Skiplagging, also known as hidden-city ticketing, is a controversial travel strategy where passengers book a multi-leg flight but intentionally exit at a layover city instead of continuing to the final destination. The primary motivation is cost savings, as flights with layovers in certain cities can sometimes be significantly cheaper than direct flights to those same cities. For example, a ticket from Miami to Nashville might cost $270, while a Miami-to-Washington, D.C. flight with a Nashville layover could be just $170 ^[2]. While the practice is technically legal, it violates nearly all airline policies and comes with substantial risks, including canceled tickets, loss of frequent flyer miles, and potential bans from airlines ^[1][3].

The savings potential varies by route but can reach hundreds of dollars in some cases, making it tempting for budget-conscious travelers. However, airlines actively discourage this practice because it undermines their pricing models, which are designed to maximize revenue based on demand for specific routes ^[2][6]. The risks extend beyond financial penalties—travelers may face logistical challenges like lost luggage (since checked bags go to the final destination) or disrupted return flights if airlines detect the practice ^[3][7].

• Definition: Booking a flight with a layover in your true destination and skipping the final leg to save money ^[5]
• Legal status: Not illegal under U.S. law but violates airline contracts and terms of service ^[1][8]
• Potential savings: Can range from minimal to hundreds of dollars depending on the route ^[2][6]
• Primary risks: Canceled tickets, loss of loyalty program benefits, and potential airline bans ^[1][3][7]

Understanding Skiplagging: Mechanics, Risks, and Alternatives

How Skiplagging Works and Why Airlines Oppose It

Skiplagging exploits inconsistencies in airline pricing, where indirect routes can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights to the same destination. This occurs because airlines use complex algorithms to set fares based on demand, competition, and historical data. For instance, a flight from New York to Orlando might cost $300, while a New York-to-Tampa flight with an Orlando layover could be priced at $200 ^[9]. Travelers using this tactic simply disembark at the layover city (Orlando, in this case) and skip the remaining leg. While this may seem like a clever workaround, airlines view it as a breach of contract, as passengers are not fulfilling the full itinerary they paid for ^[1][8].

Airlines oppose skiplagging for several key reasons:

• Revenue loss: Airlines rely on segmented pricing to maximize profits, and skiplagging disrupts this model by allowing passengers to pay less for a portion of the journey that might normally command a higher fare ^[2].
• Operational inefficiencies: Empty seats on the final leg of a flight can lead to imbalances in passenger loads, affecting fuel calculations and crew scheduling ^[3].
• Loyalty program abuse: Frequent flyer miles and status benefits are often tied to the distance flown and fare paid, so skipping legs can be seen as gaming the system ^[1][7].
• Contractual violations: Airlines explicitly prohibit this practice in their terms and conditions, arguing that passengers are misrepresenting their travel intentions ^[7][8].

The practice has even led to legal action, such as American Airlines suing the website Skiplagged for facilitating hidden-city bookings ^[8]. While courts have generally ruled that skiplagging itself isn’t illegal, airlines retain the right to penalize passengers who engage in it under their contractual terms ^[1].

The Risks and Consequences of Skiplagging

The potential savings from skiplagging must be weighed against significant risks, which can turn a seemingly smart financial decision into a costly mistake. Airlines have sophisticated systems to detect this practice, and the consequences can be severe. One of the most immediate risks is the cancellation of the return flight or any remaining legs of the itinerary. For example, if a traveler books a round-trip ticket from Chicago to Seattle with a layover in Denver (intending to stay in Denver), the airline may cancel the return flight from Seattle to Chicago if they detect the passenger didn’t complete the outbound journey ^[1][3].

Other major risks include:

• Loss of frequent flyer miles and status: Airlines may confiscate miles earned from the trip or even shut down loyalty accounts entirely. This can be particularly damaging for travelers who rely on rewards for free flights or upgrades ^[1][6].
• Denied boarding or future bans: Passengers caught skiplagging may be flagged in airline systems, leading to denied boarding on future flights or outright bans from the carrier ^[3][7].
• Checked baggage complications: Since checked luggage is tagged to the final destination, skiplaggers must travel with carry-on only, which can be inconvenient for longer trips ^[3][9].
• Schedule changes and disruptions: If an airline changes the flight schedule, the layover city might no longer be part of the itinerary, leaving the traveler stranded or forced to complete the original route ^[6].
• Legal and financial penalties: While rare, some airlines have pursued legal action against passengers for fraud or breach of contract, potentially resulting in fines or bills for the "unflown" portion of the trip ^[7].

Experts and frequent travelers often advise against skiplagging unless the savings are substantial enough to justify the risks. Alternatives like flexible date searches, price alerts, and using airline rewards programs are generally safer ways to secure cheaper fares ^[2][6]. For those still tempted, strategies to minimize detection—such as avoiding linked frequent flyer accounts and booking one-way tickets—are often recommended, though they don’t eliminate the risks entirely ^[4][9].