44 Flight Booking Myths That Are Actually Wasting You Money

Myth 17: You Can Save Big with “Hidden City” Ticketing

"Hidden city ticketing" has become one of the most controversial travel hacks in recent years. The idea is simple: instead of booking a direct flight to your destination, you book a cheaper ticket with a layover in your intended city and then simply exit the airport at the layover instead of completing the full trip. For example, let’s say a flight from New York to Chicago costs $300, but a flight from New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago costs only $200. A traveler using hidden city ticketing would book the cheaper ticket and just skip the final leg from Chicago to Denver. While some travelers successfully use hidden city ticketing, it’s not a foolproof money-saving strategy and can create unexpected headaches. Use it sparingly and carefully—but don’t rely on it as a go-to travel hack.