Airfares are a lot like stock prices. Rarely are they static.
Like stocks, airfares are the sums of very complex equations. Computers weigh the variables of those equations and adjust accordingly. Is Airline 'B' offering a fare so much lower on this route that it is stealing customers? If so, an adjustment at Airline 'A 'is swift and certain.
Are there too many empty seats on this plane to make the flight profitable? Is it time to cut the losses and sell those seats at a reduced rate? Adjustment again. What are fuel prices looking like at this hour? You get the idea.
When you combine hourly changes and computer involvement, it's not too hard for anyone to understand why these mistakes occur.
In fact, sometimes the airlines intentionally post faulty fares they want competitors to see. They're withdrawn in moments. It's all part of the game.
Are you an angler?
Most good ones know it's not wise to guarantee a catch. They also know going to the right fishing spot and having the proper bait or lure and good technique will increase the odds of a successful day on the water.
Hunting for faulty fares is very much a fishing expedition. There is no way you could have known United's site was the place to be on January 31, 2001 for 55 minutes. The people who were there were simply lucky, as United suggested in their statement. Take aim at great but elusive savings when airlines make pricing mistakes.
How do you increase your chances of success? Click "next" to the right for some tips.
