What’s a Hacker Fare?

A Hacker Fare is when KAYAK combines two separate one-way tickets (often from different airlines) instead of a regular round-trip booking. The goal is simple: to find you cheaper prices and more flight time options than you’d get with a single round-trip ticket.

How Hacker Fares work.

When you book a Hacker Fare, you’re getting two separate tickets:

• Each direction is its own booking with its own confirmation number.
• The tickets might be issued by different airlines or providers.
• You’ll get separate confirmation emails for each leg.

Important things to know.

Since you’re booking separate tickets, each one follows its own rules:

• Baggage fees differ: Each airline has its own baggage policies and fees.
• Change and refund policies vary: What applies to your outbound flight might not apply to your return.
• Tickets are independent: If one flight is canceled or changed, the other airline isn’t obligated to accommodate you on the other ticket.
• Check-in requirements differ: Each airline has its own check-in times and requirements.

Before you book.

• Verify both fares are still available at the displayed price on each airline’s website
• Review each airline’s baggage rules, change fees and refund policies
• For international travel, keep both e-ticket confirmations handy – you may need to show proof of return travel at check-in or immigration

What to do if a fare becomes unavailable.

If the second flight is no longer available after you’ve booked the first:

• Search for a one-way ticket for the remaining leg and book it separately
• Contact the provider you used for the first booking to explore cancellation options

What to do after booking.

Keep both confirmation emails easily accessible. For international trips, consider printing both e-ticket confirmations to have your complete itinerary ready when needed.