Ellen Creager

Detroit Free Press

We've heard of expensive flights, but this one may take the cake.

A search on Friday for flights from San Francisco to Detroit for Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 showed the non-stop coach fare was $13,735 round-trip -- more than $7,000 each way. First class was showing more than $20,000.

Asked about the stratospheric fare, Delta spokesman Anthony Black asked for more details.

Within 30 minutes the site updated, showing a non-stop fare of $993 round-trip, and a one-stop of $593. Those are more typical fares for the season. Other airlines were showing one-stop fares as low as $324 round-trip.

Black said the problem was due to website issues.

"A technical error temporarily led to some mis-pricing on ticket inquiries on Delta's website," he said. "The error has been identified and should be corrected shortly." Customers who have questions about the pricing on tickets today also can call Delta at 800-221-1212, he added.

However, as of 4 p.m. errors persisted, with the $13,000 fares also showing up on other dates from Aug. 28 through Sept. 3 and coming and going on the Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 dates.

​Moral of story? If a fare seems too bad to be true, wait a bit and search again -- or call the airline.