Quick Answer

• All major U.S. airlines prohibit hidden city ticketing in their contracts of carriage.
• Consequences: cancelled itineraries, lost miles, fare difference charges, and account bans.
• Southwest is least affected — its point-to-point model rarely creates hidden city opportunities.
• Delta and United are most aggressive in detecting and penalizing skiplagging.
• International airlines (Lufthansa, BA) have even stricter enforcement policies.

About This Guide

This guide provides comprehensive information about hidden city ticketing strategies and their implications for air travelers. All information is based on current airline policies and verified for accuracy in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does American Airlines allow hidden city ticketing?

No. American Airlines' contract of carriage prohibits it. They can cancel remaining segments, charge the fare difference, and suspend AAdvantage accounts.

What is Delta's policy on hidden city ticketing?

Delta actively monitors for skiplagging patterns. They can cancel SkyMiles accounts, revoke earned miles, and charge the difference between the ticketed and actual fare.

Can United Airlines detect hidden city ticketing?

Yes. United uses data analytics to detect patterns. They sued Skiplagged in 2015 and have been known to send warning letters to repeat offenders.

Does Southwest Airlines care about hidden city ticketing?

Southwest's point-to-point model and transparent pricing make hidden city ticketing largely impractical. There are fewer fare gaps to exploit.

What happens if I get caught?

Typical consequences: remaining flights cancelled, frequent flyer account suspended, miles revoked, and a fare adjustment charge. In extreme cases, future booking restrictions.

Quick Answer

• All major U.S. airlines prohibit hidden city ticketing in their contracts of carriage.
• Consequences: cancelled itineraries, lost miles, fare difference charges, and account bans.
• Southwest is least affected — its point-to-point model rarely creates hidden city opportunities.
• Delta and United are most aggressive in detecting and penalizing skiplagging.
• International airlines (Lufthansa, BA) have even stricter enforcement policies.

About This Guide

This guide provides comprehensive information about hidden city ticketing strategies and their implications for air travelers. All information is based on current airline policies and verified for accuracy in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does American Airlines allow hidden city ticketing?

No. American Airlines' contract of carriage prohibits it. They can cancel remaining segments, charge the fare difference, and suspend AAdvantage accounts.

What is Delta's policy on hidden city ticketing?

Delta actively monitors for skiplagging patterns. They can cancel SkyMiles accounts, revoke earned miles, and charge the difference between the ticketed and actual fare.

Can United Airlines detect hidden city ticketing?

Yes. United uses data analytics to detect patterns. They sued Skiplagged in 2015 and have been known to send warning letters to repeat offenders.

Does Southwest Airlines care about hidden city ticketing?

Southwest's point-to-point model and transparent pricing make hidden city ticketing largely impractical. There are fewer fare gaps to exploit.

What happens if I get caught?

Typical consequences: remaining flights cancelled, frequent flyer account suspended, miles revoked, and a fare adjustment charge. In extreme cases, future booking restrictions.