Airline sues ‘cheap ticket’ whiz kid

United Airlines is suing a web site developed by New York based Aktarer Zaman, who has found a loophole in the way airlines charge for tickets.

As travellers know, from the UK to points, particularly to the Far East, it is often cheaper to book via a mid-point airport than direct non-stop.  In fact the through fare can sometimes be cheaper than the charge by a legacy airline to the connecting airport itself.

Mr Zaman has developed software to exploit this situation.  He claims he is not doing anything illegal, a fact disputed by United Airlines and on-line travel broker Orbtiz.  Passengers booked on a United connecting flight just do not turn up for the second leg.  It does not work if you have any hold luggage (except on flights including customs where you need to collect your baggage).

United is claiming “breach of contract” whilst Mr Zaman is likely to say in fact it is beneficial to the airline who can then offer “standby” seats.  If the seat is empty there is a fuel saving also.   www.skiplagged.com    www.united.com

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