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How do I know I’m looking at a ghost fare?
You won’t know you’re looking at a ghost fare until you’ve selected your flight (or flights) from the search results. A few things will tip you off that what you’re seeing is likely a ghost fare.
First, the flight will either suddenly be much more expensive, or you will be instructed to “call airline” to book (if you call, you’ll be told the fare is no longer available). Additionally, the other fares that are bookable online will typically be priced significantly higher.
Why do fares ghost?
Fare ghosting makes about as much sense and happens as randomly as getting ghosted by a person. E.g. it typically comes without any warning signs.
The reason it happens, though, is flight prices fluctuate constantly. When you search directly on an airline’s site, you get updated results in real time, but when flight search sites and OTAs (online travel agencies) communicate with airlines, there’s often a delay so the site might not have the most updated data.
Is there a way to get the fare I originally saw?
It’s worth checking another OTA or search site to see if they’re still selling the fare, but in most cases it’s likely gone—and clearing your cookies or calling the airline won’t bring it back.
To recap: Ghosting is when a fare shows up in the search results of an OTA or flight search site like Google Flights, but when you go to book it, it’s no longer available It’s a bummer when a great fare ghosts, but there’s nothing you can do about it. When we send deals to Going members, we make sure the fares are truly bookable, but flight prices change constantly and fares can disappear within hours, so it pays to act quickly.
To recap: Ghosting is when a fare shows up in the search results of an OTA or flight search site like Google Flights, but when you go to book it, it’s no longer available It’s a bummer when a great fare ghosts, but there’s nothing you can do about it. When we send deals to Going members, we make sure the fares are truly bookable, but flight prices change constantly and fares can disappear within hours, so it pays to act quickly.
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Last updated Jun 12, 2023
As an avid traveler and expert in the field, I have spent countless hours navigating the intricacies of the airline industry, deciphering the nuances of flight pricing, and understanding the challenges that travelers face when searching for the best deals. My expertise goes beyond theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience dealing with the complexities of booking flights and have encountered the phenomenon mentioned in the article—ghost fares.
The term "ghost fare" refers to a frustrating occurrence in the world of online flight bookings. It happens when a flight appears in the search results of an online travel agency (OTA) or a flight search site, enticing travelers with an attractive price. However, when attempting to book the flight, it suddenly becomes unavailable, either displaying a much higher price or prompting the traveler to "call airline" only to be informed that the fare is no longer available.
Several telltale signs indicate that you might be dealing with a ghost fare. Firstly, the price of the flight may unexpectedly spike after selecting it, or you may be directed to contact the airline to complete the booking, only to find out that the fare is no longer accessible. Additionally, other fares available for online booking may be priced significantly higher, adding to the frustration of the traveler.
The primary reason behind ghost fares is the constant fluctuation of flight prices. When users search directly on an airline's website, they receive real-time updates on pricing. However, when using flight search sites or OTAs, there can be a delay in communication with airlines, resulting in outdated information on the site. This delay can lead to discrepancies in the displayed fares, with the originally seen fare becoming unavailable by the time the traveler attempts to book it.
Unfortunately, there is no foolproof method to retrieve the initially observed fare once it has ghosted. While checking other OTAs or search sites might be worth a try, the chances of finding the same fare are often slim. Clearing cookies or contacting the airline usually won't bring back the disappeared fare.
In conclusion, ghost fares are an inevitable frustration in the realm of online flight bookings. Travelers, especially those using OTAs and flight search sites, need to be aware of the transient nature of flight prices and the potential for fares to vanish within a short timeframe. As a seasoned traveler, I understand the disappointment of encountering a ghost fare, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly when a promising deal arises. For those seeking a more reliable solution, memberships like Going offer curated and verified flight deals, ensuring that the fares presented to members are genuinely bookable. Travelers subscribing to such services can enjoy the assurance that the deals they receive are not mere illusions but tangible opportunities to explore the world without breaking the bank.
