Are 'error fares' real?

Yes, but they are rare. If you see a flight for $200 that usually costs $1,200, book it immediately. Don't book non-refundable hotels for a few days, though, in case the airline cancels the ticket.

Should I book one-way tickets?

Sometimes. Booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket on one major carrier. Just ensure you aren't violating any visa requirements that demand proof of return.

Finding Cheap Flights Without Getting Burned

Use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts at least 3 months in advance. Always book directly with the airline to ensure you have a point of contact if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

Use Incognito Mode (or don't). Contrary to the myth, airlines aren't tracking your browser cookies to raise prices on your specific laptop. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare all carriers at once without worrying about clearing your cache.
Set Price Alerts. Once you have your destination and approximate dates in Google Flights, toggle the 'Track prices' switch. You will receive an email the moment the price drops or spikes significantly.
Look for the 'Anywhere' Option. If you just want a cheap getaway, enter your departure airport and select 'Explore' or 'Anywhere' in the destination field. Sort by price to see the cheapest possible locations for your chosen travel window.
Book Directly. Third-party sites often save you $10 but cost you days of stress if a flight change occurs. Find the flight on a search engine, then navigate to the airline's official website to purchase the ticket.
Know the Sweet Spot. For domestic flights, book 1–3 months in advance. For international travel, look 3–8 months ahead. Booking inside the 21-day window almost always guarantees a price premium.

Are 'error fares' real?: Yes, but they are rare. If you see a flight for $200 that usually costs $1,200, book it immediately. Don't book non-refundable hotels for a few days, though, in case the airline cancels the ticket.
Should I book one-way tickets?: Sometimes. Booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket on one major carrier. Just ensure you aren't violating any visa requirements that demand proof of return.