What Is a Fare Lock, and Should You Use It?
Booking a flight at the right time can be stressful, especially when airfare fluctuates constantly. What if you find a great price but need more time to finalize your plans? That’s where Fare Lock comes in.
This guide explains how Fare Lock works, its benefits and downsides, and whether you should use it when booking flights.
What Is a Fare Lock?
A Fare Lock (or fare hold) is a service offered by airlines and travel agencies that allows travelers to hold a flight price for a set period—usually 24 hours to 14 days—without immediately purchasing the ticket.
Instead of paying for the full fare upfront, you pay a small fee to lock in the price. If the fare increases during the hold period, you still get the original lower price. If you decide not to book, you lose only the lock fee instead of paying for a non-refundable ticket.
How Does Fare Lock Work?
1️⃣ Find a flight on an airline website or travel agency that offers Fare Lock.
2️⃣ Choose the Fare Lock option (usually appears during checkout).
3️⃣ Pay the Fare Lock fee (varies by airline and duration).
4️⃣ Hold the fare for the selected period (typically 24 hours to 14 days).
5️⃣ Decide before the lock expires:
- If you book, you pay the original price.
- If you don’t book, you forfeit the Fare Lock fee.
🔹 Example: You find a flight for $350 but are unsure if you can travel. The airline offers a Fare Lock for $10 for three days. If the ticket price jumps to $450, you still pay $350. If you don’t book, you lose the $10.
Which Airlines Offer Fare Lock?
Not all airlines provide this service, but some of the major ones include:
🔹 Some airlines automatically offer a free 24-hour cancellation window, which works similarly to a Fare Lock.
Benefits of Using Fare Lock
✔ Protects You from Price Increases – If fares rise, you still get the original price.
✔ Gives You Time to Finalize Plans – Ideal if you need to confirm vacation dates, visas, or coordinate with others.
✔ Avoids Immediate Payment – Helps if you're waiting for funds but don’t want to miss a good deal.
✔ Reduces Booking Stress – Lets you make decisions without the pressure of sudden price changes.
Downsides of Fare Lock
✘ Non-Refundable Fee – If you don’t book, you lose the Fare Lock payment.
✘ Doesn’t Guarantee the Best Deal – If fares drop, you’re locked into a higher price.
✘ Not Available on All Airlines – Budget airlines and third-party sites may not offer this feature.
✘ Limited Hold Time – Some locks last only 24-72 hours, which may not be long enough for your needs.
When Should You Use a Fare Lock?
✅ If you’re waiting for travel confirmations – Great for travelers who need to finalize vacation dates or get approval from work.
✅ If the flight is already cheap – Ideal when you find a rare low price that you don’t want to lose.
✅ If the destination has high demand – Fare Lock is useful for peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, events) when prices can increase quickly.
✅ If you’re traveling with a group – Allows time for everyone to confirm before committing to the booking.
When Should You Avoid a Fare Lock?
❌ If you’re unsure about the trip – You might pay the lock fee and end up not flying.
❌ If fares might drop – If prices are expected to go down, Fare Lock could cost you more.
❌ If your airline offers free 24-hour cancellation – Some airlines let you book and cancel within 24 hours for free, making Fare Lock unnecessary.
Fare Lock vs. 24-Hour Free Cancellation: Which Is Better?
🔹 Best Option: If your airline offers 24-hour free cancellation, book the ticket instead of paying for a Fare Lock. But if you need more than 24 hours, Fare Lock is worth considering.
Final Verdict: Is Fare Lock Worth It?
✅ Use Fare Lock if you need extra time to decide and fear prices might increase.
❌ Skip Fare Lock if you can book and cancel within 24 hours for free or expect prices to drop.
For frequent travelers, Fare Lock is a useful tool but not always necessary. Always compare the cost of the lock with potential savings before using it.
Would you like help finding airlines with the best refund policies or tips for booking flights at the lowest prices? Let me know!
