Hidden-City Tickets: How to Avoid the Costly Mistakes Travelers Still Make

I’m currently on a train from Taipei, Taiwan to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Taipei is a popular tourist spot for the Japanese and other Asian countries but I think I’ve only seen one other American here.

Which means - Everyone is staring at me like a mythical unicorn.

I get it though. People are just curious. I would be too.

I’m liking Taiwan a lot. It feels very Japanese without all the westerners so I highly recommend checking it out.

Let’s get onto today’s issue.

Travel hacking can feel almost magical at times. But the best hacks often lose their power when too many people find out about them and companies close the loopholes.

I'm going to cover one travel hack that used to be amazing but doesn't work as well anymore.

I want to make sure you understand the risks before you try this trick.

For years, travelers used a booking trick called hidden-city ticketing to save money.

The idea was simple: sometimes a flight with a layover in your real destination was cheaper than flying there directly.

So people would book the cheaper flight, get off at the layover city, and skip the last leg of the trip.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, it used to be. This strategy worked well in the early 2010s when airlines didn't pay much attention. But today, it's not nearly as effective—and it comes with real risks.

Why the Hidden City Trick Doesn't Work Like Before

Airlines have gotten much smarter. They now use dynamic pricing, which means prices can change in real time, and they monitor unusual travel behavior. Because of this:

• The price gap between direct flights and hidden-city routes is smaller than before.
• Airlines sometimes cancel or change routes, meaning your "layover city" might not be a stop anymore.
• Using this trick frequently can get your loyalty account flagged or even shut down.
• Your return ticket can be canceled automatically if you skip a segment.

In short: what used to be a clever loophole is now a gamble.

How Brave Travelers Still Use It (Carefully)

If you really want to try a hidden-city booking, here are the safest practices:

• Carry-on only—no checked bags, ever.
• Book a one-way ticket, not a round trip.
• Avoid using your frequent-flyer number so your account doesn't get flagged.
• Do this rarely, not as a regular travel habit.
• Check that your layover city is the airline's main hub, which makes route changes less likely.

These steps don't remove all the risks, but they lower them.

The Bottom Line

The hidden-city trick is a classic part of travel-hack history, but it's no longer the reliable money-saver it once was. It can still work in very specific situations, but today it's something travelers should use sparingly and with full awareness of the risks.

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Have you ever used a travel hack that worked amazingly… until it suddenly didn’t? What happened?

Cocktail of the Week

Random Travel Thought

Asian countries take shopping to a whole other level.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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