Germany's Lufthansa says it will sue a passenger who is alleged to have purchased a ticket with no intention of flying the last leg of the journey.

The practice is widespread where airlines have hub and spoke networks and typically is attempted where an airline offers a cheaper fare for a longer journey that involves a stop in the city the passenger wants as his or her destination.

 

The passenger leaves the plane at the real destination and the plane takes off without them for the next leg.

 

Airlines’ conditions of carriage warn passengers they may be pursued for payment if they are caught.