What is an error fare, and will the airline honour it?

An error fare is a price published by mistake. A currency gets converted wrongly, a fuel surcharge drops off, or someone types one digit too few. For a few hours, a return that usually costs £600 might show for £180.

Do airlines honour them?

Often, but not always. Many airlines honour a mistake once a ticket has been issued, because cancelling is bad publicity. Some cancel and refund. Nobody can promise either outcome, which is why we mark these drops clearly as Error fare.

What to do when one lands

• Book quickly. Error fares are usually fixed within hours.
• Book direct with the airline or a well-known agent, and pay by credit card.
• Wait to book hotels or non-refundable extras until your e-ticket number arrives and a few days have passed.
• Don't call the airline to ask whether the price is right. That tends to get it fixed faster.

If it is cancelled, you get your money back. If it isn't, you have a trip for a fraction of the usual price.