All articles tagged with #skiplagging
In 2024, skiplagging as a cost-saving flight strategy is becoming less popular as airlines crack down on it, while hotels are moving towards cashless tipping options due to the increasing cashless trend. Vacations are expected to focus more on relaxation and wellness, with a shift away from jam-packed itineraries, and overtouristed destinations are imposing new taxes and fees, prompting travelers to seek out lesser-known places.
Skiplagging, also known as hidden-city ticketing or throwaway ticketing, is a cost-cutting method used by travelers to save money on flights. It involves booking a ticket with a final destination that the passenger has no intention of visiting, instead taking advantage of a lower-priced flight to a connecting city. Airlines are cracking down on this practice as it costs them money and creates additional stress for airline staff. While skiplagging is not technically illegal, it is forbidden in the fine print of airline tickets. However, it only works for one-way flights and requires traveling with just a carry-on since checked bags will go to the final destination of the flight.
Skiplagging, also known as hidden-city ticketing or throwaway ticketing, is a practice where travelers book a cheaper flight with multiple legs instead of a more expensive direct flight, with the intention of exiting the airport at the connecting city instead of the final destination. While airlines dislike skiplagging because it costs them money and creates operational issues, some passengers are willing to take the risk to save money on their flights. Although it is against the airline's terms and conditions, skiplagging is not a criminal offense. However, airlines can impose penalties such as loss of frequent flyer miles or bans from flying.
American Airlines has filed a lawsuit against travel website Skiplagged, accusing it of deception and threatening to cancel all tickets sold by the site. Skiplagged offers tickets that allow travelers to save money by exploiting a quirk in airline pricing known as skiplagging or hidden-city ticketing, where passengers book a flight with a layover but leave the plane during the layover. American Airlines claims that this practice violates their policies and accuses Skiplagged of tricking consumers into thinking they have found a secret loophole. Skiplagged has previously been sued by United Airlines and Orbitz but settled with Orbitz and had the United lawsuit dismissed.
Former President Donald Trump's political action committee, Save America PAC, has reportedly embraced skiplagging, a controversial money-saving tactic for flights, as it spent over $21 million on legal fees. The PAC's campaign finance filings indicate that it paid SkipLagged, a site that helps travelers find hidden-city or money-saving ticket measures. Skiplagging involves booking a longer flight with a layover and then not taking the final flight to the destination. While airlines are cracking down on this practice, it is not illegal. Trump's PAC raised $15 million but spent $30 million, with a significant portion going towards legal fees. Trump's legal issues and high spending could pose challenges if he decides to run for president again.
Seasoned travelers sometimes use the practice of "skiplagging" or "hidden city ticketing" to save money on airfare by buying multi-stop airline tickets with layovers in a desired destination and then ditching the second flight. While it is legal for consumers to book hidden city tickets, it violates most airlines' policies, and they can cancel the unused part of the ticket, charge passengers the full fare, and refuse boarding. Skiplagging has downsides such as not being able to check a bag, the airline rerouting the flight, and it only working on one-way flights. It is recommended for experienced travelers to use sparingly.
American Airlines canceled the ticket of a teenager who planned to disembark at his layover in Charlotte, North Carolina, instead of continuing to his final destination in New York City. The family had to purchase a new direct ticket to Charlotte. The teenager's father booked the ticket using Skiplagged, a website that offers cheaper flights with layovers. American Airlines considers skiplagging a violation of its terms and conditions and has been cracking down on passengers who engage in this practice.
A frequent flyer who's been "skiplagging" for more than a decade said she doesn't feel guilty because airlines have a "chokehold on prices." Skiplagging is a practice where travelers book flights with a layover in a city they want to visit and then don't take their second flight to the supposed final destination. Sophie Partlow said the approach gives travelers more control and she's never faced any backlash, but as a frequent flyer, she's aware that airlines are trying to clamp down on it.
A frequent flyer who has been "skiplagging" for over a decade said she has "no remorse" because airlines have a "chokehold on prices." Skiplagging is a practice where travelers book flights with a layover in a city they want to visit and then don't take their second flight to the supposed final destination. Sophie Partlow said she's never faced any backlash but is aware that airlines are cracking down more and that passengers should be aware of the risks.
Skiplagging, the practice of booking a flight with a layover at the intended destination and skipping the second leg, is a cost-saving strategy used by travelers to find cheaper tickets. However, airlines hate it and have added written protections against it in their contracts of carriage. Airlines could punish travelers by canceling the return leg, taking away loyalty miles and elite status, or even banning them from booking with the airline again.