Airlines have a vested interest in ensuring passengers follow their ticketed itinerary, and skiplagging—where travelers book a cheaper connecting flight but exit at the layover—disrupts their pricing strategies. This practice can lead to penalties for passengers and financial losses for airlines, which is why they actively discourage it.
What is Skiplagging and Why Do Airlines Care?
Skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing, occurs when a traveler books a flight with a layover and disembarks at the layover city instead of the final destination. This tactic exploits fare differences, as flights with layovers are sometimes cheaper than direct flights to the layover city.
Why Do Airlines Care About Skiplagging?
-
Revenue Loss: Airlines set prices based on complex algorithms that consider demand, competition, and route popularity. Skiplagging undermines these pricing strategies, leading to potential revenue loss.
-
Operational Disruptions: When passengers don’t complete their itinerary, it can lead to logistical issues, such as inaccurate passenger counts, which affect weight and balance calculations.
-
Fairness to Passengers: Airlines argue that skiplagging is unfair to other passengers who pay the full fare for their intended destination, as it exploits a loophole in ticket pricing.
How Do Airlines Combat Skiplagging?
-
Ticket Rules Enforcement: Airlines include clauses in their terms of service that prohibit skiplagging and may cancel return flights or frequent flyer miles if a passenger is caught.
-
Legal Action: Some airlines have taken legal action against websites that promote skiplagging, arguing that it violates their terms of service.
-
Monitoring and Penalties: Airlines monitor booking patterns and may penalize passengers who frequently engage in skiplagging by banning them from future flights or imposing fines.
Practical Examples of Skiplagging
Consider a traveler booking a flight from New York to Los Angeles with a layover in Chicago. If the fare to Los Angeles is cheaper than a direct flight to Chicago, the traveler might book the LA ticket but disembark in Chicago.
Example Scenario:
- Route: New York (JFK) → Chicago (ORD) → Los Angeles (LAX)
- Skiplagging: Passenger exits at ORD and skips the ORD to LAX leg.
Is Skiplagging Worth the Risk?
While skiplagging might save money upfront, the potential consequences include:
- Cancelled Return Flights: If the airline detects skiplagging, they may cancel any remaining legs of the journey.
- Frequent Flyer Account Penalties: Airlines might deduct miles or ban usage of frequent flyer accounts.
- Legal Repercussions: Although rare, there is a risk of legal action from airlines.
People Also Ask
What are the consequences of skiplagging?
Consequences of skiplagging include cancellation of return flights, loss of frequent flyer miles, and potential bans from the airline. Additionally, airlines may impose fines or take legal action against repeat offenders.
How do airlines detect skiplagging?
Airlines detect skiplagging through booking pattern analysis and monitoring of passenger travel history. Advanced algorithms flag suspicious itineraries, and frequent skiplaggers may be added to watch lists.
Is skiplagging illegal?
Skiplagging is not illegal, but it violates most airlines’ terms of service. This means airlines have the right to penalize passengers who engage in the practice, though legal action against individuals is uncommon.
Can skiplagging affect my travel insurance?
Yes, skiplagging can affect travel insurance claims. If an insurance company discovers that a traveler has not followed their ticketed itinerary, they may deny claims related to the trip.
Are there alternatives to skiplagging for saving on flights?
Yes, travelers can save on flights by booking in advance, being flexible with travel dates, using fare comparison websites, and taking advantage of airline sales and rewards programs.
Conclusion
Skiplagging might appear as a clever way to save money, but the potential downsides make it a risky choice. Airlines actively discourage this practice due to revenue and operational concerns, and passengers caught skiplagging may face serious consequences. Instead, consider alternative strategies for finding affordable flights, such as utilizing fare comparison tools and remaining flexible with travel plans. By understanding the implications of skiplagging, travelers can make informed decisions that align with both their budgets and the terms set by airlines.
