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Air New Zealand has filed a $100 each way plus tax fare between many US cities and New Zealand.
With taxes that comes to around $325.
Secret Flying is calling this an error fare, but I do not think it is. It’s just a great deal that’s only going to be around for an instant.
I say that because I pulled up the fare details and it was filed with validity only through tomorrow (“TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED ON/BEFORE 24JAN 18”) which is the hallmark of a flash sale. However it may not last through tomorrow.
Key details of fare basis LLX0OZS1:
- Travel permitted February 1 through March 25 each way (then a similar fare — LKX4OZS7 — allows travel March 26 through June 21).
- Travel Monday through Thursday only (no Friday, Saturday, or Sunday transpacific departures)
- 2 free enroute stopovers are permitted
- If your domestic US connection isn’t on United then there’s a $10 surcharge (Virgin America, Delta, Alaska, Air Canada are all permitted)
- There’s a $200 change fee and refunds cost $400
“Bayswater Marina Auckland New Zealand” by Bayswater marina, Creative Commons
Airfare Spot actually notes fares available as low as $239 searching using airfare metasearch site Momondo.
They highlight available fares from Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas Fort-Worth, Charlotte, New York, Denver, Nashville, Chicago O’Hare, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Portland, Seattle, and Detroit.
Given that Airfare Spot and I have a different take on how intentional this sale is, we don’t know for certain how Air New Zealand will feel about such a deep discount sale, they might get seller’s remorse. I’d wait a few days after buying tickets before making additional non-refundable travel plans around the fare.
In theory an airline refusing to honor a sale like this would have to reimburse any out of pocket costs you incurred but there’s not much history with enforcement of that particular DOT statement so I’d still not test it.
Already dead, unfortunately. Hmmm. Seems like maybe a mistake if it got pulled that quickly? Don’t waste your time searching. I just spent 15 min and finally clicked over to Airfare Spot and they are reporting it is dead. Which I confirmed by not being able to find any such availability.
Gone. Best deals now are around 1300-1400.
Pretty good free advertising.
Post something outrageously/insanely cheap, get hundreds of thousands of people to pay attention and buzz about it, then pull it quickly at almost no net cost.
When some people buy it, decide whether honoring the deal or canceling it because it was a “mistake” is preferable.
Smart.
@toomanybooks: Google Hanlon’s Razor.
I was able to book IAD-SFO-AKL for $332. I received United’s confirmation as well with seat assignments. Thanks Gary!!!
My penis is erect!!!
Thanks miracles !!!!
Earlier, I was able to book $ 334 Clt to ZQN, 4/7 – 4/18. Air New Zealand flights. Received email confirmation from Booking.com, shows all seats confirmed with ticket numbers.
The deal is over now but I was able to book a departure on a Saturday, so maybe the no transpacific departures thing was not applicable for all cities.
Anyway, hope it sticks and I hope lots of folks were able to book.
Any way to upgrade this fare with miles?
Just received notice that mine was cancelled. Booked through Hopper and paid from premium seats directly with NZ.
Just received notice from Priceline. Tickets canceled.