Travelers sometimes exploit a loophole called hidden city ticketing, where they book a cheaper flight with a layover in their actual destination and simply walk out of the airport halfway through the trip.

A closer look

Travelers sometimes exploit a loophole called hidden city ticketing, where they book a cheaper flight with a layover in their actual destination and simply walk out of the airport halfway through the trip. Airlines absolutely despise this incredibly smart cost-saving tactic because it messes with their convoluted pricing algorithms, and they will retaliate with the fury of a slighted mob boss if they catch you. Getting caught deliberately skipping your connection can result in the airline canceling your return ticket, seizing all your frequent flyer miles, and permanently banning you from their planes. It is a hilarious testament to corporate logic that consuming less of a service you fully paid for is somehow considered a punishable offense