What Is Skiplagging? What to Know About the Controversial Air Travel Hack

Skiplagging, an air travel trend that took the skies by storm in recent years, is highly debated. For some travelers, this practice, also known as hidden city ticketing, can save substantial amounts of money on airfare. For others, skiplagging turns a normal flight into a travel nightmare, with penalties ranging from canceled return flights to bans from all future flights with that airline.

The risks of skiplagging often outweigh the rewards, as seen in numerous recent news reports about travelers facing these severe consequences when caught. I spoke with travel experts Anton Radchenko and Echo Wang to learn precisely what skiplagging is, why it can be risky, and other ways to save on airfare. 

What is skiplagging? 

While researching flights for your trips, you may have seen cases when the direct flights to your destination of choice are significantly more expensive than flights that connect through your chosen destination but continue to another city. In simple terms, skiplagging is when travelers book a flight with a connection but get off in the layover city and do not take the remaining flights in the booked itinerary in order to save money. Websites like Skiplagged advertise discounted fares by utilizing this technique.

"Skiplagging is buying a multi-city ticket (A to C via B) but exiting at your desired destination (B) and skipping the final leg (B to C),” explains Wang. “It's done to save money as these tickets are often cheaper than direct flights from A to B.” 

For instance, let’s say you want to fly from Los Angeles to London in April. You can book a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to London for $677. Or, using the skiplagging method, you can book a ticket from Los Angeles to Dublin with a layover in London for just $532; you’d leave the airport during your layover in London and pocket the savings. 

However, it’s important to note that this could only work in particular situations. You cannot check a bag, or else it will continue to the final destination where you are supposed to be heading. Also, as we will discuss, there may be consequences if the airline catches you. 

Benefits and Risks of Skiplagging

Travelers everywhere are looking for ways to save money on airfare amid high air travel costs. Although skiplagging can theoretically help you save money, most experts agree it is not recommended because of the potential consequences. “Generally speaking, airlines dislike skiplagging and have the right to void your ticket if they spot a skiplagging tactic,” says Radchenko. “This could put you in a situation where you need to purchase a new flight to your intended destination, which might end up costing a lot more than initially planned or budgeted.”

Delta, Southwest, and other major U.S. airlines clearly prohibit this practice in their contract of carriage documents. Airlines cite a multitude of reasons why skiplagging is prohibited, from operational issues like delays to loss of profits by knowingly causing an empty seat on the second flight in your itinerary. 

Similarly, schedule changes can wreak havoc on your skiplagging plans. Airlines often move schedules around before departure, and you might have a different layover city than you planned. If that’s the case, you won’t make it to your desired destination at all. 

If you were to try skiplagging, you should not do it with your favorite airline, according to our experts. “Carriers also have the right to ban travelers from flying with them in the future if you are caught,” Radchenko explains. “While the skiplagging is not illegal, it is a breach of an airline’s contract with you, the customer.” This distinction is essential. Although there aren’t any laws against the practice, airlines still have their own policies as noted above, and breaking these policies can lead to major consequences. 

Radchenko notes, “While outright bans are rare, an airline may also confiscate the points or miles you have earned, prevent you from earning future points, or revoke your membership in their frequent flier program.” He continues, “This might seem like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but airlines are clamping down on the practice. And for frequent fliers who spent a lot of time and money building these benefits, losing them could be a nightmarish scenario.”

Other Ways to Find Cheap Flights 

If you don’t want to risk the potential consequences, we have some other ideas to help you save money on flights. “Instead [of skiplagging], try booking flights in incognito mode or using a VPN to find better deals,” suggests Wang. “Airlines use cookies to track your searches and potentially raise prices. Use incognito or private browsing windows to avoid this.” 

Another way to save money on your flight is to be flexible with your departure and destination airports. “Consider flying into smaller, less busy airports near your destination, which often have lower fares,” explains Wang. As a full-time digital nomad, I often do this and can attest to its cost-saving effectiveness. Sometimes, the reverse works, too; you could search for flights to a larger hub near your final destination to see if they are less expensive. Either way, flexibility is key. 

You can also redeem airline miles or credit card points to reduce airfare costs. With the right travel rewards credit card, you can transfer your points to your favorite airline to book your flight, paying only taxes and fees. 

Finally, figure out your travel plans with time to spare. “Booking well ahead, around 60 days for international flights and 28 days for domestic flights, can also save you money, according to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report,” says Wang.