first leg trip

Air Travel Questions

Can I Skip The First Leg Of My Flight and Still Keep My Itinerary Intact?

January 21, 2024

Ethan Harris

Ever found yourself wishing you could just skip the first leg of your flight without a hitch? It’s a common scenario that might seem tempting to bypass, especially if plans change last minute.

This article is your go-to guide for understanding the ins and outs of airline policies and how they affect your travel itinerary when skipping flights. We’re about to dive into some tips and tricks that could save you from travel headaches – keep reading!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Skipping the first leg of your flight can lead to the airline canceling your entire trip , including return flights and connections.
• If you miss a flight on purpose, like with hidden city ticketing , you might pay big fines or lose frequent flyer benefits .
• Always contact the airline if you cannot take your first flight; they may help change your ticket without losing it .
• Consider travel insurance to cover missed flights and check luggage policies for carry-ons only if skipping a part of the journey becomes necessary.
• Packing smart with essentials in carry – on bags is crucial in case of lost checked luggage or sudden itinerary changes.

Can I Skip The First Leg Of My Flight?

Venturing into the realm of flight itineraries, one might ponder the possibility of skipping that initial leg and zooming straight to their primary destination. However, this move isn’t as simple as a game of hopscotch; airlines have specific protocols in place—and those could lead to some unexpected turbulence for your travel plans.

Airline policies vary

Every airline has its own set of rules. These are often called the Conditions of Carriage . They outline what you can and cannot do with your ticket. For instance, some carriers might let you skip a leg of your trip, but others might cancel all your remaining flights if you miss one part.

Always check with your airline to know their specific no-show policy .

If you’re thinking about skipping a flight, there could be big consequences. Your whole itinerary may fall apart like a house of cards. You might lose frequent flyer miles or face extra fees that weren’t in your travel budget.

Some passengers have even been taken to court over something called hidden city ticketing – when they book a connecting flight with no plans to take the last leg because it’s cheaper than flying direct.

Potential consequences

Skipping the first leg of your flight is risky. Your entire itinerary could be canceled . That includes all connecting flights and return trips on the same ticket. Imagine you’re headed to a dream vacation or important business meeting and suddenly, you have no way to get there because one missed leg led an airline like Delta or British Airways to wipe out your plans.

If you decide to skip part of your journey, think about what’s at stake. You might face steep fees up to $100,000 if caught using hidden city ticketing tactics . Plus, missing that initial departure could see frequent flyers banned from elite status with airlines like American Airlines or Lufthansa.

Always weigh the cost against losing not just money but also valuable loyalty perks before considering throwing away any portion of your ticketed flights.

Can I Still Keep My Itinerary Intact?

Hoping to navigate the skies while skipping that first leg of your journey might seem tempting, but it’s a maneuver fraught with risks. Understanding the delicacy of flight itineraries is crucial—miss one segment and you could find the rest unraveling before your eyes like a poorly packed suitcase at baggage claim.

Canceling a leg may affect the rest of the trip

Canceling just one part of your trip can mess up the whole thing . Airlines usually cancel all other flights you have booked on the same ticket if you miss any leg. This means if you skip your first flight, don’t expect to catch your next one.

Even if you have a good reason, airlines are strict about this rule . They see each flight as part of an agreement ; when you miss one without telling them, they assume you won’t show up for the rest.

Better think twice before deciding not to board that plane! If keeping your travel plans on track matters to you, consider talking to the airline before making any changes yourself.

Possible repercussions for missing a leg

If you miss the first part of your flight, the airline may cancel the rest of your flights on that ticket. This means you could be stuck without a way to reach your final destination.

Some airlines might charge extra fees or penalties if you skip a leg. They can get quite upset when travelers look for cheaper tickets by missing parts of their journey.

For example, if you booked with TUI Airways and decided not to take off from London Heathrow Airport, they might not let you board at the next stop. And watch out for Qatar Airlines or any other carrier; they all have rules that say skipping flights could cost big bucks in lost fees—sometimes thousands! Even though courts often don’t support airlines suing over hidden city ticketing , getting hit with hefty fines is still possible.

Plus, saying goodbye to frequent flyer bonuses can happen if you try this trick too often with airfares hacks like throwaway ticketing.

So before you leave out a leg, think it through. Check in with the airline’s policies on personal items and checked baggage because each one handles skipped flights differently – especially in basic economy class where options are already limited.

If there’s no other choice but to drop part of your trip, carry-on luggage might become your best friend since it sticks with you no matter what happens!

Remember those terms we talked about? Hidden city ticketing is one tactic folks use to save money on connecting flights by exiting at layovers instead of continuing to the final listed destination — but airlines are watching for this closely! Talk about risky business class moves..

just know there could be consequences and plan carefully around them whenever making travel decisions involving multiple destinations or complicated itineraries.

Consider alternative solutions before skipping a leg

Skipping the first part of your flight could cause problems. Your whole trip might be canceled by the airline .

• Reach out to the airline. Explain why you can’t make the first flight. They might help you change your plans without losing your tickets.
• Look into travel insurance . Some policies cover missed connections due to unexpected events.
• Check if changing your ticket is an option. It may cost less than buying a new one after a cancellation.
• Research laws and policies . Some places have rules that protect travelers who miss flights for good reasons.
• Consider flying with only carry – on bags . If you must skip a leg, having no checked luggage avoids complications.
• Book separate tickets for different parts of your journey. If one part changes, it won’t mess up the rest.

Packing Considerations When Planning Your Flight Itinerary

Check your bags’ weight and dimensions against the airline’s luggage rules . Overweight or oversized items can cost extra fees. Pack essentials like medications in your carry-on in case you get separated from your checked bags.

Remember, airlines sometimes lose luggage, so having important items with you is smart.

Think about security screenings too. Keep liquids in a clear bag and electronics easily accessible for quick checks. This will speed up the process at the airport. Also, pack valuables like cameras or jewelry in your carry-on to keep them safe.

Lastly, consider how weather changes might affect what you bring. Layer clothes so that you’re ready for different temperatures during transit or at your destination. Comfortable shoes are a must too since airports often mean lots of walking.

Choosing to skip the first leg of your flight is a risky move . You might lose your whole trip and face extra fees . Always talk to your airline before making this choice. They can help you find a better solution.

Remember, understanding the rules can save you from trouble later on !

1. What happens if I skip the first leg of my flight?

If you miss the first part of your flight, airlines might cancel the rest of your trip. Your seat on later flights could be given away, and your bags may not end up where you’re going.

2. Can I just catch the second flight instead?

Airlines usually need you to take every flight segment in order — missing one can mean trouble for your whole itinerary. Check with them before trying that.

3. Will there be issues with visas or airline luggage rules if I skip a segment?

Skipping a flight might mess up plans needing a visa for entry or transit — double-check those requirements! And yes, airline luggage guidelines matter; they’ll likely send your bags to the final stop listed on your initial booking.

4. Is it ever okay to skip part of my booked journey?

We get it — plans change! Just keep in mind, this move can lead to complications like losing out on future flights or having baggage mishaps. Always talk to your airline first; they’re there to help sort things out.

How To Cancel One Leg Of A Round Trip Flight

Flight plans changing halfway through a trip is an inconvenience many travelers face at some point. If you need to cancel just one leg of a round trip flight, you have a few options depending on the airline, the type of ticket purchased, etc.

We’ll walk through everything you need to know about canceling only one leg of a multi-city itinerary.

If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: airlines generally allow you to skip one leg of a round trip ticket, but you usually won’t get a refund for the unused flight segment . There are some exceptions like with more flexible business class tickets.

Read on for specifics on change/cancellation policies and rebooking one-way flights if needed.

Rules Around Skipping a Leg on Round Trip Tickets

When it comes to canceling or skipping one leg of a round trip flight, there are certain rules and considerations that passengers need to be aware of. While it may seem like a simple task, airlines have different policies and restrictions in place that can affect your ability to cancel or modify your ticket.

Most Discount Economy Tickets are Use or Lose

One important thing to keep in mind is that most discount economy tickets, especially those purchased through online travel agencies or third-party websites, are typically non-refundable and non-changeable.

This means that if you decide to skip one leg of your round trip flight, you may lose the value of that leg and will not be able to claim a refund or apply it to future travel.

It’s crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions of your ticket before making any changes. Some airlines may allow you to pay a fee to change your flight, but it’s important to weigh the cost of the fee against the value of the canceled leg.

Differences by Fare Class and Airline

The rules around canceling or skipping a leg of a round trip flight can also vary depending on the fare class and the airline you are flying with. Higher fare classes, such as business or first class, often have more flexible change and cancellation policies compared to economy class tickets.

It’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly or consult their website to understand their specific policies. Some airlines may allow you to cancel or modify your ticket for a fee, while others may have stricter rules in place.

Rebooking One-Way Flights

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to skip one leg of your round trip flight, one option is to rebook your flight as two separate one-way tickets. This can sometimes be a cost-effective solution, especially if the cost of the cancellation fee outweighs the price of a new one-way ticket.

However, it’s important to note that rebooking as two one-way tickets may have its own set of limitations. For example, if you have checked baggage, you may need to collect and recheck your bags during the layover, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Additionally, if you have booked a round trip flight with a specific airline or alliance to earn frequent flyer miles, rebooking as two separate one-way tickets may affect your mileage accrual.

Getting Partial Refunds in Special Cases

When it comes to canceling one leg of a round trip flight, there are certain situations where travelers can explore the possibility of obtaining partial refunds. This article will discuss three special cases where getting a partial refund is more likely to happen.

By understanding the options available in these scenarios, passengers can make informed decisions and potentially save money.

Elite Status Can Provide More Flexibility

Passengers with elite status in an airline’s loyalty program often enjoy additional benefits and perks. One of these perks is greater flexibility when it comes to making changes to their flights. Airlines value their loyal customers and understand that unexpected circumstances may arise that require a change in travel plans.

In such cases, passengers with elite status may have the option to cancel one leg of their round trip flight and receive a partial refund or credit for future travel.

For example, if a passenger needs to cancel the return leg of their round trip flight due to a sudden illness or a change in business plans, having elite status can provide the flexibility needed to make the necessary changes without incurring additional fees.

Passengers should check with their airline and review the terms and conditions of their elite status to understand the specific benefits that may be available to them.

Business/First Class Tickets Have More Options

Travelers who have booked business or first class tickets generally have more options available to them when it comes to canceling one leg of their round trip flight. Airlines often offer more lenient cancellation policies for premium class tickets, recognizing the higher cost associated with these bookings.

Passengers who find themselves in a situation where they need to cancel one leg of their round trip flight should reach out to their airline’s customer service to discuss their options.

In some cases, passengers may be able to upgrade their remaining leg to business or first class, depending on availability, instead of canceling it completely. This option allows passengers to still travel while maximizing the value of their original booking.

It’s important to note that each airline may have different policies and fees associated with these changes, so it’s best to contact the airline directly for specific information.

Bereavement Policies May Allow Changes

Unfortunately, there are times when travelers may need to cancel one leg of their round trip flight due to a family emergency or the passing of a loved one. In such cases, airlines may have bereavement policies in place that allow passengers to make changes to their travel plans without incurring hefty fees.

These policies are designed to provide some flexibility and compassion during difficult times. Passengers who find themselves in this situation should contact their airline and provide the necessary documentation, such as a death certificate or a funeral notice, to qualify for the bereavement policy.

Each airline may have different requirements and limitations, so it’s important to check with them directly for more information.

Tips for Modifying Round Trip Itineraries

Tell the airline about changes as soon as possible.

When you need to cancel one leg of a round trip flight, it is important to inform the airline as soon as possible. Airlines have different policies regarding modifications and cancellations, and the sooner you communicate your request, the better chance you have of avoiding any penalties or fees.

It is always recommended to check the airline’s website or contact their customer service directly to understand their specific policy and procedure for making changes to your itinerary.

Consider Trip Interruption Insurance

One way to protect yourself from unexpected changes in your travel plans is to consider purchasing trip interruption insurance. This type of insurance can provide coverage for cancellation fees and other expenses related to modifying your round trip itinerary.

Before purchasing trip interruption insurance, it is essential to carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure that it covers the specific changes you want to make to your flight.

Book One-Way Flights to Avoid Issues

If you frequently find yourself needing to modify your travel plans, booking one-way flights instead of round trip itineraries may be a better option. By booking one-way flights, you have more flexibility to make changes to your travel dates or destinations without having to cancel an entire round trip ticket. Furthermore, booking one-way flights can sometimes be more cost-effective, especially if there are significant price differences between outbound and return flights.

While most round trip tickets require you to fly both flight segments, there are some exceptions. Higher priced business class fares tend to have the most flexibility to change one leg of a journey when needed. Bereavement policies may also allow modifications without fees in special circumstances.

No matter the reason for needing to alter your plans mid-trip, informing the airline as soon as possible and knowing their policies are key to making the process smoother.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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When Skipping a Flight Can Save Money (And When It Won't)

See recent posts by Peter Thornton

How to Book Hidden City Tickets for Cheap Flights

This type of itinerary is often referred to as a “hidden city” or “throwaway” ticket. For example, let’s say you want to travel nonstop from New York to Dallas, but it’s cheaper to fly from New York to Albuquerque with a stop in Dallas. You can book the cheaper “hidden city” ticket from New York to Albuquerque and just skip the connecting flight from Dallas to Albuquerque once you’ve landed in your intended destination, Dallas.

What You Need to Know About Hidden City Tickets

• Only skip flight legs at the end of a flight itinerary
• Don’t check any bags
• Don’t tell the airline you intend to skip a flight
• Don’t use hidden city tickets too often

Once you have skipped a flight, all remaining flight legs on your itinerary will be canceled by the airline. So, you wouldn’t want to purchase a roundtrip flight itinerary if you planned on skipping a flight leg on your outbound trip. Instead, you would need to book two separate one-way flights in each direction or plan to skip a leg at the end of your return flight.

Can I skip the first leg of my flight?

No, you cannot skip the first leg of any itinerary. As stated above, after you’ve skipped a flight, all remaining flight legs on your itinerary will be canceled by the airline. It may seem silly, but this is a common mistake many infrequent travelers make. For example, it’s more expensive to buy a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Tokyo so you buy a cheaper flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo that stops in San Francisco. You cannot simply skip the first flight from LA to SF and board the plane from San Francisco to Tokyo. You must position down to LA and start flying from LA.

Can I skip my return leg on a roundtrip ticket?

Yes, but don’t make it a habit. Sometimes roundtrip tickets are much cheaper than one-way flights. You’ll find this more often on international flights. For example, at the time of writing, the cheapest one-way ticket on a nonstop United flight from San Francisco to London-LHR is $2,059 while the cheapest roundtrip ticket is $392 ($552 in standard Economy). If you only want to fly one-way on that specific flight, save up to $1,667 by booking a roundtrip flight and just don’t show up for the return flight.

San Francisco to London $2,059 one-way in standard Economy

San Francisco to London $392 roundtrip in Basic Economy

San Francisco to London $552 roundtrip in standard Economy

If you do this on a regular basis, the airline may take action against you since you are technically breaking the airline’s rules by intentionally missing your return flight. But if it’s a one-time occurrence, there is a very small chance the airline will notice.

Related: You Might Be Buying Domestic Airfare All Wrong

Can I check bags when skipping a flight?

For the most part, you cannot travel with checked bags when flying on a hidden city ticket. If your flight is ticketed from New York to Albuquerque via Dallas, your checked bag will go to Albuquerque even though you plan to get off the plane in Dallas.

The only times you can check a bag when you are planning to skip a flight leg is when traveling on a roundtrip ticket where you only plan to skip the return flight or if you’re able or required to pick up your checked bags at an intermediary stop.

For example, international flights landing in the U.S. require you to claim your luggage at the first point of entry, take the bags through customs, and then re-check to the final destination. Even though your bag may be tagged from Tokyo to Los Angeles, if you are stopping in San Francisco on the way, you will be able to pick up your checked luggage in San Francisco and still skip the flight from SF to LA.

This is a requirement for international flights arriving in the U.S. but is not the case when connecting in many parts of the world. Make sure to check what the procedures are for checked luggage when connecting in other countries before you check a bag. If your itinerary requires a long or overnight layover where you intend to stay, you can usually check a bag to the intermediary stop, but confirm this with the airline.

Can I gate check my bag when skipping a flight?

This depends on the type of aircraft you’ll be flying. Most regional carriers operating flights on smaller jets for American , Delta , and United only gate check your larger carry-on bags to the next airport where you claim it at the gate once you arrive. In this case, it will be ok to gate check your bag since you will be picking it up at the gate immediately after exiting the aircraft.

However, if you’re flying on a larger mainline aircraft, bags checked at the gate usually get tagged to the final destination on your reservation and will be transferred by the ground staff at the connecting airport. Therefore, it is imperative that you board the plane as early as possible to ensure there is space in the cabin for your bag. It’s best to travel as light as possible when you plan to skip a flight so you don’t run into a situation where you are forced to check your bag.

Keep in mind that Basic Economy passengers are last to board so you may want to pay a little extra for the standard or Main Cabin Economy fare.

Related: A New Look at Basic Economy for Domestic and Short-Haul International Travel

Should I tell the airline that I plan to skip a flight?

While you may think it’s good will to let the airline know there will be a free seat on the next flight, you should not tell the airline you plan to skip a flight. Airlines frown upon passengers who skip flight legs to save money. There is usually a provision in the contract of carriage that prohibits this action, and if the airline finds out you plan to skip a flight, your ticket may be canceled.

Some airlines may go as far as canceling any frequent flyer miles you have earned with the carrier so you may not want to associate your account number when you plan to skip a flight. Unless you skip flight legs to save money on a regular basis, the airline most likely won’t notice.

Do I need a visa or proof of onward travel when traveling on an international itinerary?

As far as the airline is concerned, you are traveling to the destination on the ticketed itinerary. If you have booked a ticket to an international destination, you must travel with a passport and may need to provide documentation that you have any required visas or proof of onward travel if you only have a one-way ticket. These documents are usually required when you check in for the first flight on your itinerary—even if the first leg is a domestic flight. Be prepared with the required documents and keep this in mind when booking a hidden city ticket with an international itinerary.

Related: How to Provide Proof of Onward Travel When Traveling One-Way Internationally

What are the risks when traveling on a hidden city ticket?

In rare cases of irregular flight operations or cancelations, your flight may get rerouted through another hub city. This is the risk you’ll have to take when traveling on a hidden city ticket. If this happens, you can plead with the airline that the routing no longer works for you and try to suggest another routing through your intended destination. It helps to be extra courteous in these situations, but there is no guarantee you’ll be able to reroute. An airline is only obligated to fly you to your ticketed destination.

As stated above, it’s also a risk that you’ll be forced to check a bag beyond where you intend to travel. If you can travel with just a small personal item , you’ll never have to check a bag. Traveling on a Basic Economy ticket is the riskiest as you will be the last to board. Also, keep in mind that United’s Basic Economy fares only allow a small personal item onboard for domestic and short-haul international travel.

While skipping a flight to save money doesn’t break any laws, you may be breaking an airline’s contract of carriage. It’s pretty rare, but an airline may cancel your frequent flyer account. So, if you’re aiming to get elite status on an airline, you may want to avoid hidden city ticketing.

Related: Why You Should Never Skip an Onward Flight

How to Find Cheap Hidden City Tickets

The easiest way to find hidden city tickets is by searching on Skiplagged . It was created for this very purpose and is an excellent tool to reveal cheaper flights that may go beyond your intended destination.

When searching for flights on Skiplagged, it will indicate which flight options are “hidden city” tickets by stating it’s a “skiplagged rate”.

When clicking through to book these flights, Skiplagged will give a warning that you are booking a hidden city ticket and make you click a checkbox that you understand the caveats when booking this type of ticket. Skiplagged will then provide a direct URL that you can copy and paste into a new browser window and it will take you directly to the airline site to book your ticket.

Skiplagged also sells tickets for standard itineraries that do not require you to skip a flight. In this case, Skiplagged acts as an online travel agency (OTA) and usually charges a fee to book the ticket depending on the airline. After searching a few routes, I found booking fees to range between $5-$35 (it seems to be a percentage of the fare and depends on the airline). And some of the fares listed were much higher than what is available on the airline’s website so I would recommend checking directly with the airline or another OTA to compare.

Related: The Best Tools for Flexible Date Searches

Google Flights Explore Map  

There are also other ways savvy travelers can unearth hidden city fares and it’s a good idea to check since no one travel site is perfect and Skiplagged’s algorithm doesn’t always find all options. At the time of writing, my example of a one-way flight from New York-LGA to Albuquerque with a stop in Dallas-DFW is selling for $87 on several sites and travel dates, but this flight option is not showing up on Skiplagged if you search for a flight from New York-LGA to Dallas-DFW as it should.

To find hidden city ticket options using Google Flights explore map , first search for a flight to your intended destination. After figuring out which airlines fly nonstop, if any, isolate those airlines using the filters to search for flights on those airlines only. Then, delete the arrival city and either hit the tab key on your keyboard or click in a blank space outside the box. This will bring you to a map view where you can scan around and zoom in/out to find where there might be a cheaper flight available to another city that may route through your intended destination.

This method will take a little trial and error so it may be best to first search on Skiplagged for the cheapest airline and then try Google Flights explore map just to see if there may be any cheaper options on that specific airline. In my example, I decided to only isolate American Airlines, because Dallas-DFW is a hub city for American. Looking at the map, I see the $87 flight to Albuquerque and after clicking through I see that it does indeed have a stop in Dallas-DFW. This flight is cheaper than the $139 nonstop flight and also cheaper than the $117 option I saw on Skiplagged.

New York to Albuquerque (via Dallas) $87 one-way

New York to Dallas $139 one-way, nonstop

New York to Dallas search on Skiplagged $117 one-way (filtering out Spirit)

For more advanced searches, use ITA Matrix software to conduct custom searches where you can use codes to search for flights utilizing specific layover cities and even specific flights. You won’t be able to book any flights through ITA searches, but you can use the information to book flights directly with the airline or any other booking engine.

Related: Airline Hub Guide: Which U.S. Cities Are Major Hubs and Why It Matters

When Skipping a Flight Can Save the Most

You’ll notice the biggest savings when you simply want to fly one-way internationally on certain flights that have exorbitant prices. By booking a roundtrip flight and just skipping the return flight, you can often save hundreds or even thousands.

Most “hidden city” deals are one-way flights to hub cities where it can be very expensive to fly on a standard nonstop flight ticketed to that destination. Airlines often charge a premium to fly nonstop—especially on routes with little competition. An airline will often sell cheaper flights to places like Florida or Vegas where there is a lot of competition. If you’re traveling from a smaller city, those flights may route through a large hub and could be cheaper than the overpriced nonstop flight ticketed only to the hub city.

Of course, if you are booking one-way flights and plan to return to the city you’re departing from, you’ll need to see how much it is to fly back to see if you’ll actually save any money compared to booking a normal roundtrip flight. It can be hard to find cheap hidden city tickets for one-way flights in both directions unless you are flying between two hub cities. If you have any frequent flyer miles or points to use, it may be worthwhile to book an award flight in one direction when traveling the other direction on a hidden city ticket.

Related: How to Find the Cheapest Flight for Your Next Trip

When You Should Avoid Hidden City Tickets

Not every traveler is able to or should take advantage of hidden city ticketing. If the savings are minimal, it’s probably best to travel on a regular ticket to avoid any potential issues. Also, if you are trying to earn frequent flyer status with an airline, it may be best not to risk losing any privileges by breaking an airline’s contract of carriage.

Travelers who pack heavy should also avoid hidden city tickets since you cannot check bags and an airline may require over packed or extra carry-on bags to be checked at the gate. And you should also avoid hidden city ticketing on a regular basis since the airlines are likely to notice and take action if you are continually skipping flight legs on purpose.

Skipping flight legs to save money is a controversial issue. Some say hidden city tickets are cheating the system and raising airfares for other consumers. Others argue that a customer is not required to consume all that they have purchased. Since there are many potential issues when traveling on a ticket beyond your intended destination, it can be a stressful and complicated way to travel. For an easier way to take a cheap flight, sign up for airfare alerts and be notified when standard tickets go on sale to your intended destination.

Related: Why Airlines Hate Hidden City Ticketing (and maybe you should too)

Featured image by Uskarp / shutterstock.com

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When Can I Skip a Flight Without Having My Entire Trip Cancelled?

There are many ways to save some dough when booking flights, including flying into (or out of) alternate airports that offer cheaper alternatives. But what happens if you don't want to actually fly the entire itinerary? TPG reader Jason wants to help his aunt, who lives in Michigan but booked a connecting flight to Europe out of Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) instead of a nonstop out of Detroit (DTW), saving over $1,000 on the round-trip ticket...

[pullquote source="TPG Reader Jason"]On the way back, she connects/clears customs in Detroit. My question is: when she gets her checked bag, can she simply clear customs in Detroit then leave the airport terminal? My Uncle would then pick her up from there over O'Hare, as it's much easier for them to do that.[/pullquote]

Generally speaking, whenever you book a flight on any airline, it treats the trip as one, complete itinerary. If you then don't show up for any portion of it, the rest of the unflown flights will be cancelled and then subject to a change fee and possible fare difference if you then try to rebook. As a result, you should never skip a leg in the middle of an itinerary.

An analogy could be made to a chef cooking a recipe. The steps laid out in the recipe are carefully prescribed in a specific order, and leaving one out will run the risk of completely ruining a dish. Sure, the chef can customize each step slightly with different spices and cooking techniques, but the core of the recipe remains consistent. The same holds true for a trip. You're able to personalize it a bit (seat selection, meal choice, etc.) but must keep the core itinerary intact. If you simply skip a flight in the middle of a trip, you'll likely have the rest of it automatically cancelled.

But what about Jason's aunt? Is there anything to stop her from simply not taking her final flight? The short answer is no: since she'll need to claim her bags in Detroit anyway, there's nothing to stop her from simply walking out of the airport as if she has reached her final destination. She technically doesn't even need to let the airline know; when she doesn't board the plane at the designated time, the gate agent will simply fill her spot with a passenger waiting for a seat assignment or on the standby list.

That being said, there are a couple of important caveats if you choose to skip your final flight:

• Make sure you can retrieve your luggage : Some airlines are fine checking bags only to an intermediate destination on an itinerary, especially if you have a long (or overnight) layover. And if your final flight is a domestic connection in the US, you must claim your luggage after clearing customs and then recheck it before your connecting flight. However, skipping the last flight becomes a problem if your bags are checked through to your final destination.
• Make sure you're allowed to enter the intermediate country : If you're trying to do this while connecting through a country (rather than within that country), make sure you have the proper documents to allow this.
• Don't make this a habit : What Jason's aunt is doing is referred to as "throwaway ticketing" where a trip is booked from a different airport to save money but the last flight is thrown away. I actually did this once with an unnamed airline that wanted an insane amount of money for the one-way flight I needed. A round-trip itinerary was 40% cheaper, so I booked the round-trip, flew the outbound, then cancelled the return. Doing it once or even a few times probably won't raise any red flags; doing it consistently could lead the airline to boot you from its frequent flyer program.

(Like the chef analogy? Imagine leaving out the garnish. Not a requirement, but do it enough and a restaurant owner may let you go.)

Airlines are (obviously) out to make money, and they're frequently able to charge a premium for nonstop flights from key destinations due to demand. You in turn can get around these hiked fares by looking at alternate airports, but you generally must then fly the entire itinerary or else risk having the rest of the trip cancelled. The lone exception would be your final flight; if you're fine with the above caveats and are able to skip that last leg for any reason, you shouldn't encounter any problems.

Thanks for the question, Jason, and if you're a TPG reader who'd like us to answer a question of your own, tweet us at @thepointsguy , message us on Facebook or email us at [email protected] .

Is Skipping a Part of Your Flight a Good Idea?

We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Find out more here .

Skipping a leg of your flight often ends up being cheaper than purchasing a direct flight . For example, you need to get from Dallas to New York. A direct flight from Dallas to New York might cost 400$, but if you purchase it as a connecting flight (California – Dallas, Dallas – New York), then it costs just 200$. You could buy the cheaper ticket, save 200$, and not show up for the first leg of the flight (California – Dallas), right? Well, it’s not that easy.

In the scenario above, I explained a term called “hidden city ticketing”, which people use to save money on flights. But airlines don’t like that passengers are getting cheaper tickets, which is why skipping a specific leg of the flight may result in the cancellation of the whole ticket and other penalties .

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about skipping parts of your flight – when it’s okay, when not, what are the penalties, and when hidden city ticketing is worth it.

What Happens When You Skip the First Leg of Your Flight?

Skipping the first leg of a connecting flight is usually a bad idea. Whenever a passenger doesn’t show up for the first leg of a connecting flight, the airline cancels all the other upcoming flights on the same ticket for that passenger . This also applies to any other leg of the flight that isn’t the last one. For example, if you’d show up for the first leg of the flight and skip the second one, it would cancel all the remaining legs of the flight.

So if you’re planning on saving money by purchasing a connecting flight and not showing up for the first one, scrap that idea – it won’t work.

When You CAN Skip the First Leg of the Flight

The only instance when you can (or rather COULD, potentially) skip the first leg of the flight, is if you’d have a valid reason . Each situation is different, but a valid reason could be due to weather, change of scheduled events, because the first flight is expected to be late, and other Force Majeure events.

In any case, you HAVE to call the airline first and explain your situation. It’s up to the airline employee to decide if they’re going to let you skip it or not without canceling the rest of the flights. Remember that airlines only cancel the rest of the flight because they’re combatting hidden city ticketing individuals. If you have a valid reason, and they don’t suspect that you intentionally bought cheaper tickets, they will most likely let you skip the flight.

For example, a passenger on TripAdvisor mentioned that he was able to skip the first leg because the first flight was expected to be 5 hours late, which would cause problems for him, and he could drive to the connecting terminal in 3 hours. He contacted the airline, they let him skip the first flight, and drive there instead. Note that he had slight issues in the connecting airport, so it might be worth it to ask them to send some kind of an email with approval that you could show at the airport.

What Happens When You Skip the Second (Last) Leg of Your Flight?

Skipping the last leg of the flight usually doesn’t result in any penalties (99 out of 100 times) . That’s why people who do hidden city ticketing only do it when they need to skip the last leg of the flight. Another thing worth mentioning is that skipping the last leg of the flight isn’t illegal , but it’s against the airline’s Conditions of Carriage. 

Theoretically, you don’t even need to notify the airline. However, it may be a good idea to do that anyway. That’s because whenever someone doesn’t show up for a flight, especially if it’s a connecting flight, the flight is usually delayed, which is inconvenient for other passengers. So if you’re trying to follow a polite hidden city ticketing etiquette, notify the airline that you won’t be showing up for the last leg of the flight right after you’ve landed in the connecting airport.

What Are the Airline Penalties for Skipping a Leg of Your Flight?

As I already mentioned earlier, Hidden City Ticketing is completely legal. But by skipping a leg of a connecting flight, you’re breaching the airline’s Conditions of Carriage, which gives them the right to cancel all of your frequent flyer points and any other bonuses . It’s the only REAL penalty that airlines sometimes (but still very rarely) enforce. So if you’ve got a bunch of points saved up and you don’t want to lose them, then hidden city ticketing probably isn’t for you.

In other, very, very rare instances, airlines have tried suing passengers who do hidden city ticketing and even companies that help people find hidden ticketing opportunities, such as skiplagged.com . In all of these instances, the court has dismissed the case . However, the person/company who’s being sued still has to pay legal fees for the trial, which is the only reason why airlines do this – it’s to scare other passengers into giving up (Ughh, I hope they don’t sue me for writing this). In most instances, they only go for people who do hidden city ticketing on a regular basis, costing the airlines upwards of 10 000$ – 100 000$ in lost fees.

So far I haven’t heard of anyone getting banned from future flights because of hidden city ticketing. That said, a few passengers have been banned from airline priority programs, such as the American Airlines Advantage program. So realistically, the only penalty that you could face is the loss of a few bonuses .

Read Next: Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover?

Can You Cancel the First or Last Leg of Your Connecting Flight?

In most cases, you’ll be able to cancel the first, second, or the last leg of your connecting flight , except if you’ve purchased a non-refundable flight. That said, it definitely won’t be cheap. You’ll need to pay any differences in ticket prices plus flight cancellation fees , which range between 100-200$.

So for example, if your cheaper, connecting flight costs 200$ and a direct flight 400$, for canceling the first leg of the connecting flight, you’d have to pay 200$ (400$ minus 200$) plus a 100-300$ flight cancellation fee, which is different for each airline.

To cancel a part of a connecting flight, you need to call the airline, find out if that’s possible, and pay any required fees. If you still haven’t bought the connecting ticket, it’s usually cheaper to buy a direct flight .

Is Hidden City Ticketing Worth It?

Hidden city ticketing is only worth it when you’re planning on skipping the last leg of the flight because skipping the first one will cancel the whole flight. In a few instances, you can save hundreds of dollars by doing hidden city ticketing.

I n the picture above, I found a hidden city flight from New York to Paris where I could save 142 EUR . A direct flight from New York to Paris costs 387 EUR. A connecting flight on the same date from New York to Malaga with a connection in Paris costs just 245 EUR. So if I’d purchase the cheaper one, I could just leave when I land at the Paris airport and save 142 EUR. In cases like that, hidden city ticketing is definitely worth it.

Another thing worth mentioning is that you can’t have checked baggage when hidden city ticketing . That’s because your checked bags will most likely automatically be forwarded to the final destination when you land at the connecting airport. You could ask the airline to short-check your bag, but they most likely won’t allow that because they might suspect that you won’t be showing up for the next flight.

And lastly, hidden city ticketing can be risky because sometimes the connecting airport may change, especially during the Pandemic . If the connecting country closes down or the connecting airports raise their fees, the airline might choose a different connecting airport, and you’ll be stuck with a useless flight.

Tip: You can fit everything you’d need for 2-3 weeks in a single carry-on and a personal item if you become a minimalist packer. As a solid carry-on, I’d recommend the Maxlite 5 fabric suitcase . I’ve personally been using it for a few years now, and I can’t recommend it enough – it’s spacious, very lightweight, and it still looks brand-new!

Final Words

Skipping the first or any other leg of a connecting flight won’t work because the airline will just cancel the rest of the flight. Skipping the last leg of the flight, however, is perfectly legal, and the only risks are that the connecting airport may change ahead of time, or your bonus points might be canceled for not showing up.

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Why You Should Never Skip an Onward Flight

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Imagine this scenario: You’re searching for a flight from Los Angeles to New York City, and you find a flight from Los Angeles to Boston with a connection in New York City that’s hundreds of dollars cheaper. You might think you could simply skip the last leg of your flight and still use the return portion of your ticket to get back home. However, the reality of air travel is more complex than that. Skipping a flight, whether it’s the first leg or a connecting flight, can have significant implications for your entire itinerary.

Purposely missing a flight is more complicated than it may seem at first glance—here’s what happens if you don’t get on your connecting flight. 

Why Would You Skip a Connecting Flight?

Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing,” is a travel strategy where:

• You book a flight with a layover in your actual destination.
• The ticket includes a connection to a further city, but you don’t intend to take that last leg.
• When you reach your desired city during the layover, you exit the airport instead of continuing to the final destination on your ticket.

Popularized by the airfare site Skiplagged , this hack can save you a lot of money compared to booking a ticket directly to your destination. But is it legal to do?

What Happens if You Don’t Get on Your Connecting Flight?

Hidden city ticketing isn’t illegal, but most major U.S. airlines explicitly prohibit it in their contract of carriage statements. 

If the airline realizes that you are not planning on completing your entire itinerary, it can prevent you from boarding or even ban you from the airline for future flights. For example, a teenage passenger tried this trick using a ticket he bought on Skiplagged , was detained by American Airlines, and was denied boarding.

In general, if you miss or cancel any portion of a plane ticket, the airline can cancel all flights remaining on that ticket’s itinerary. When you miss that first flight, whether or not you cancel or no-show, the entire ticket becomes void.

This rule also applies to connecting flights. If you’re ticketed from City A to City C through a connection in City B, but skip the connecting flight from City B to City C, you can’t use your connecting flight ticket later, even with a change fee. And if it’s a round-trip ticket, the return trips are also toast.

This is why it’s essential to notify the airline if you accidentally miss any portion of your flight—as long as you let the airline know (and rebook the missed leg), you should still be able to fly the rest of your planned itinerary. 

What Is Skiplagging, and Is It Legal?

Why is Skipping a Flight Cheaper?

Why would a longer flight be cheaper than a shorter, direct one? For some destinations, there is not a lot of competition for a direct flight between two cities, making tickets expensive. However, there might be more competition on a different route with a layover in the city you want to fly to—so a longer flight going somewhere else (but connecting through your destination) could be cheaper.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Connecting Flight

There are a lot of risks associated with buying a hidden city ticket. 

• You can’t check a bag, as your bag will be tagged to the final destination on your itinerary.
• Even if you fly carry-on only, there is the risk that there won’t be space on the plane for your bag, and it will get checked through to the destination you’re not planning on flying to.
• You can’t buy a round-trip ticket, as the return fare will automatically be canceled as soon as you don’t make your connecting flight.
• The airline can deny you boarding and refuse to refund you if they figure out what you’re doing.
• There could be a schedule change that reroutes your flight through a different connecting airport. 
• The airline could ban you from flying with it in the future.

When Is It Okay to Skip a Flight?

There are only two cases where you could potentially get away with skipping an onward flight. However, keep in mind that you could still get in trouble with the airline, and the airline could pursue legal action against you or ban you from future flights. 

• If you skip a flight that’s the final leg on a multi-flight ticket, there’s no other ticket left for the airline to cancel.
• If your round-trip itinerary is on two separately booked, one-way tickets, the return trip should still be valid if you skip the first trip.

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Airlines hate 'nested ticketing,' but the little-known trick could save you a ton of money on flights

• "Nested ticketing" or "nesting itineraries," sometimes also called "back-to-back flights," could help you save a ton on flights , but may be a little risky.
• It works best if you need to book two trips to and from the same destinations (say, going home to visit your family for Thanksgiving and then again for Christmas).
• Nested trips have one round-trip flight straddle the other. The first flight makes it look like you're staying at your destination for an extended time. The other flight "nests" within that timeframe and takes you home and then back to your destination.
• Nested trips are a great way to save money when you're going to the same destination more than once (this doesn't work for places you only plan on visiting one time).
• Airlines don't like this because it circumvents their minimum stay requirements, but it's also hard to track.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Most people have heard of " hidden city ticketing " — the frowned-upon method of booking a cheaper multi-city trip with a layover at your destination, rather than an expensive direct flight, and then forgoing the second connection.

But "nested ticketing" could save you as much cash , and potentially without as many risks.

Sometimes confusingly referred to as "back-to-back flights" (they're not), nested trips are a great way to save money when you're going to the same destination more than once. It's worth noting that this doesn't work for places you only plan on visiting one time.

There are a few ways you could take a 'nested' trip, but in its simplest form, it's a round trip within a round trip. One is nested within the other. 

Here's how it breaks down.

While a usual round-trip itinerary includes flights from point A to B, then B to A, with nested ticketing, you would mix and match two round-trip itineraries, like this:

• To start, you'd take the first leg of round-trip itinerary one , from A to B.
• Then, you'd take the first leg of round-trip itinerary two , from B to A.

Next time you go to that same destination, you'd take the remaining flights in each itinerary:

• First, you'd take the second leg of round-trip itinerary two , from A to B.
• Then, you'd take the second leg of round-trip itinerary one , from B to A.

As you can see above, round-trip itinerary one (in bold and italics) straddles round-trip itinerary two (in bold only).

Say you live in New York City, but need to go to Denver for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. What you would do is book one round-trip itinerary from New York to Denver on, say, November 27 to December 30, and another one from Denver to New York on December 1 and December 23.

But, instead of taking the round trips as they are booked, you would alternate the two. This way, you are in Denver from November 27 to December 1 for Thanksgiving, and again from December 23 to December 30 for Christmas.

Nested trips can save money because they circumvent a minimum stay requirement many airlines have, in which they offer travelers a cheaper fare if they stay at their destination for at least seven days, including a Saturday overnight

These requirements exist so that airlines can separate business travelers — whom they know are willing to pay more for a ticket because they're not paying for it themselves — from leisure travelers. This works because business travelers generally travel during the week, aiming to be home on Saturdays. So, believe it or not, weekend flights are actually the airlines' version of a better deal.

That said, Scott Keyes, cofounder and Chief Flight Expert at Scott's Cheap Flights , says that these minimum stay requirements are "a little bit out of fashion" these days, especially on domestic US flights as airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest don't really cater to business travelers. Airlines like United and Delta were forced to follow suit after losing much of their leisure traveler business.

However, he emphasizes that "they're not completely extinct," just much less prevalent for domestic flights than they used to be, and that this isn't true for international flights. 

"Minimum stay requirements are still very prevalent on long-haul international flights, and why this type of nesting ticket is much more likely to be successful on a couple of international flights than it would be on domestic ones," Keyes told Insider. "It certainly could work if you're trying to fly home domestically over Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I think the odds of success are lower today than they would have been three or four years ago."

Attempting to get around minimum stay requirements can still be found in many contracts of carriage, but whether you can actually get caught is another matter

United, for example, states : "The use of Flight Coupons from two or more different tickets issued at round trip fares for the purpose of circumventing applicable tariff rules (such as advance purchase/minimum stay requirements) commonly referred to as 'Back-to-Back Ticketing' is prohibited by UA."

Delta explicitly lists back-to-back ticketing under "prohibited practices."

However, since you are taking all flight legs as planned, the chances of getting caught are slim. And even if you do, according to Keyes, recourse could be anything from "a stern talking to" to docking your frequent flyer miles, getting rid of your frequent flyer account, or even getting banned from the airline.

However, according to Keyes, you're unlikely to be punished for nested ticketing if you're doing it sparingly.

"I think the likelihood of a penalty that extreme is very low, especially as somebody who's just doing it infrequently. It's not illegal, and I would argue that it's not unethical," he said.

Gilbert Ott, of the points-saving blog God Save the Points , agrees.

"I think it's the ultimate bulls--- that they can crack down because any excuse is a valid excuse. The only thing they can crack down on is if you said 'I have no intention of taking this flight,' then you're toast,"  he told Insider. "Literally any excuse except 'I just wanted to save money' is fine, they can't prove you had intent to deceive."

Ott, who frequently travels between the US and Europe, nests his itineraries often, but takes it one step further by using the trick to take advantage of cheap deals and flight upgrades for each round-trip itinerary he books.

"I fly back and forth between the US and Europe all the time. For me, I'll get a $1,000 business ticket out of Europe versus a $3,000 business ticket out of the US. So I'll book a premium economy ticket to Europe, and then book the return for months later for a third of the price I would pay if I was just doing a regular round trip," he said. "I then weave the two together, and it's not that bad."

"There's so much to gain, and nobody loses anything," says Ott, who "absolutely" recommends trying it. 

"As long as you're going to the places you actually intended to go to, there's really not much risk here at all," he said. "Nobody loses. Sure, they could be making more money off of you if you booked exactly the way they want you to, but my argument is always that they created this system, we just play in it."

Ultimately, it's probably best to take nested ticketing with a grain of salt.

Is it a risk? Sure, but it seems like it would be hard for airlines to catch you. However, if you want to be extra safe, try booking your round trips on different airlines.

Representatives for United and Delta did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

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Oliver Browning | Saturday 21 September 2024 14:02 BST

Fleet of black cabs set off from London to Disneyland Paris to take sick children on magical trip

A fleet of Black cabs departed London for Disneyland Paris on Friday 20 September, to take children with life-threatening conditions on a magical trip.

One of the capital’s most unique annual charity events, the Magical Taxi Tour (MTT) sees a convoy of licensed taxis take over 200 children, suffering from a range of chronic, debilitating illnesses and life-limiting conditions, on a three-day trip of a lifetime to Disneyland.

The event is now in its 30th year and begins in Canary Wharf where the children and helpers are entertained with the “big breakfast” before the giant convoy departs to catch the ferry at Dover.

The MTT is organised and run by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, and supported by the London Electric Vehicle Company.

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Mikel Arteta provides update on captain Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury

Watch: Rob Burrow recorded final podcast series weeks before he died

Brady and Beckham celebrate Birmingham goals in win against Wrexham

Hollywood legend dons Leeds United hat as he arrives at Elland Road

F1 Baku: McLaren boss on what caused Lando Norris’s Q1 exit

Mourners gather for funeral of Olympian runner killed by ex-partner

Surfers ride powerful 13ft waves amid weather warning

Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes

Greece shuts down Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees

Eerie tornado sirens ring through downtown Chicago

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Damaged boats sink in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados

Northern California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate

Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires

First look at female David Brent in Australian remake of The Office

First clip of Black Mirror season 7 as Netflix reveals cast

Transformers One stars reveal their favourite childhood toys

Smiths reunion update as Johnny Marr responds to Morrissey’s claims

George Clooney shares how he pranks A-listers by posing as Brad Pitt

Geoff Hinsliff’s final Coronation Street scene

Bob Geldof: McCartney’s Live Aid performance was almost a disaster

Celebrity Race Across The World winner revealed in tense Chile finale

Saudi Cup: ‘A true display of horsemanship’, says Prince Bandar

Princess Nourah praises young fashion designers on show at Saudi Cup

Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity

Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’

Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup

Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver

Galaxy the ripple effect.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic

Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome

Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams

E.on next power switch.

Episode One - Cooking

Episode Two - Entertainment

Episode Three - Body Care

Episode Four - Lighting

Big in america.

Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?

Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?

Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City

Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market

The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic

Saudi green initiative.

Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action

SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says

SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy

Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’

Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero

SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says

Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs

Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla

Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia

Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard

How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar

Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time

AlUla Oasis View Trail

Stargazing Experience