In a world where airfares seem to rise higher with each passing day, the idea of saving hundreds of dollars on a flight is an enticing prospect. Recently, a real estate investor from California, Mike Bolen, shared his experience of using a “risky” flight hack that went viral. With over 6.2 million views on his social media post, Bolen’s story captivated the attention of travelers everywhere. But behind the allure of the hack lies a practice that, while potentially saving you money, comes with some serious risks and ethical questions. Lets read about the concept of Throwaway Ticketing.
A Flight Hack That Saved Hundreds
Mike Bolen’s hack was simple yet clever. Instead of booking a nonstop flight from California to St. Louis for $564, he discovered he could save a substantial amount by booking a ticket to Atlanta with a layover in St. Louis, priced at just $198.
Bolen took the layover route and got off the plane in St. Louis, skipping the flight to Atlanta altogether. He documented the process in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his success: “Why would you not just do a carry-on and get off the plane in STL? I am!” he wrote alongside a screenshot from the airline’s website.
According to Bolen, the hack worked smoothly. “It worked out fine, no issues,” he told Fox News Digital after testing it out. But while it seemed like a brilliant move for Bolen, what he stumbled upon is far from new. In fact, the hack has been around for some time.
The Secret Hack: “Throwaway Ticketing”
What Bolen had unknowingly discovered was a technique called “throwaway ticketing,” also known as “hidden city” or “point beyond” ticketing. It’s a practice where a traveler books a flight with multiple legs, but intentionally skips the final segment, saving money in the process. For example, someone flying from Los Angeles to New York might book a flight to Chicago with a layover in New York, only to get off at New York and not complete the final leg to Chicago.
Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert and author of the blog View From the Wing, explained this hack in more detail. He told Fox News Digital that it’s a method many travelers use to save money, especially when nonstop flights are priced higher than connecting flights. “Nonstop tickets are usually more expensive,” Leff noted, “so the goal is to take advantage of the lower cost of a connecting flight, even if it means skipping the second leg of the journey.”
This technique can result in significant savings, but it comes with a fair share of risks and complications, which we’ll discuss in a moment.
The Ethics of Throwaway Ticketing
The ethics surrounding throwaway ticketing have long been debated. Leff explained that airlines consider the price of a flight from A to B to C as a distinct product from a flight from A to B. “You’re buying one thing but consuming another,” he said. The airline views this as a violation of their policies, even though the traveler is essentially getting what they paid for — a seat on the flight they took.
On the other hand, many passengers see this practice as a clever way to beat the system. After all, if you’ve paid for a seat, why not use it in the way that works best for you? It’s a stance that reflects the growing frustration many people feel about complicated and often opaque airline pricing models.
However, the controversy doesn’t end with the ethical debate. While the hack may seem harmless, it comes with practical risks that passengers should consider before taking the plunge.
The Risks of Throwaway Ticketing
While throwaway ticketing may seem like an easy way to save money, there are several practical risks involved that could lead to unpleasant surprises.
- Airline Penalties
First and foremost, airlines don’t take kindly to passengers who bypass segments of their flights. Booking a ticket with the intention of skipping part of the trip can violate the airline’s Contract of Carriage — the terms and conditions you agree to when purchasing a ticket. In some cases, airlines may cancel your return flights or even ban you from flying with them again. - Frequent Flyer Consequences
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, throwaway ticketing could be problematic. Airlines track your flights for miles, and if they detect that you’ve skipped a segment, they may revoke your accumulated miles or even suspend your account. “An airline could shut down your frequent flyer account or ban you from flying with them,” Leff warned. - Luggage Issues
Another practical concern is checked baggage. If you’re skipping a flight segment, you might find yourself in a bind if you’ve checked in luggage. In many cases, airlines won’t allow you to check baggage if you’re not completing the full flight itinerary, leaving you with no way to retrieve your luggage at your layover. - Rebooking and Rerouting
Airlines often automatically rebook passengers on new flights when they don’t show up for a scheduled leg of the journey. If the airline thinks you’re supposed to be on the second flight, they may reroute you without your consent, causing unnecessary delays or complications.
Legal and Financial Risks
While throwaway ticketing isn’t illegal in most places, it does raise questions about airline policies and customer rights. The practice has caught the attention of certain airline industry players, with some going after companies like Skiplagged.com, a website that helps travelers find hidden city tickets. United Airlines, for example, sued the website, though the company ultimately won the legal battle.
Leff pointed out that the lack of transparency in pricing and booking systems often leads to situations like this. While airlines may see it as a violation, some passengers argue that the system is flawed and that customers should be able to use the tickets they purchase however they choose.
Is It Worth the Risk?
While throwaway ticketing offers a clear financial advantage, especially when booking connecting flights, the risks involved may not make it worth the potential savings for every traveler. Airlines are more aware of this tactic than ever, and while it might work in some cases, it could result in penalties, lost miles, or even being banned from flying with certain carriers.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the financial benefits against the possible consequences. If you’re just looking to save a few dollars and don’t mind the hassle, throwaway ticketing might be an appealing option. But for those who value their frequent flyer status or want to avoid complications during their travels, it might be better to stick with more traditional ways to find cheap flights.
Conclusion
Mike Bolen’s viral post highlighted a clever travel hack that sparked conversation about the ethics and risks of throwaway ticketing. While it’s a practice that can save travelers hundreds of dollars, it’s not without its potential downsides. From baggage problems to the threat of penalties, travelers should think twice before using this hack too frequently. As airlines become more vigilant about this strategy, it’s wise to consider all the possible consequences before jumping in.
If you’re determined to save on flights, there are plenty of other ways to find deals — and they won’t involve breaking any rules. Whether it’s comparing fares, booking in advance, or looking for budget airline options, there are ethical and safe ways to travel on a budget.
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