If you’re a frequent flyer or a budget-conscious traveller based in Singapore, you may have heard whispers about "hidden city ticketing." This unconventional travel hack has gained popularity among adventurers looking to save on airfare. However, it has complexities, risks, and ethical considerations.

This blog will uncover everything about hidden city ticketing—from how it works to its perks, pitfalls, and legal nuances. By the end of this read, you’ll have a solid grip on whether hidden city ticketing fits your travel plans or is best left unexplored.

Hidden city ticketing, also known as "skip-lagging," is a travel hack in which passengers book flights with a layover in their desired destination, intending to disembark at the layover rather than completing the entire itinerary. Airlines often price layover flights lower than direct flights to encourage route optimisation, making this tactic attractive to budget-minded travellers.

For example, if you wanted to fly from Singapore to Hanoi, a direct flight might cost $500. However, a flight from Singapore to Tokyo with a layover in Hanoi could be priced at just $300. By “skipping” the second leg, you save $200.

As discussed below, it’s an inventive way to cut costs, but it raises questions about practicality, ethics, and legality.

The concept is straightforward but requires careful planning and execution to avoid hiccups. Here’s how it typically plays out:

1. Finding the Right Route

Using a platform like Traveloka, travellers search for multi-leg flights where their desired destination is a layover. For instance, if Singapore is your starting point, look for flights with stopovers in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or another popular city.

2. Booking the Ticket

Once a suitable route is found, passengers book their tickets through Traveloka, ensuring their chosen stopover aligns with their final destination.

3. Skipping the Final Leg

Instead of continuing the trip after reaching the layover, you exit the airport and forgo the last leg. For example, if your ticket is from Singapore to Tokyo via Kuala Lumpur, you’d disembark in Kuala Lumpur and remain there.

4. Hand Luggage Only

To use hidden city ticketing effectively, travelling with hand luggage is essential. If you check in luggage, it’ll be routed to the final ticketed destination—rendering the trick useless.

While the strategy sounds appealing, it is not without its share of complexities and risks, as we will explain.

Hidden city ticketing can result in significant savings compared to standard direct flight prices.

Sometimes, hidden city routes can make pricey, less-travelled destinations accessible without straining your budget.

If you’re an adventurous traveller, hidden city ticketing can make spontaneous last-minute trips more affordable.

Finding the correct hidden city route requires meticulous research and flexibility in your travel plans.

Airlines watch for passengers using this tactic frequently, and there may be repercussions, such as account bans.

Flight delays or cancellations can disrupt your plans, primarily because you rely on specific layovers.

Hidden city ticketing exists in a legal grey area. While it’s not illegal under Singaporean law or most local jurisdictions, it violates the terms and conditions of many airlines. Consequences can include cancelled return tickets, revoked frequent flyer miles, or fines.

Ethically, it also raises questions. Airlines develop pricing structures for specific logistical purposes, and exploiting those practices may be considered unfair. Many travellers argue that it’s simply a way to take advantage of loopholes.

The process of booking such tickets doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide using Traveloka to simplify the process:

Traveloka’s straightforward interface and pricing transparency can also benefit travellers in Singapore, making hidden city ticketing easier to manage.

Hidden city ticketing works best if you’re open to tweaking travel dates or destinations.

Using this tactic sparingly can help you minimise detection by airlines.

Group travel complicates logistics, increasing the chances of complications.

Prevent dynamic pricing from raising airfare costs by searching in incognito mode.

While hidden city ticketing offers enticing benefits, weighing the risks involved is essential. Here are a few to keep in mind:

For budget-conscious Singaporean travellers, hidden city ticketing isn’t the only route to savings. Consider these alternative methods:

Watch for Traveloka’s periodic flash sales, which often drop airfare prices during off-peak seasons.

Leverage credit card rewards or frequent flyer points to offset ticket prices.

Some budget airlines offer direct flights at competitive rates, eliminating the need for hidden city planning.

For adventurous budget travellers in Singapore, hidden city ticketing can be a travel hack worth exploring, provided you understand its complexities and risks. Used sparingly and with precision, this strategy could save you hundreds of dollars on your next adventure.

If you’re ready to start your hidden city ticketing journey safely and conveniently, use Traveloka's resources. Their user-friendly platform simplifies the process while ensuring you get the best prices with minimal effort.

Thinking about your next adventure? Book flight tickets, accommodation, and the best activities all in one place with Traveloka. Plan your trip today and explore the world your way!