Originally Posted by
dgxoxo
In short -
(1) don't check bags. Bags will go through to TPA.
(2) technically against the rules, people do it all the time. for some, it's gaming the fare, for others, it's because plans change mid-flight. don't make a habit of it. you won't get miles for the flight you do not take.
(3) in the event something screws up, DL's only obligation is to get you to TPA. They could route you through DTW or any other hub. I personally know someone that got screwed by this when doing something similar on another airline.
Not only this, if you hidden city regularly, DL may notice and cancel your SM account and all miles therein, and charge your payment method for the difference between what you bought and what you flew. You will have no recourse. But doing it once in a while should not be a problem.