Airlines are tightening policies on skiplagging, leaving travelers curious about what’s in store for frequent flyers who try this money-saving hack.
Quick Takes
- Skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing, is a target for airline crackdowns.
- It involves booking a layover at the intended destination and skipping the final leg to save on costs.
- Airlines consider it a breach, blocking seats for legitimate passengers.
- Penalties include being banned, listed as “do not fly,” and facing potential lawsuits.
- Traveler tips include booking early, using price alerts, and flight comparison sites as alternatives.
Understanding Skiplagging
Skiplagging is a travel hack where passengers book flights with a layover, planning to disembark at the layover point rather than the final destination. This method can slash air travel costs by up to 50%. Airlines, however, view this as a violation of their terms and conditions. As a result, they are increasingly implementing measures to detect and penalize such behavior.
To combat skiplagging, airlines like American Airlines are employing sophisticated analytics to monitor passenger routes and behaviors. Beyond detecting trends, these measures are also intended to maintain operational efficiency and protect revenue margins.
The Consequences
Airlines argue that skiplagging disrupts their operations, leading to empty seats moving forward or luggage ending up in unintended locations. Checked luggage typically proceeds to the booked final destination, posing issues for those attempting this cost-cutting strategy. Additionally, complaints have risen concerning customer ‘no-shows’ impacting available seating for others.
Stricter penalties are being enforced, from lifetime bans and inclusion on no-fly lists, potentially escalating to lawsuits against offenders. Airlines insist such measures ensure fairness and compliance with agreed terms.
Alternatives for Savings
Travelers seeking discounts without skiplagging have several alternatives. Booking early, utilizing flight comparison sites, and setting up alerts for price drops can yield legitimate savings without breaching any contracts. Furthermore, researchers report that these methods align closely with the air industry’s policies, thus reducing stress during travel preparations.
The rising topic of skiplagging has sparked debates among consumers and within the airline community. While some view it as a thrifty practice, the airlines’ firm stance suggests passengers should proceed with caution when considering such strategies for savings.
