Skiplagging Risks: Why “Hidden City” Ticketing Can Get You Banned
In the world of budget travel, skiplagging has become a popular way to save money on flights. Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city” ticketing, involves booking a flight with a layover in your destination city and simply not showing up for the final leg of the journey. This way, you can take advantage of lower fares for flights that have a layover in your desired location. While it may seem like a harmless way to save some cash, there are risks associated with skiplagging that travelers need to be aware of. In fact, airlines have been cracking down on this practice and it can even get you banned. In this article, we’ll discuss the risks of skiplagging and why you may want to reconsider using this method for cheap flights.
What is Skiplagging?
As mentioned, skiplagging is the act of booking a flight with a layover in your desired location and not taking the final leg of the journey. Here’s an example: say you want to fly from New York to London, but the direct flight is expensive. However, a flight from New York to Paris with a layover in London is much cheaper. You would book the flight from New York to Paris, but simply get off at the layover in London and skip the last leg of the journey.
The reason this works is because airlines often price flights based on demand and competition. In our example, there may be more demand for a direct flight to London, causing the price to be higher. But by booking a flight to Paris with a layover in London, you’re essentially taking advantage of a lower fare due to lower demand for that route.
The Risks of Skiplagging
1. It Can Cost You Money
While skiplagging may save you money on some flights, it can actually end up costing you money in the long run. Airlines have become wise to this practice and have implemented strict rules and penalties for skiplagging. If you’re caught, you may be charged the difference between the fare you paid and the fare for the flight you actually took. This could end up being much more expensive than booking a direct flight to your desired destination.
2. You Risk Losing Your Frequent Flyer Benefits
If you’re a frequent flyer and have earned status or miles with a particular airline, skiplagging can put that at risk. Airlines may not only take away your benefits, but they could also terminate your account altogether. This could result in the loss of any miles you’ve accumulated or future opportunities to earn more.
3. It Can Get You Banned
Skiplagging is considered a violation of contract, as airlines state in their terms and conditions that all flight segments must be used. While it may seem like a gray area, airlines have been known to ban travelers who have been caught skiplagging. This not only means you won’t be able to fly with that particular airline again, but it could also extend to all airlines under the same parent company. That’s a big risk to take for a little bit of savings on one flight.
Why Airlines Are Cracking Down
Skiplagging has become popular in recent years and airlines have been seeing a loss in revenue as a result. They invest a significant amount of time and money into revenue management to price flights accordingly, and skiplagging disrupts this process. As a result, airlines are cracking down on this practice to protect their profits.
Airlines may also argue that skiplagging is unfair to other passengers who have paid full price for their flights. By taking advantage of lower fares, skiplaggers may be taking away a seat from a passenger who would have been willing to pay the higher fare for a direct flight.
Alternative Ways to Save on Flights
While skiplagging may seem like an enticing way to save money on flights, the risks involved far outweigh any potential savings. Instead, here are some alternative ways to save on flights:
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Destinations
The prices of flights can vary greatly depending on the dates and destinations you choose. If you have some flexibility with your travel plans, you may be able to find cheaper flights on different dates or to a slightly different destination. Be open to exploring new places and you may be pleasantly surprised by the deals you can find.
2. Book Well in Advance
While last-minute deals can sometimes be found, it’s generally recommended to book flights well in advance. By doing so, you’ll have more time to compare prices and find the best deals. You’ll also avoid any potential price increases as the date approaches.
3. Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs
Airline rewards programs are a great way to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for future flights. Most airlines have free membership options, so be sure to sign up and start earning rewards. You can also take advantage of credit card rewards programs that offer points or miles for everyday purchases, which can then be used towards flights.
In Conclusion
While the idea of skiplagging may seem like a clever way to save money on flights, the risks involved are not worth it. Aside from the potential financial costs, it can also lead to the loss of frequent flyer benefits and even getting banned from airlines. With alternative ways to save on flights, it’s best to avoid skiplagging and make sure to follow all airline rules and regulations.
