Can you get off a plane at layover instead of destination?

Hidden-City Ticketing: Save Money with Layover Stopovers

When planning a flight, it’s common to assume the most straightforward route is also the most cost-effective. However, a lesser-known strategy called hidden-city ticketing can offer significant savings.

What is Hidden-City Ticketing?

Hidden-city ticketing, also known as skiplagging, involves purchasing a multi-stop flight with a layover in your desired destination city. Instead of continuing on to the final destination, you disembark at the layover stop and end your travel there.

How it Works

This strategy works because airlines typically price flights based on the entire route, not just the individual segments. By selecting a flight with a layover in your preferred city, you can effectively avoid paying for the final leg of the journey.

For example, if you want to travel from New York City to Denver, you could find a flight that connects through Atlanta. If the cost of a direct flight is $400, but the multi-stop flight with an Atlanta layover is only $250, you could book the cheaper flight and disembark in Atlanta instead of Denver.

Benefits

• Lower fares: Hidden-city ticketing can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare.
• More flexibility: It allows you to customize your travel itinerary by stopping at a specific city along the way.

Risks

• Cancelled flights: If the first leg of your flight is cancelled, you may forfeit the entire trip.
• Baggage claims: You may need to claim your baggage at the layover stop and re-check it if you have connecting flights.
• Airline policies: Some airlines have policies against hidden-city ticketing and may cancel your reservation or charge additional fees.

How to Book Hidden-City Tickets

• Compare routes: Check different flight routes and compare prices for direct flights and flights with layovers.
• Look for cheaper multi-stop flights: Choose a multi-stop flight where the layover city is your desired destination.
• Book the flight: Purchase the multi-stop flight, but only check in for the first leg.
• Disembark at the layover: When you reach the layover city, exit the plane and do not proceed to the final destination.

Conclusion

Hidden-city ticketing can be a valuable tool for saving money on airfare. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks before employing this strategy. By following the guidelines above, you can maximize your savings while ensuring a smooth travel experience.