Skipping flight destination for better price question

[queenofthehive]

Trying to fly from Charlotte to Hawaii (koa). Here is the issue-

Flight path for option 1 - $1,044
Departing: CLT to DFW to KOA
Returning: same but reversed

Flight path for option 2 - $791
Departing: RDU to Clt to DFW to KOA
Reverse: same but reversed

Here is the question- can I purchase option 2 and not use the RDU flights? Will they let me on the plane knowing I did not start at RDU? Just start and end using the CLT portion of the trips?

Thank you!!!

 

[flnewbie]

No, if you are a no show for the originating flight in RDU they will cancel all remaining flights as well.

 

[DRIless]

NO. What he said.

You can do it on the return, skipping last leg. I used to do this going from Washington DC to Seattle. Flights out of BWI went to IAD then SEA, much cheaper than the IAD-SEA flight. On the return I'd get off and stay off at IAD.

 

[bizaro86]

Google hidden city ticketing for more info.

 

[isisdave]

And you can't check baggage on the return because it'll go to RDU. Also, allegedly, people who try this more than occasionally have their frequent flyer accounts closed. One airline in Europe is even suing.

 

[rboesl]

The bigger question, in my mind, is what is the justification for charging more for option 1? How does adding a leg from RDU reduce costs by $300?

 

[b2bailey]

No way to figure this out.
A one-way flight from Maui to Santa Ana with a stop in SFO was $199. Direct to SFO, same flight, is $289.

 

[bizaro86]

The bigger question, in my mind, is what is the justification for charging more for option 1? How does adding a leg from RDU reduce costs by $300?

Airlines don't price tickets based on what it costs to operate the flight, they price them based on supply and demand for flights.

A connecting flight is a less desirable way to travel, and there are typically multiple options between two cities through a variety of hubs.

 

[queenofthehive]

Thank you all for your help. It seems like such a racket - what a bummer. .. It still will be a lot be cheaper even if I just use a rental car to drive to Raleigh for the departing flight and dump the Raleigh flight on the way home. We will have to all use carry on bags but it will be nice that the the timeshare will have washers/dryers. I will still keep watching prices but will have to buy soon. Thanks again!

 

[mdurette]

Last I checked - Southwest was still one of the only airlines that allow for hidden city ticketing. As long as you are carry on and you are missing the end of your route, fine with them. You can't miss the beginning as OP is questioning.