Originally Posted by
KidWithDream
Sorry if this isn't the right forum for this, feel free to move if it's not.
So I'm buying a "hacker fare" to get from Pittsburgh to Chicago. To go from Pittsburgh to Chicago direct is $134. But from Pittsburgh to Miami with a layover in Chicago is $69. So I'm going to book that flight and then get off on my layover and just leave. Of course I'll only have a carry-on bag so I don't lose any of my luggage.
So far I'm okay, as people frequently do this. BUT, here's the thing. I now have a one way ticket from Chicago to Miami that's being unused. Could I give this ticket to a friend to use? What we would do is this. My friend buys a refundable ticket to wherever to get through security. He then cancels that flight and I hand him the ORD -> MIA portion of my ticket. Since they don't check ID's when boarding planes, he can simply take my ticket and go to MIA while I exit ORD and go home.
So it seems like this would definitely be doable, but would it be illegal?
To address the first part...NO. Not illegal. It's called "Hidden City Ticketing" and is pretty common. While not illegal, the airlines hate it because it causes headaches and they do have a right to ban you. So don't do this with an airline you fly often, and most importantly DON'T DO THIS OUTBOUND ONLY. Meaning, if you have to get yourself home on the return ticket (although you probably don't have one because you are at ORD not MIA) , you may not be able to because they will have cancelled your reservation as a no show. For the return, go on a different carrier. And yes, as you said, don't check luggage. Most importantly, make sure you don't end up forced to gate-check it. Make sure it's small and it fits.
As to the second part...it won't work. Your name is on the ticket and TSA checks ID's at security. If your friend tries to get airside using someone else's boarding pass they are likely to be turned away...if not detained for questioning.