40 Secret and Saavy Airport Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know

Tip #35: Take Advantage of Fuel Dump Tricks (Advanced & Risky)

This is an advanced and often controversial tactic used by very experienced flyers. A "fuel dump" involves adding an extra, inexpensive segment to an itinerary that somehow triggers a glitch in the airline's pricing algorithm, causing the fuel surcharge (a significant component of many international fares) to be eliminated or drastically reduced. This is a highly technical and constantly changing trick that can be risky, as airlines may cancel tickets or penalize travelers. It's not for the faint of heart and is typically shared in very niche, private online communities.