Hidden City Ticketing: The Ultimate Guide to Saving Hundreds on Airfare
Traveling across the U.S. can be expensive, but savvy travelers have been using a “secret” hack for years to slash ticket prices. It’s called Hidden City Ticketing (or “Skiplagging”). While it sounds like a dream for your wallet, it comes with specific risks that every traveler needs to know before hitting the “book” button.
What Exactly Is Hidden City Ticketing?
Hidden City Ticketing is a strategy where you book a flight with a layover in the city you actually want to visit, and then you simply walk out of the airport during the connection.
The Logic: For airlines, a direct flight from New York to Charlotte might cost $400. However, a flight from New York to Orlando with a layover in Charlotte might only cost $250. By booking the Orlando ticket and staying in Charlotte, you save $150.
Why Does It Save So Much Money?
Airlines don’t price tickets based on distance; they price them based on competition and demand. Hub cities (like Atlanta for Delta or Dallas for American) are often more expensive to fly into directly. By choosing a destination “beyond” the hub, you can often bypass these premium prices.
The Golden Rules of Skiplagging
If you decide to try this, there are non-negotiable rules you must follow to avoid disaster:
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Carry-on ONLY: Never check a bag. Checked luggage goes to the final destination on your ticket (Orlando), not your layover city (Charlotte).
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One-Way Tickets Only: If you skip a leg of your flight, the airline will automatically cancel the rest of your itinerary. Always book two separate one-way tickets.
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Don’t Use Frequent Flyer Numbers: Airlines can (and will) strip you of your miles or ban your account if they catch you skiplagging.
The Risks: What the Airlines Don’t Tell You
While not illegal in the U.S., it is a violation of the airline’s “Contract of Carriage.”
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Flight Re-routing: If your flight is delayed or canceled, the airline might re-route you through a different city to get you to your “final” destination.
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Gate-Checked Bags: If the overhead bins are full and they force you to check your bag at the gate, it’s going to the final city
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Blacklisting: Major carriers have started suing sites like Skiplagged and flagging passengers who do this frequently.
Is It Worth It?
For a one-off trip where you’re traveling light and saving over $100, Hidden City Ticketing can be a game-changer. However, for business travelers or those who rely on airline status, the risk of being blacklisted usually outweighs the savings.
FAQs
1. Is Hidden City Ticketing illegal in the United States?
No, it is not illegal. There are no federal laws against booking a flight and not taking the second leg. However, it is a breach of the airline’s “Contract of Carriage” (the legal agreement you sign when buying a ticket). This means while you won’t go to jail, the airline can take administrative action against you.
2. Can the airline take away my frequent flyer miles?
Yes, and they often do. If an airline notices a pattern of skiplagging on your account, they can suspend your loyalty account and strip you of all earned miles and elite status. If you plan to do this, it is highly recommended not to attach your frequent flyer number to the booking.
3. What happens if my flight is diverted or canceled?
This is the biggest risk. If your flight to the “hidden city” (your layover) is canceled, the airline is only obligated to get you to your final destination. They might re-route you through a completely different city, and you would have no legal ground to demand a stop in your intended destination.
4. Can I use this strategy for international flights?
It is much riskier for international travel. Customs and immigration requirements are based on your final destination. Additionally, many countries require proof of a return flight or a visa for the final destination on your ticket. It is generally advised to only use hidden city ticketing for domestic U.S. flights.
5. Why do I have to book two one-way tickets?
When you skip any part of your journey, the airline’s system automatically cancels all remaining flights on that itinerary. If you book a round-trip ticket and skip the last leg of your outbound journey, your entire return flight will be voided instantly. Always book separate one-way tickets to stay safe.