. Keep all receipts and proof of cancellations to streamline the reimbursement process.
Once the two-to-three-day confirmation window passes without a cancellation, you can move forward with greater confidence in booking the rest of your travel plans. By this point, the airline has likely reviewed your booking and chosen to honor it, though rare late cancellations can still occur.
Keep in mind the U.S. Department of Transportation's 24-hour cancellation policy. For flights to or from the United States booked directly through an airline’s website, you have the right to cancel your ticket within 24 hours without penalties. While this doesn’t guarantee the airline will honor a mistake fare beyond that window, it does give you extra flexibility to reconsider your plans.
If you receive a cancellation notice, contact the airline’s customer service to confirm the cancellation and ensure your refund is processed. While most airlines handle these refunds automatically, it’s a good idea to double-check. In some cases, airlines may offer goodwill gestures like frequent flyer miles or travel vouchers to compensate for the inconvenience.
Patience is key during this waiting period. By closely monitoring your booking and avoiding non-refundable commitments, you’ll either secure an incredible deal or walk away with a full refund and no extra costs.
Scoring a mistake fare can feel like winning the travel lottery, but it’s easy to trip up along the way. Even small errors can cost you that incredible price - or worse, leave you with unexpected expenses. Here’s how to sidestep the most common pitfalls.
Don’t contact the airline before booking. This is the number one rule. If you call or email the airline to ask about a suspiciously low fare, you’re essentially waving a red flag. Once the airline realizes there’s a pricing error, they’ll pull the fare from all booking platforms, leaving you empty-handed. Airlines monitor their systems closely, and customer inquiries often trigger immediate corrections. Lock in the deal first, then ask questions later. This way, you’ve secured the ticket before the airline has a chance to fix the error.
Act fast - don’t hesitate. Mistake fares are fleeting. They can disappear in minutes or hours, depending on how quickly the airline catches the error. There’s no time to mull it over or consult with travel companions. The moment you spot a legitimate mistake fare is the moment to book. Waiting even a few minutes could mean losing the deal entirely.
Steer clear of online travel agencies (OTAs) when possible. While OTAs like Expedia or Priceline might occasionally display mistake fares, booking through them adds unnecessary risk. These agencies must confirm your ticket with the airline, and this delay gives the airline time to catch and cancel the error. Booking directly with the airline not only speeds up the process but also guarantees you the 24-hour cancellation period required by the U.S. Department of Transportation for flights to or from the U.S. - a perk that OTAs don’t always provide.
Hold off on non-refundable bookings. Don’t rush to book hotels, rental cars, or tours right after snagging a mistake fare. Airlines sometimes cancel these fares after catching the error. If you’ve already locked in non-refundable accommodations, you could be out hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars. Give it about two weeks to ensure the airline honors your ticket before making additional commitments. If your travel date is sooner, weigh the risks carefully and stick to refundable options whenever possible.
Use a credit card for payment. Avoid using debit cards or payment methods that don’t offer protection. Credit cards not only streamline the refund process if the airline cancels your ticket, but they often come with added travel insurance benefits. Airlines are required to refund credit card purchases within seven days of a refund request, making credit cards a safer option. Also, have your payment details ready to go - some booking systems hold fares for only a few minutes, and prices can change mid-checkout. Acting quickly ensures you lock in the fare before it vanishes.
Stay flexible with your travel plans. Insisting on a specific route or date can severely limit your chances of snagging a mistake fare. These deals pop up unpredictably across various destinations and schedules. Be open to alternative routes or nearby cities. For example, if you find a mistake fare to a city close to your final destination, consider booking a separate regional flight to complete your journey.
Snagging mistake fares takes a mix of preparation and quick action. These rare deals can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, but the catch is that they don’t stick around for long - sometimes as little as 20 minutes. If you hesitate, you might miss out entirely.
The five-step process outlined here gives you a straightforward plan of attack. Start by setting up real-time alerts with services like Joe's Flights for Dallas-specific deals from DFW and Love Field, while also using other platforms to expand your reach. These alerts ensure you're notified the moment a pricing error pops up. Once you spot a deal, confirm the fare quickly, book directly through the airline, and complete your payment without delay. To avoid unnecessary risks, hold off on making non-refundable travel arrangements for about two weeks. This approach balances speed with caution, helping you lock in the savings while keeping financial risks low.
The time investment is minimal, and the potential rewards are huge. If the airline cancels your ticket, you'll get a full refund, meaning your only real commitment is a few minutes to set up alerts and book a deal. In return, you could save $300 or more on a single flight - real-life examples show how worthwhile it can be.
To get started, focus on three essential steps: sign up for alerts through Joe's Flights if you’re flying out of Dallas, decide on your flexibility when it comes to dates, airports, and budget, and make sure you’re familiar with the airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy. These simple actions, which take less than 30 minutes, will set you up to pounce on incredible savings the moment they appear.
If the airline cancels your mistake fare, don’t stress - this happens more often than you might think. Start by reviewing your email or booking confirmation to see if the airline has shared a reason for the cancellation or offered any alternative options. Typically, you’ll get a full refund automatically.
If the refund doesn’t show up after a few business days, contact the airline’s customer service team with your booking details. They can confirm the cancellation and guide you through the refund process. While it’s definitely disappointing, stay alert for fresh deals - mistake fares tend to pop up and disappear just as quickly!
Sign up for Joe's Flights to stay in the loop on those hard-to-catch mistake fares. With real-time alerts, you'll be notified the moment there's a major price drop on flights leaving from Dallas airports (DFW and Love Field). This way, you can snag those deals before they vanish!
When it comes to snagging mistake fares, booking directly with the airline is usually your safest bet. Why? It offers more reliability and flexibility. Airlines are generally more inclined to honor bookings made on their own platforms, whereas third-party sites might run into hiccups - like delays or complications - if the fare gets canceled or adjusted.
Another advantage? Handling changes or cancellations is typically much simpler when you’ve booked directly. Airline customer service teams can assist you faster and more efficiently, making the whole process a lot less stressful if something goes wrong.
Drop your email below and let’s get you flying cheaper out of Dallas.
Free to join. Cheaper than your airport coffee.