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United Airlines sues tech wizard who set up website showing customers how to get cheaper flight tickets
The website uses a technique described as 'hidden city' ticketing directing customers to book their final destination as a stop-over instead. (www.dailymail.co.uk) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I don't understand how they can even have a lawsuit. Not only has he not done anything illegal, he hasn't profited from it either. Hell, both United and Orbitz are just giving more exposure to this technique so that others can do it from now on.
It takes $200 filing fee and a typewriter to start a lawsuit. Remember SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation)? Maybe the same thing here, nip it in the bud.
Nip it in the bud? This strategy is not new.
Goes back as far as Noah, at least.
"Streisand Effect"
Perhaps the airlines should stop charging too much for short flights and using anti-trust and monopolistic practices to bend you over in the woodshed.
Before the computers at the gate, a buck to a curbside skycap could get your bag short tagged to the hidden city. Now you need to go without checked luggage. The savings can be much more than FedEx-ing your bag ahead of your flight.
Before the computers at the gate, a buck to a curbside skycap could get your bag short tagged to the hidden city. Now you need to go without checked luggage. The savings can be much more than FedEx-ing your bag ahead of your flight.
I was a ticket agent and a ticket agent supervisor for Eastern Airlines in the 60's and 70's.
I am also a graduate of their International Ticketing school.
Point beyond fares or (hidden city fares) were well known 50 years ago even when all airfares were basically identical since airfares were regulated by the Federal Government.
Back then, you could by a round trip ticket and check your bag to an intermediate destination
because there was not the computer tracking on your bag or ticket like there is now.
So, like the article says---- BUY TWO ONE WAY tickets to the furtherest point.
In today's world:
If you get off at your intermediate stop (the place you really want to go) and do not continue on your itinerary---- your return reservations will be cancelled automatically as the computer will pick up the fact that you did not fly the last leg of your trip.
So, that is why you can only book ONE WAY tickets.
Also, Federal law will NOT allow you to check your bag now to the intermediate destination,
so, yes, you have to carry your bag on board since you will be getting off at your
intermediate stop---- either same flight number that has stops---- or a different flight number with a plane change.
I did this coming back from Manila last year. Just got off the plane in Los Angeles
with my bag, even though the plane was continuing on east bound. I had my bags with me--
This saved me at least $1500.
This is totally not illegal---just smart if you know the ropes.
I am also a graduate of their International Ticketing school.
Point beyond fares or (hidden city fares) were well known 50 years ago even when all airfares were basically identical since airfares were regulated by the Federal Government.
Back then, you could by a round trip ticket and check your bag to an intermediate destination
because there was not the computer tracking on your bag or ticket like there is now.
So, like the article says---- BUY TWO ONE WAY tickets to the furtherest point.
In today's world:
If you get off at your intermediate stop (the place you really want to go) and do not continue on your itinerary---- your return reservations will be cancelled automatically as the computer will pick up the fact that you did not fly the last leg of your trip.
So, that is why you can only book ONE WAY tickets.
Also, Federal law will NOT allow you to check your bag now to the intermediate destination,
so, yes, you have to carry your bag on board since you will be getting off at your
intermediate stop---- either same flight number that has stops---- or a different flight number with a plane change.
I did this coming back from Manila last year. Just got off the plane in Los Angeles
with my bag, even though the plane was continuing on east bound. I had my bags with me--
This saved me at least $1500.
This is totally not illegal---just smart if you know the ropes.