10 Ways to Spot a Real Flight Deal — Avoid Black Friday Gimmicks

7. Beware of fake airline microsites and phishing ads

Scammers can post polished ads that link to fake airline microsites with convincing logos and layouts. Before entering personal or payment information, check the URL carefully. Official airline domains are consistent and usually include the carrier name. Look for HTTPS and verify the certificate when in doubt. If a social ad looks too enticing, go directly to the airline’s verified site or official app instead of clicking the ad. Also confirm the advertiser’s social media handle and recent posts—new accounts with only a few ads are riskier. When in doubt, call the airline’s published customer service number to confirm the promotion.