What is skiplagging, and why do airlines hate it?

Skiplagging, also known as hidden-city ticketing, is a travel tactic where you book a multi-leg flight with a layover in your desired destination city. However, you don't take the final leg to the ticketed destination, effectively getting a cheaper flight to your reliable destination. However, if you search for why do airlines hate skiplagged, there are some reasons that you need to take it by reading the below points.

1. Empty seats: Airlines lose revenue from the unused seats on the final leg.

2. Contract Violation: Skiplagging arguably breaches the airline's contract of carriage, which passengers agree to during booking.

3. Fare Disruption: Airlines strategically price flights, and skiplagging disrupts their pricing models.

While not explicitly illegal, airlines may take action against skiplaggers, such as denying boarding or banning them from future flights.

What happens if you get caught using skiplagged?

While skiplagging isn't illegal, it violates most airline's terms of service. If they catch you, there are some potential consequences, so you must read out it.

• Canceled ticket and rebooking: The airline might cancel your entire ticket and require you to buy a new one, likely at the regular price, to your final destination.
• Mileage account closure: You could lose your frequent flyer miles and any accumulated status with the airlines.
• Future flight ban: In severe cases, the airlines might ban you from flying with them for a certain period.

Airlines are getting better at detecting skip-lagging, so weighing the risks before trying is crucial.

Which airlines prohibit skiplagging?

Most significant airlines consider skip-lagging a violation of their terms of service, which popular carriers like:

• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

Thus, before booking a skip-lagged ticket, you must be aware of the airline's policy, as consequences can range from canceling your return flight to getting banned from flying with that airline altogether.

How do you not get caught skiplagging?

Skiplagging, also known as hidden-city ticketing, can be a risky way to save money on flights because it violates airline policies. There's no guaranteed way to avoid getting caught, but here are some things to consider to minimize the risk:

• Book one-way tickets: Avoid round-trip bookings, as ailrines might cancel your return flight if you miss a connecting leg.

• Pack light: Skip checked bags altogether. They will likely be routed to your final ticketed destination.

• Separate bookings: Book each leg of your trip on an individual ticket to avoid cancellation of the entire itinerary.

• Minimize interaction: Check in online or with a mobile app to reduce contact with airline staff who might notice your skipped leg.

• Frequent flyer caution: Don't use your frequent flyer information to avoid account cancellation.

The Bottom Line

The airlines are cracking down on skip-lagging because it violates their terms of service and pricing models. By skipping the final leg of a flight, passengers are effectively gaming the system to get cheaper fares, which disrupts airlines' revenue streams, as they lose money from the unused seats on the final leg. Additionally, skiplagging violates the airline's contract of carriage, which passengers agree to during booking. While Skiplagging isn't explicitly illegal, airlines may take action against passengers who engage in this practice, such as denying boarding or banning them from future flights. As a result, airlines are getting better at detecting skip-lagging, and passengers need to know the potential consequences before attempting it.