Mileage Run Discussion - Flying a cheaper fare by using my destination as a connection

I live in a non-hub city and am planning travel to a hub city. There are non-stop flights between the two, but I've found a cheaper fare using my desired destination as a connection point. My plan is to buy the cheaper fare and get off at the connection point, leaving the second segment unused. Obviously, in order for this to work, I don't plan on checking any bags, and my return trip won't even be on the same airline (although I suspect I could get away with it if I booked the return on a separate PNR).

The wrinkle is that there's also a non-stop flight between my origin and my "fake" destination. For example, I could take a flight that leaves my origin airport 40 minutes later and arrive at my "destination" 2 hours earlier. Of course, this route doesn't do me any good, since it doesn't go where I want to go. I'm concerned that if I execute my plan, when I show up to check-in (or perhaps even before I check-in) the airline will reaccommodate me on to the direct flight. Are they likely to do this, and if so, do I have any chance of getting them not to change my itinerary?

FWIW, the likely carrier for this endeavor is AirTran (Delta might also work).

you seem to understand the considerations.....what you fear could happen....i can't help you.other than suggest looking for other flights w/o the problem you face.....hopefully, the savings are worth the anguish...good luck...

I live in a non-hub city and am planning travel to a hub city. There are non-stop flights between the two, but I've found a cheaper fare using my desired destination as a connection point. My plan is to buy the cheaper fare and get off at the connection point, leaving the second segment unused. Obviously, in order for this to work, I don't plan on checking any bags, and my return trip won't even be on the same airline (although I suspect I could get away with it if I booked the return on a separate PNR).

The wrinkle is that there's also a non-stop flight between my origin and my "fake" destination. For example, I could take a flight that leaves my origin airport 40 minutes later and arrive at my "destination" 2 hours earlier. Of course, this route doesn't do me any good, since it doesn't go where I want to go. I'm concerned that if I execute my plan, when I show up to check-in (or perhaps even before I check-in) the airline will reaccommodate me on to the direct flight. Are they likely to do this, and if so, do I have any chance of getting them not to change my itinerary?

FWIW, the likely carrier for this endeavor is AirTran (Delta might also work).


I don't think you have too much to worry about. If the airline does try to rebook you (due to IROPPS, mechanical, weather, etc), you can always explain that you specifically bought the itinerary through the hub-city to your 'destination', because you need to conduct business in the RCC/meet your girlfriend for a few minutes etc etc etc. I've been automatically given an 'improved' itinerary by United, and they are really good at reverting it back at my request. Hope that helps!

Do note that AirTran's policy is to not grant A+ flight credit for a two-segment ticket on which you miss your connection. Some folks here have reported that they received credit anyway, while others report that they have not.

Regarding the likelihood of FL rebooking you to a non-stop, I have no experience.

Do note that AirTran's policy is to not grant A+ flight credit for a two-segment ticket on which you miss your connection. Some folks here have reported that they received credit anyway, while others report that they have not.

Regarding the likelihood of FL rebooking you to a non-stop, I have no experience.

FL rules don't prohibit hidden city, but don't give you a credit.