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In the quest to find the cheapest airfare, travelers are turning to a controversial method known as “skiplagging,” also referred to as “hidden city” or “throwaway ticketing.” This tactic, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, involves booking a flight with a layover but disembarking at the layover location instead of continuing to the final destination. While it can save money, it has also sparked significant backlash from airlines.

What is Skiplagging?

Skiplagging works by exploiting the pricing strategies of airlines, where flights with layovers sometimes cost less than direct flights to the same layover destination. For example, if a flight from New York to Los Angeles with a layover in Chicago is cheaper than a direct flight from New York to Chicago, a traveler might book the former and simply exit the airport in Chicago, skipping the final leg to Los Angeles.

The practice has become so popular that websites like Skiplagged.com have emerged, specifically designed to help travelers find these hidden city fares. Skiplagged.com claims to expose loopholes in airfare pricing, allowing users to save money by using this method. However, airlines are not pleased with this trend and have taken legal action in response.

Legal Battles and Airline Pushback

Airlines have been increasingly vigilant about skiplagging, viewing it as a violation of their terms of service. United Airlines and Orbitz once attempted to sue Skiplagged’s CEO, Aktarer Zaman, for promoting what they considered unauthorized and deceptive ticketing practices. Although Zaman stood by the legality of his website, the controversy highlighted the growing tension between travelers seeking savings and airlines protecting their revenue.

American Airlines has also spoken out against skiplagging, warning that tickets purchased through Skiplagged could be invalidated. Additionally, Lufthansa attempted to sue a passenger who engaged in skiplagging, demanding the difference in fare between what he paid and what the direct flight would have cost. In that case, the court ruled in favor of the passenger, but the legal risks remain.

Airlines have responded by increasing penalties for those caught skiplagging. Travelers could face fines, have their loyalty miles revoked, or even be banned from flying with the airline in the future. Some passengers have reported being blacklisted after attempting to skip the final leg of their journey.

Practical Considerations and Risks

For those considering skiplagging, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved. First, this method only works if you don’t check any luggage, as checked bags are automatically forwarded to the final destination. This could leave you without your belongings if you disembark at the layover city.

Additionally, skiplagging is not compatible with return tickets. If you skip any portion of a flight, the remainder of your itinerary will likely be canceled, forcing you to book separate one-way tickets for each leg of your journey. This can complicate travel plans and potentially negate the savings you hoped to achieve.

Many travelers have shared mixed experiences with skiplagging. While some have managed to pull it off without a hitch, others have faced serious consequences. Travel blogger Cassie Aran recounted a particularly harrowing experience where she was threatened with a lifetime ban from an airline for attempting to skiplag. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering this travel hack.

Conclusion

While skiplagging might seem like an appealing way to cut down on travel costs, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and consequences. Airlines are increasingly aware of this practice and are not hesitant to impose penalties on those who attempt it. For those who still choose to skiplag, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and be prepared for any repercussions.