11 Sneaky Times to Score 2026's Best Flight Deals (Set Calendar Alerts Now)

8. Catching error fares and flash sales: speed wins

Error fares and flash sales are short-lived and demand fast action. Use specialized alert services and community feeds that track mistake fares, and then automate a calendar reminder tied to verification steps when one appears. Your reminder should prompt a quick checklist: verify the fare on the carrier site, check booking terms for obvious errors, and confirm passenger and trip details before purchasing. Because error fares sometimes get cancelled, prepare a backup plan—think refundable lodging or flexible connections—and set a follow-up calendar event to check ticket status within a few days of booking. Flash sales issued by airlines often have strict purchase windows; mark the sale start time in your calendar and set a 10-minute pre-notification so you can move when inventory opens. Speed combined with a calm verification routine helps you exploit these fleeting deals without unnecessary mistakes.