Hidden Travel Perks Only Savvy Frequent Flyers Know How to Use

2. Book “Hidden City” Flights for Cheaper Fares

Sometimes, the cheapest way to reach your destination is not by booking a direct flight there. Instead, it’s often cheaper to book a longer route with a layover in your intended city—then simply leave the airport at your stopover. This is called “hidden city ticketing,” and it works because airlines price flights based on demand rather than distance. For example, if you want to fly from Los Angeles to Miami, a direct ticket might cost $300. But if you book a flight from Los Angeles to the Bahamas with a layover in Miami, it might only cost $180. In this case, you would get off in Miami and skip the final leg of the journey. Websites like Skiplagged specialize in finding these kinds of loopholes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: (1) Only bring carry-on luggage since checked bags will go to the final destinatio; (2) don’t overuse this trick with the same airline, as frequent cancellations of your last leg could flag your account; (3) avoid round-trip tickets—this only works for one-way bookings. Used wisely, this strategy can cut flight costs significantly, helping you travel farther for less.