When booking flights, most travelers instinctively look for the fastest and most direct route. However, for those who love to maximize their travel experience, "hub hopping"—intentionally flying through multiple airports in a single day—can offer unexpected perks. Whether you're chasing elite status, enjoying luxurious lounges, or just making the most of your time in the sky, hub hopping can transform your journey into an adventure in itself.
Why Hub Hopping is Worth It
1. Maximize Your Frequent Flyer Benefits
Loyalty pays off, especially in the world of air travel. By sticking with one airline or alliance, you can earn miles, qualify for elite status faster, and enjoy exclusive perks. Airlines like Delta (SkyMiles), American Airlines (AAdvantage), and United Airlines (MileagePlus) offer some of the best frequent flyer programs, rewarding travelers with upgrades, free flights, and more.
2. Luxury Lounges & Airport Clubs
Long layovers don’t have to be a drag if you have access to some of the best airport lounges in the country. Premium lounges provide complimentary food, drinks (including cocktails), private workspaces, and even showers. Here are some of the best airport lounges in the U.S. and how to access them:
American Airlines Flagship Lounge (DFW, JFK, MIA, ORD, LAX) – Access via first/business class ticket, AAdvantage Platinum Pro or higher, or OneWorld Sapphire/Emerald status.
Delta Sky Club (ATL, JFK, SEA, LAX, DTW) – Entry with Delta One ticket, Sky Club membership, or Amex Platinum/Centurion card.
United Polaris Lounge (EWR, IAH, SFO, ORD, LAX, IAD) – Available to United Polaris business class passengers and select Star Alliance business/first-class travelers.
The Centurion Lounge (JFK, LGA, DFW, SFO, MIA, LAS, SEA, PHX, CLT, DEN, ATL, IAH, LAX) – Exclusive to Amex Platinum/Centurion cardholders.
Alaska Airlines Lounge (SEA, LAX, PDX, SFO, ANC) – Day passes available, or entry via membership and first-class tickets.
Best Lounges for Each Major Airline:
United Airlines – The United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is widely considered the best in the network, offering high-end dining, showers, and ultra-luxurious seating.
American Airlines – The Flagship Lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) stands out for its spacious seating, premium buffet, and signature cocktail menu.
Delta Air Lines – The Delta Sky Club at John F. Kennedy (JFK) is a top-tier experience, featuring a Sky Deck with panoramic views and premium food and drink selections.
3. Premium Cabins vs. Basic Economy: Is It Worth It?
While the cheapest ticket might seem like the best deal, spending more can often save you money in the long run. Here’s why:
More Comfort: Premium economy, business, and first-class seats offer more legroom, lie-flat options, and gourmet meals.
Free Checked Bags: Many premium tickets include baggage, saving you $30-$50 per bag per flight.
Priority Boarding & Security: Skip long lines and get on board faster.
Lounge Access & Better Customer Service: Higher-tier tickets often grant complimentary lounge access and priority service during delays or cancellations.
4. Best Airlines for Hub Hopping
Certain airlines have stronger hub networks, making them ideal for multi-leg journeys. The best choices for domestic hub hopping include:
Delta Air Lines: Hubs in ATL, DTW, MSP, JFK, SEA, BOS, LAX, and SLC make it easy to string together flights.
American Airlines: Large networks through DFW, CLT, ORD, PHL, MIA, and LAX.
United Airlines: Strong presence in EWR, ORD, DEN, IAH, SFO, LAX, and IAD.
Alaska Airlines: A great option for West Coast travelers, with hubs in SEA, PDX, SFO, and LAX.
Southwest Airlines: Offers point-to-point flights rather than traditional hubs, but great for adventurous routings.
5. Tips to Save Money While Spending More on Your Ticket
Use Airline Credit Cards: Many offer free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
Book with Points & Miles: Earn points strategically and redeem them for upgrades.
Look for Discounted Premium Fares: Airlines occasionally discount first and business class tickets—watch for deals.
Consider Positioning Flights: Sometimes, booking a separate short flight to a major hub can save money on international or long-haul premium tickets.
Final Thoughts
Hub hopping isn’t for everyone, but for the savvy traveler who enjoys the perks of premium travel, it’s an exciting way to enhance your journey. By choosing the right airline, maximizing loyalty benefits, and enjoying world-class lounges, you can make your layovers just as enjoyable as your final destination. So next time you book a flight, consider skipping the direct route—your travel experience will be all the richer for it!
BONUS INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO START EARLY
Special Offers for Teens and Young Adults: Airline Programs
Airlines recognize the growing market of young travelers, and many offer special programs and deals tailored to teens and young adults. These programs can make travel more affordable and accessible, offering discounts, exclusive benefits, and even support for solo trips. Here are some of the best airline programs designed for younger travelers:
1. Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles for Young Travelers
SkyMiles for Teens: Delta’s SkyMiles program is open to anyone over 18, but teens and young adults can benefit from joining SkyMiles early. For travelers under 18, Delta often offers youth discounts for group travel, especially for school trips or sports teams.
Student Discounts: Although Delta doesn’t offer specific discounts for young adults, they do offer student-specific deals, like discounted fares on international flights through their partner programs. Students can also earn miles for every flight, which can be redeemed for future travel.
Sky Club Membership: While typically reserved for premium members, young travelers can join Delta Sky Club lounges by purchasing a membership or using a premium credit card that offers lounge access.
2. American Airlines - AAdvantage for Young Travelers
Youth Fares: American Airlines offers discounted youth fares for travelers under 22 years old, particularly for international flights. They also provide group rates for families or schools traveling together.
Student Discounts: American has partnered with student discount sites like Student Universe to offer deals on flights and vacation packages. Teens and young adults can access exclusive discounts to popular destinations.
AAdvantage Loyalty Program: Teens and young adults can start earning miles from a young age, and even though they can't gain elite status until they reach the age threshold, they can accumulate miles for future travel.
3. United Airlines - MileagePlus for Young Flyers
United's MileagePlus Program: Similar to Delta, United Airlines' MileagePlus program allows travelers of all ages to join, with benefits growing over time as you accumulate miles. Teens can start earning miles on flights and using those miles for rewards.
United's Student Travel Program: United offers discounted fares for students traveling abroad. Through the airline's partnerships with student travel agencies like STA Travel, young adults can access discounted international flights, often including the chance to book flexible tickets with fewer restrictions.
MileagePlus X App: United’s MileagePlus app allows travelers to earn miles by shopping at thousands of partner retailers. Young adults can use this app to rack up miles even when they're not flying.
4. Southwest Airlines - Great for Young Adults and Students
Youth Travel Program: Southwest doesn’t offer specific youth fares, but it does have a unique advantage: no change fees. This makes it perfect for young travelers who may need flexibility on their travel dates. If plans change last minute, they won’t lose their money to expensive fees.
Rapid Rewards Program: Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program allows young adults to earn points for future flights. This program is especially great for short, affordable domestic flights and can be beneficial for young adults traveling on a budget.
Student Travel Discounts: While not always available, Southwest occasionally runs special promotions that offer discounted fares for students or young adults, typically through partnerships with student organizations.
5. Airline Credit Cards for Teens and Young Adults
Many airlines offer co-branded credit cards that allow young adults to earn rewards faster, helping to offset the cost of travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve: For travelers 21 and older, these cards come with valuable travel points, including 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x on other purchases. These cards also come with travel protections, including trip cancellations and lost luggage coverage.
United Explorer Card: This card is a great option for young adults looking to earn miles for future travel with United. It offers bonus miles on United purchases and other travel-related expenses, which is great for frequent flyers.
6. Air Canada - Youth Discounts & Offers for Teens and Young Adults
Youth Fares: Air Canada offers Youth Fares (typically for travelers 12-25) to international and domestic destinations. This discount allows young travelers to save up to 20% on airfare to select destinations.
Aeroplan Program: While the Aeroplan loyalty program is available to everyone, teens can start earning miles on flights, hotel bookings, and car rentals, which can be redeemed for future travel. Air Canada's mobile app also allows young adults to track their miles and book flights directly.
Tips for Teens and Young Adults Traveling
Book in Advance: While youth fares can be discounted, booking flights in advance often provides even better deals.
Look for Package Deals: Many airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, partner with travel agencies and student organizations to offer affordable vacation packages tailored to young adults.
Check for Travel Insurance: As a young traveler, having the right travel insurance can offer peace of mind. Many airlines and third-party providers offer plans that cover issues like cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies.