What do we mean by Hidden-City Ticketing?

Do you know what hidden city ticketing is? From its name, it might sound like discovering a hidden city in a far-off part of the world. However, it is an interesting ticket pricing quirk in the airline world. The main goal of this travel strategy is to obtain cheaper airline tickets. Though it's fully legal, there are many controversies surrounding it.In this blog, we’ll explore its definition, how it works, benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s worth trying.

What does Hidden City Ticketing entail?

Hidden city ticketing is a smart way to save money on airfare. The trick is simple—when a direct trip from City A to City B is more expensive than a connecting flight from City A to City C that stops in City B.

By booking the A–B–C itinerary and skipping the final leg (B to C), travelers can reach City B at a much lower cost.This strategy is also known as skiplagging.

Why should one choose Hidden City Ticketing?

Airline pricing policies are complex and not always based on distance. Instead, prices depend on demand, competition, and route popularity. High-demand routes are often expensive, while competitive routes can be cheaper.

Booking a bundled route (A–B–C) can sometimes be cheaper than booking A–B alone.For example, a direct flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C. may cost $387, while a Chicago–Boston flight stopping in D.C. may cost only $178.By getting off in D.C., you save $209.

Hidden city tickets can also be helpful for last-minute travel, where direct fares are usually very high.

Steps to Book a Hidden-City Ticket

Finding hidden city tickets can be challenging since airlines discourage skipping flights.However, the following tools can help:

Google Flights

Google Flights allows you to manually search for hidden city opportunities. Use the “Connecting airports” filter to find flights that stop at your desired destination.

Skiplagged

Skiplagged is designed specifically to find hidden city tickets.It shows both standard and hidden city fares and lists the cheapest options available.

Who should book a Hidden-City Ticket?

Hidden city ticketing is not suitable for everyone. Ask yourself the following before booking:

• Is the stopover city your final destination?
• Is it cheaper than a direct ticket?
• Can you travel without checked baggage?
• Is reaching the departure city easy and affordable?

If you answered “yes” to all, hidden city ticketing may be a good option.

Potential Risks of Hidden-City Ticketing

• Baggage issues: Checked bags go to the final destination, not the stopover. Do not check luggage if you plan to skip a leg.
• You cannot skip the first leg: Missing any earlier segment cancels the rest of the itinerary.
• Visa requirements: If the final destination requires a visa, airlines may deny boarding.
• Risk of re-routing: Weather or operational changes may reroute your flight.

Is it ethical to book a Hidden-City Ticket?

Hidden city ticketing is legal, but airlines discourage it. This leads to an ethical debate:

• In favor: Travelers are legally using pricing loopholes to save money.
• Against: It violates airline terms and may affect pricing for others.

Although it may violate airline contracts, courts have dismissed related lawsuits. Ultimately, it is a personal choice.

Conclusion

Hidden city ticketing can significantly reduce travel costs if used wisely. It works best for one-way trips with no checked baggage and careful planning.

FAQs

• Is hidden-city ticketing illegal?

  No, it is legal, though airlines do not encourage it.

• Can I use hidden-city ticketing on round-trip flights?

  Yes, but only on the final leg. Skipping an earlier segment cancels the remaining flights.