Mike Bolen, a real estate investor based in California, has taken the internet by storm with his recent revelation of a money-saving travel hack that has sparked heated debates among frequent flyers. In a post on X, Bolen shared his experience of paying only $198 for a flight ticket to Atlanta with a layover in St. Louis, instead of shelling out $564 for a nonstop flight to the same destination. This “wild” tactic, known as “throwaway” or “point beyond” ticketing, has gained popularity for its cost-saving benefits, but it comes with its fair share of risks and ethical dilemmas.
The Controversial Flight Hack
The hack involves booking a flight with a layover in the desired destination and getting off at the layover location instead of continuing to the final stop. While this may seem like a clever way to save money, airlines frown upon this practice as it disrupts their pricing model and can lead to consequences for passengers.
Expert Insights on the Ethical Debate
Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert, weighed in on the ethical implications of throwaway ticketing, highlighting the ongoing debate between airlines and passengers. While airlines argue that passengers are purchasing a specific flight product from point A to point B, passengers see it as a way to maximize savings on airfare.
Risks and Consequences
Despite the potential savings, using throwaway ticketing comes with practical risks, such as having to check your carry-on bag at the gate and facing the possibility of being rerouted by the airline based on the ticket’s destination. Airlines have the authority to penalize passengers for engaging in this practice, including canceling frequent flyer accounts or imposing travel bans.
Considerations for Passengers
While the allure of cheap flights is tempting, travelers must weigh the risks and consequences of using throwaway ticketing regularly. Gary Leff advises passengers to credit miles to a partner airline frequent flyer account to avoid detection, but warns against frequent use of this hack to evade airline scrutiny.
In conclusion, while throwaway ticketing may offer significant savings for budget-conscious travelers, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and ethical implications associated with this controversial practice. As airlines continue to crack down on this tactic, passengers must exercise caution and consider the long-term consequences of using throwaway ticketing in their travel plans.
