Hidden-city flying can save you money on your airfare, but it comes with big risks

Jan 31, 2024, 10:30 PM | Updated: Feb 1, 2024, 6:08 am

SALT LAKE CITY — Some passengers are using a controversial strategy to save money on flights by booking a long flight with layovers, but then deliberately skip the last leg of their journey. It can save hundreds of dollars for fliers, but it can also mean big consequences from the airlines.

Common sense might tell you that short flights tend to be less expensive than longer flights — less fuel and whatnot. But actually, longer flights are often cheaper, said Katy Nastro of the travel website, Going.com.

“The single biggest component as to why we see cheap flights to one destination more so versus the other is competition,” she said.

It has led to a little life hack some travelers have figured out called either hidden-city ticketing, or skiplagging.

“Instead of flying to your final destination, you just stop in your connection city, get off and don’t get back on the flight,” Nastro explained.

Here’s one of many examples:

On March 1, at 6 a.m., Delta Flight 675 leaves Salt Lake City International Airport for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The cheapest seat I found searching for a direct flight is $339. However, I found a connecting flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International that has a layover in Detroit. And wouldn’t you know – it uses the same Delta flight leaving Utah. And for the same seating, you would save $71 by booking the flight to the “Big Easy” and then hop off at Detroit.

“It occasionally can save you a hefty chunk of money,” Nastro said.

Hidden-city ticketing is not illegal, but it is strongly frowned upon by most airlines.

“That basically is undermining how airlines price their flights if you’re only flying half of the ticket that you bought,” Nastro said.

Technically, getting off halfway to your ticketed destination breaks the contract you agreed to when you bought the ticket. That can come with consequences. Airlines have been known to cancel people’s flights if they get caught. It could end up costing you even more.

“Airlines can strip you of your status (or loyalty account) if you have any type of status with them,” Nastro said. “They can actually make you pay the difference of what that regular economy ticket would have been.”

Another potential downside could happen if you’re asked to check your carry-on bag if the overhead space gets full. The airline will not pull your bag when you get to the layover point. It’s going on to the ticketed destination – with or without you.

Flowers and a sign are placed outside the headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Develop...

Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press

White House fires USAID inspector general after warning about funding oversight, officials say

The White House fired the inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development on Tuesday, several U.S. officials said.

12 minutes ago

Huntsville, Weber County, is pictured on Oct. 6, 2021. A delivery driver died Tuesday, a day after ...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Delivery driver dies after being crushed by vehicle near Huntsville

A delivery driver has died after being pinned between her car and a garage, according to the Weber County Sheriff's Office.

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Social Media Reacts Tom Holmoe Retirement News

After the announcement, social media erupted with reactions to Holmoe's decision, with memories being shared and praise being sent from former athletes, Utah sports legends, and others.

2 hours ago

A multi-vehicle crash near the Point of the Mountain in Lehi is causing heavy delays on southbound ...

Mariah Maynes

Multi-vehicle crash causing heavy delays in Lehi

A multi-vehicle crash near the Point of the Mountain in Lehi is causing heavy delays on southbound Interstate 15 Tuesday.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe To Retire After 2024-25 Season

The Tom Holmoe era as BYU's athletic director is set to conclude after the 2024-25 season.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jordan Love Talks Injuries, Packers Offense With Kay Adams

Former Utah State Aggie Jordan Love was in New Orleans to take in the festivities, even joining NFL Insider on her show Up & Adams to talk about his second year as the starter for the Green Bay Packers and what he would like to see from the team going into next season.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Hidden-city flying can save you money on your airfare, but it comes with big risks