Working Poor

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,577 posts) Wed Feb 10, 2016, 04:06 PM Feb 2016

Asked our host and he says okay

Last edited Thu Feb 11, 2016, 11:05 PM - Edit history (1)

It's been years since I took a vacation that included a flight but now and then not flying isn't really an option. One of the things I've done is to book what's referred to as a "hidden city fare". For example I live near Philadelphia. I really needed to get to Atlanta but a particular airline wanted $300+ for a one-way ticket. I discovered that the same airline offered the same flight (Philly to Atlanta) along with a connecting flight on to Myrtle Beach for $82.

To sum up:
Philly - Atlanta = over $300
Philly - Atlanta - Myrtle Beach = $82

This practice is against some airline's contract of carriage. They may cancel any frequent flier miles awarded but if there's a family emergency or urgent business, this may save you a lot of headaches and money.

Caution: You do not want to check bags on this type of flight. You may get off your flight in Chicago and then realize your bags went to Boise without you. Carry on bags only.

There is a website that finds these types of fares: http://skiplagged.com/

3 replies

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Asked our host and he says okay (Original Post) discntnt_irny_srcsm Feb 2016 OP

it's a protected group not a dictatorship w0nderer Feb 2016 #1

Thanks this is a great group! discntnt_irny_srcsm Feb 2016 #2

Just a word of caution discntnt_irny_srcsm Feb 2016 #3

w0nderer

(1,937 posts)

1. it's a protected group not a dictatorship

Reply to discntnt_irny_srcsm (Original post)

Thu Feb 11, 2016, 06:06 PM

Feb 2016

practical hints to save money for working poor (and yes once in a while we too need to fly)
are absolutely cool

and so are the computer posts and other hints

I would prefer: It should be noted this is a personal preference, not a 'host' preference, and may not even be a preference of most people here (at which point i'll back down on it).

it's better to 'teach how to fish', than to 'give a fish' teach the tricks for finding cheap stuff (or links/resources) more so than pointing a single deal out, but either helps

either way, i just realized i forgot to welcome you to the group
welcome, pull up a chair, beverage of choice some popcorn or other snacks and have fun

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,577 posts)

2. Thanks this is a great group!

Reply to w0nderer (Reply #1)

Thu Feb 11, 2016, 11:05 PM

Feb 2016

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,577 posts)

3. Just a word of caution

Reply to discntnt_irny_srcsm (Original post)

Fri Feb 12, 2016, 08:44 AM

Feb 2016

I've looked into a few "discount" airlines that offer really low prices. For example Spirit is selling one way fares now NYC to Chicago for March 7-10 for as low as $35. What Spirit means by discount is you and only you can fly. You can bring one item with you, a purse, a backpack or anything that fits under the seat in front of you. A full size carry-on like a roller bag (22 x 14 x 9 in) will cost an extra $21 if paided for when you book the fare and you joined their club ($60) or $30 without the club. It rises after booking to as high as $55 if you pay at the check-in counter and the airport or $100 if skip that line and pay at the gate. Yes, you read that right. You can fly for $35 one way but you could pay 3 times that just for a piece of luggage.

The major carriers allow 1 carry-on and 1 personal item (laptop bag, tote, purse, backpack or whatever fits under the seat for free. Spirit and another of the discounters also charge to select a particular seat and to get a juice or soft drink on board. Delta will give you those free and even still offers their snack selection of free peanuts, pretzels or cookies.

If you can fly with bare bones luggage, accept whatever random seat you get and don't need a free drink on the flight, the discounters are your best option.

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