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

The air travel trend known as skiplagging, or hidden city ticketing, has gained significant attention in recent years, sparking debate among travelers. This practice can offer substantial savings on airfare for some, but it also carries considerable risks.

Skiplagging involves booking a flight with a layover but intentionally missing the connecting flight to save money. While it seems like a savvy strategy, airlines frown upon it and may penalize travelers if caught, such as voiding their tickets or banning them from future flights. Major airlines like Delta and Southwest explicitly prohibit skiplagging in their policies. Additionally, schedule changes or unexpected circumstances can disrupt skiplagging plans, leaving travelers stranded.

Despite the potential savings, experts caution against skiplagging due to its inherent risks. Instead, they recommend alternative methods for finding cheap flights, such as using private browsing modes to avoid price tracking, being flexible with departure and destination airports, leveraging airline miles or credit card points, and booking well in advance to secure lower fares.

With careful planning and consideration, travelers can enjoy affordable airfare without resorting to risky practices like skiplagging.