dotanminh/travel-optimization-engine/hidden-city-strategy

⚠️ HIDDEN CITY TICKETING ANALYSIS
 
Hidden city ticketing violates airline contracts of carriage.
It is not illegal, but airlines enforce penalties including:
- Account suspension
- Mileage forfeiture  
- Future ticket cancellation
- Potential fare difference charges
 
Do you want to proceed with this analysis? 
This decision is entirely yours. [Yes / No]

❌ ELIGIBILITY CHECK FAILED
 
Condition failed: #4 - Round-trip booking
Reason: If you don't board the HAN→SFO→LAX segment, 
        the airline cancels your LAX→SFO→HAN return.
 
This means hidden city is NOT viable for your itinerary.
 
ALTERNATIVE: Consider route-optimization skill for hub-based 
savings that don't carry these risks.

Direct ticket:      HAN → SFO     = $750
Hidden city ticket: HAN → SFO → LAX = $520 (you exit at SFO)
Gross savings:      $230 (31%)

Net savings calculation:
  Gross savings:                    $230
  - Travel insurance (recommended): -$30
  - One-way ticket premium:         -$0 (sometimes one-ways cost more)
  - Risk-adjusted penalty cost:     -$X (see Step 4)
  = Net expected savings:           $200 (estimated)

ENFORCEMENT RISK: United Airlines
Level: HIGH 🔴
 
- AI detection system launched 2025 for skiplag detection
- Actively tracks passengers who don't board final segments
- Known to charge fare difference retroactively
- Frequent flyer account at risk of suspension
- Delta dedicating resources at Atlanta hub specifically
 
If caught: Fare difference charge ($230+), possible account ban
Probability of detection: MODERATE-HIGH for this route

COMPLETE RISK DISCLOSURE
 
✅ What goes right (best case):
   You save $230 and nobody notices.
 
⚠️ What could go wrong:
   1. Gate agent notices and re-routes you to LAX
   2. Airline charges fare difference ($230+) retroactively
   3. Frequent flyer account suspended (if accidentally linked)
   4. Future bookings on this airline scrutinized
   5. If flight diverts/cancels, you're rebooked to LAX, not SFO
   6. Carry-on could be gate-checked to LAX at busy gate
 
🔴 Worst case:
   Airline bans you from future bookings + charges premium fare
   + forfeits any miles in your account
 
💡 Mitigations:
   - Use airline's website directly (OTAs may flag unusual patterns)
   - Don't add frequent flyer number
   - Arrive early, board early (avoid gate-check of carry-on)
   - Have backup plan if flight is cancelled/rerouted

DECISION MATRIX
 
                    Hidden City         Direct Booking
Cost:               $520                $750
Savings:            $230 (31%)          Baseline
Risk level:         HIGH (United)       None
Baggage:            Carry-on only       Any
Rebooking if delay: To LAX (wrong)      To SFO (correct)
Miles earned:       None (risky)        Full earning
Insurance:          Recommended (+$30)  Standard
 
YOUR CALL: Given these trade-offs, the decision is entirely yours.
This skill has presented neutral information. 
We do not recommend for or against this strategy.