Can you skip your connecting flight?
Technically, yes, it is possible to skip your connecting flight. However, missing connecting flight on purpose might come with significant risks and potential complications. For example, you may be fined or even banned by the airline.
Missing Connecting Flight on Purpose (Also Known as Hidden City Ticketing)
Missing a connecting flight on purpose is called “hidden-city ticketing”.
It is a method to discover cheaper nonstop tickets. This method involves booking a connecting flight to a destination beyond yours, but actually ending your journey at the layover point.
This allows travellers to save money on airfare by taking advantage of cheaper flights with connections, rather than direct flights to their final destination. However, this strategy is often frowned upon by airlines and can result in penalties or denied boarding for future flights.
Here is one example:
- You have booked a flight from London (LHR) to Rome (FCO) with a layover in Paris (CDG) because it was cheaper than a direct London – Paris flight.
- You disembark in Paris and skip the final leg to Rome.
Can You Skip Your Connecting Flight?
Is it possible to skip your connecting flight?
Technically, yes, it is possible to skip your connecting flight. You can simply disembark at the layover city and not board the next flight. However, this practice comes with risks and potential complications in the future.
It’s crucial to note that this only works if you have no checked luggage. If your bags are checked through to the final destination, you won’t be able to retrieve them at the layover city. This makes it impractical if you’re traveling with more than just carry-on luggage.
What are the Potential Problems When You Skip a Connecting Flight?
Skipping a connecting flight can lead to several problems.
The main problem is the risk of being flagged by the airline’s system. Airlines disapprove of passengers missing their connecting flights, as it goes against their terms and conditions and disrupts their revenue strategy. Airlines use advanced algorithms to spot patterns that suggest hidden-city ticketing.
If you’re flagged, the airline might take action. This could include cancelling your return flight if you booked a round trip, or even banning you from flying with the airline in the future. Some travellers have experienced account suspensions or lost points in their frequent flyer accounts.
If you have checked luggage, it will typically go directly to your final destination. Remember, you can’t access your luggage at the layover, so plan accordingly. If you plan on missing your connecting flight, travel with a carry-on only.
If you have travel insurance, intentionally missing a connecting flight could void your coverage, especially if your policy requires sticking to your original plans.
Additionally, if you do this frequently and the airline notices that, you might find it harder to get help from the airline. Airlines could be less accommodating if they suspect you’re exploiting the system.
What Can Happen if You Skip Your Connecting Flight?
Airlines have several measures they can take against passengers who skip their flights intentionally. These actions range from minor inconveniences to severe penalties, depending on the airline’s policies and how frequently you engage in hidden-city ticketing.
One of the most common actions is canceling the remainder of your ticket. If you skip a segment, the airline might cancel any subsequent legs automatically. This is especially problematic if you’ve booked a round trip or have connecting flights with the same airline later.
Airlines can also impose financial penalties. Some airlines have clauses in their terms of service that allow them to charge you for the fare difference. This means you could end up paying more than you would have for a direct flight.
In severe situations, airlines may ban you. This would prevent you from booking flights with that airline and could lead to the loss of any frequent flyer miles or points you’ve collected. This could be a significant loss, especially if you travel frequently and rely on those points for upgrades or free flights.
Do you have more questions about hidden city ticketing and missing a connecting flight intentionally? Ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels