Inside Skiplagging: Why Some Travelers Defy Airlines
Skiplagging—also known as “hidden city ticketing”—is a travel hack that has captured the attention of cost-conscious flyers. This strategy involves booking a connecting flight with the intention of leaving the journey at the stopover point, instead of completing the full itinerary. While airlines frown upon this practice and deem it a violation of their rules, many travelers see it as an effective way to secure cheaper flight deals.
The concept is straightforward: Imagine you want to fly from London to New York, but that direct route is expensive. Instead, you find a cheaper ticket from London to Boston with a connection in New York. By exiting in New York and not continuing to Boston, you can save a substantial amount on airfare. According to Skiplagged.com—a platform specializing in uncovering such opportunities—its customers saved an average of $180 each, totaling $54 million in savings over the past year.
However, there are risks. Most airlines prohibit skiplagging under their conditions of carriage. American Airlines, for example, explicitly forbids “purchasing a ticket without intending to fly all flights.” Those caught could face canceled tickets, withheld refunds, or even the threat of being barred from future flights. Despite this, Aktarer Zaman, founder of Skiplagged.com, insists that permanent bans are more rumor than reality. In 11 years of operation, he says he has never heard of a flyer being banned for life solely for skiplagging.
Why does skiplagging even work? Zaman explains that certain routes are priced higher due to higher demand. A direct flight from London to New York might be more expensive than a connecting journey through New York on the way to another city. Airlines often price tickets based on overall market conditions, leading to these anomalies. While Skiplagged.com makes it easy to find these deals, travelers can also stumble upon them independently or through travel agents.
Still, there are practical considerations. Skiplagged recommends using the strategy sparingly, switching airlines frequently, and keeping a low profile to avoid drawing attention. Avoid linking a frequent flyer account to your booking, because airlines can revoke points earned if they catch you skipping a leg. Additionally, travel with a small carry-on bag that fits under your seat; checked luggage will go straight to the ticketed final destination.
Paperwork matters too. Even if you plan to “exit” mid-journey in your home country, carrying your passport is wise. And if the itinerary’s official destination requires a visa, make sure you have it in case you need to present documents at check-in.
Though these complications arise, Skiplagged data shows less than 0.3% of its customers have encountered issues. For some travelers, the risk is worth it—saving money on flights can make long-distance relationships more affordable or facilitate trips that might otherwise be out of reach.
In the end, skiplagging is about weighing the benefits against the risks. As airlines intensify their focus on penalizing the practice, travelers must decide if the potential savings justify treading into this controversial territory.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com