Skiplagging is a practice where travelers buy a ticket for a connecting flight, with a layover in the city that’s the real destination for the traveler. They then disembark after the first leg and simply fail to board the second. This can save travelers hundreds of dollars, but it is strictly prohibited by airlines in their contracts of carriage. Airlines have shown an erratic but heavy hand in administering punishment for those caught, including banning travelers, revoking status, and wiping out accrued mileage.

Important To Remember About Skiplagging:

• Skiplagging is when you buy a ticket for a connecting flight, but only intend to travel to the layover city.
• It can save you hundreds of dollars, but it is prohibited by airlines.
• Airlines have been known to ban travelers who skiplag, revoke their status, and wipe out their accrued mileage.
• There are websites that help you find skiplagging deals.
• It is difficult for airlines to detect skiplagging, but they are becoming more sophisticated in their efforts to do so.

Risks & Considerations Associated With Skiplagging:

1. Risk of Cancellation: If you frequently engage in skiplagging, airlines might catch on and could potentially penalize you, including canceling your frequent flyer account or refusing to honor your tickets.
2. Baggage Handling: If you check luggage, it might end up at the final destination on the ticket, so you’ll need to travel with only carry-on baggage.
3. One-way Bookings: Skiplagging typically works best with one-way tickets. Attempting to use this strategy with round-trip tickets might lead to the cancellation of your return flight.
4. Legal and Ethical Concerns: While skiplagging is a way to save money, some people argue that it’s unethical and takes advantage of airline pricing systems.
5. Limited Routes: Skiplagging might not always be applicable, as it depends on available flight routes and layovers that align with your travel plans.

Before attempting skiplagging, it’s recommended to thoroughly research the terms and conditions of the airline, understand the potential risks, and consider whether the potential savings outweigh the possible consequences. Keep in mind that the travel industry is always evolving, and airline policies may change, so it’s a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments.