Uses 'Hidden Cities' Technique To Get Cheap Airfares

For a long time, savvy travelers would use something called the "hidden city" technique to find inexpensive airfares. Essentially, you buy a ticket to a non-hub destination with a layover in a major city where you want to go ... then just skip the final leg of the flight. The fares can be far less expensive, according to travel experts.

Enter the Internet. The owner of the website Skiplagged.com ... 22-year-old Aktarer Zaman ... established the site specifically to help people take advantage of hidden cities.

United Airlines, and its partner Orbitz, are not amused.

They have sued Zaman for "unfair competition" to the tune of $75,000 they claim in lost revenue.

Zaman told television station KHON that he knew the lawsuit was inevitable, but there is nothing illegal about the site. And analysts say if the giants are successful in shutting him down, someone else will come along and take his place.

Hidden cites only works if you buy one-way tickets and don't check luggage. After all, your bags would wind up at your expected final destination. Zaman said he has not made any money on the site, which he describes as a "side project." 

(Image from file)

FMI: www.skiplagged.com