Glitch in the Airline's Computer System: May I buy the Cheap Tickets?

May I Take Advantage of a “Deal” if the Price is Obviously a Mistake?

We’ve all heard of cases where airlines accidentally offered flights for ridiculously low fares. Similarly, we might encounter mistakenly underpriced items in other venues, such as in a local store. Our first instinct might be to pounce at the opportunity—but is it permitted?

The crucial factor in determining the answer is how the proprietors would react when they realize their mistake. Major airlines tend to be mochel (forgo) the loss and honor the erroneous offer because they have a certain reputation to uphold, or because they’re legally required to do so; small business owners, on the other hand, would typically be makpid (object) and insist on being paid the regular price, even after the mistake has become publicized. In fact, alerting them to the error falls under the category of hashavas aveidah (the mitzvah of returning lost property to its owner). Even in the case of a non-Jew, where some of these halachos don’t apply, it’s always recommended to act beyond the letter of the law and not take advantage of the mistake. One never profits from such things. #475

https://halacha2go.com?number=475

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.