What a funny fare !

[hysteriadoc]

I was just checking flights from Nagpur to Mumbai in March 2026 for2 Adults + 2 Children. What I found was just shocking.
When I searched for cheapest flights I settled across dates 12 March onward & 17 March Return.
The cheapest I could find was of Air India Direct route : Onward 08:10 hrs 12 March & Return 19:55 17 March for Rs. 44616 /- cheapest.
Now here is the twist - The same dates (ie. 12 March onward & 17 March return) I searched for Nagpur to Udaipur (via Mumbai) & the same Air India but different timings.
And, the rates came down to a shocking Rs. 29278 /-. I could get down in Mumbai & never go to Udaipur.
How could it is so cheap this way ???

 

[cardy]

That is insane 🤣
And a good find.

 

[nishank]

There is a problem here. Your luggage gets transferred automatically to end destination

 

[n69b]

Yeah if you don't have check in luggage

 

[hysteriadoc]

There is a problem here. Your luggage gets transferred automatically to end destination

I dont think its mandatory. (I mean, others can comment on this, but I think we have the option of rechecking in luggage at the connecting airport if there is sufficient layover time.)

 

[sourpai]

Yes... I have seen this happen multiple times. Sometimes connections are cheaper than 1 to 1 destination

It happens with international flights too. For example, Mumbai Vienna flight via Paris (Mum - Paris - Vienna) is cheaper than Mumbai - Paris direct

 

[Saral]

same thing i saw for delhi to hyd flight,,..delhi to tiruapti via hyd was cheaper than delhi to hyd..but that time i couldnt take risk to collect luggage from tirupati

 

[wanderer0]

It is a common thing. BLR -> DEL was pricy near diwali but BLR -> DEL -> LKO was cheaper. Not sure about the checked in luggage though. I travel light.

 

[R_A_J]

Yes... I have seen this happen multiple times. Sometimes connections are cheaper than 1 to 1 destination

It happens with international flights too. For example, Mumbai Vienna flight via Paris (Mum - Paris - Vienna) is cheaper than Mumbai - Paris direct

Yeah....same here! Lko->Delhi->Guwahati was cheaper than Delhi->guwahati.
Looks like they have some algorithm or some different quota of seats in an aircraft which is for connecting passangers...... so, if that quota remains underutilized, then lower fare is seen! Just a guess!

 

[dexter_greycells]

Very interesting. I know there are sites in the US that let people do exactly this and airlines have been known to block such "no-show" customers because it messes up their load factors and scheduling.

I suspect the difference is because Mumbai is a busy and thus expensive airport. Transit via Mumbai may involve lower fees for the airline than destination as Mumbai.

 

[akshayhs]

There is a problem here. Your luggage gets transferred automatically to end destination

This was true for my mom who had to fly to Leh. But she had to travel to the destination anyway so it worked out cheaper for me.

 

[chasni]

Yeah....same here! Lko->Delhi->Guwahati was cheaper than Delhi->guwahati.
Looks like they have some algorithm or some different quota of seats in an aircraft which is for connecting passangers...... so, if that quota remains underutilized, then lower fare is seen! Just a guess!

Airlines who don't have a direct route between cities tend to keep their indirect fares lower than the competition with direct route in a effort to attract customers.

 

[aashishnb]

Has anyone actually tried this?

Even assuming there is only cabin luggage, as checked in luggage is transferred directly (mostly), I think typically airlines check multiple times do not allow to deboard at an intermediate stop.

If you would like to go ahead, one suggestion - try to book going & return separately. That way they cannot block your PNR for partial travel & affect your return journey. Please let us know of your experience if you do it.

 

[RadioactiveTabela]

This is very common: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline_booking_ploys#Hidden-city_ticketing

It only works if:

A. You travel with only cabin luggage; because check-in baggage will be check-in throughout. They will deplane the baggage eventually if passenger is not on flight but it will involve a conversation with airport security why you skipped BOM-UDR sector.

B. Don't book return on same PNR, because return ticket will be cancelled if you don't show for any part of the trip like BOM-UDR

 

[RadioactiveTabela]

Internationally, you can do this with checked-in luggage also because most countries require you to retrieve luggage and undergo customs and immigration check at the first point of entry.

Here's an example: if you really want to fly BLR-FRA, you can add some small irrelevant Schengen area airport to the trip to save money and exit at FRA

 

[Kushagra_]

Yea it's always been possible but is not technically allowed

 

[nishank]

View attachment 114425

Internationally, you can do this with checked-in luggage also because most countries require you to retrieve luggage and undergo customs and immigration check at the first point of entry.

Here's an example: if you really want to fly BLR-FRA, you can add some small irrelevant Schengen area airport to the trip to save money and exit at FRA

I have travelled from Delhi to EU. The checkin luggage was automatically transferred. This is possible only in India as aircraft landing in India needs to take luggage for next flight

 

[RadioactiveTabela]

I have travelled from Delhi to EU. The checkin luggage was automatically transferred. This is possible only in India as aircraft landing in India needs to take luggage for next flight

Interesting. Is this always the case or depends on the airline, airport or something?

 

[thanix]

View attachment 114425

Internationally, you can do this with checked-in luggage also because most countries require you to retrieve luggage and undergo customs and immigration check at the first point of entry.

Here's an example: if you really want to fly BLR-FRA, you can add some small irrelevant Schengen area airport to the trip to save money and exit at FRA

I don't think so, my luggage always gets checked in to final destination in Schengen area. Only immigration is done in port of first entry.

 

[panchabhut]

You will NOT be able to get down at Mumbai as your boarding pass would be verified. You luggage would be mandatoryly delivered only at Udaipur.
Udaipur in March is hot & hotter. So very few travelers.