Why This Popular Air Travel Hack Can Actually Cost You Money

Airline tickets are expensive. Because of this, many travelers use popular internet hacks to trim their spending. One popular air travel hack called skiplagging is often discussed online as a way to get a better deal on a flight. However, this hack could get you in trouble. Here's why you may want to reconsider using this strategy when booking airfare. 

What is skiplagging? 

Skiplagging is when you book an inexpensive flight with a stopover with no intention of flying the entire itinerary. Instead of completing your journey and getting off the plane at the intended final destination, you get off the plane at the stopover. 

This practice is sometimes called "hidden city" or "throwaway" ticketing. Some travelers find they can save money by doing this instead of booking a more costly flight with their chosen destination as the final stop. There's even a company called Skiplagged that helps travelers find the best hidden city deals. 

With the high cost of airfare, it's easy to see why travelers use this hack to save money on flights. But while this practice may sound like a good idea because of the potential savings, your actions could have consequences. 

Be aware of the potential consequences of skiplagging 

Before considering this strategy in hopes to stick to your vacation budget, knowing the potential consequences is essential. Airlines aren't big fans of this hack because they lose money. 

Some airlines prohibit this practice and say so in their conditions of carriage terms. American Airlines is one such airline. The brand states in its conditions of carriage that "purchasing a ticket without intending to fly all flights to gain lower fares (hidden city ticketing)" is prohibited. 

Fodor's notes that it's possible to be banned by an airline if it catches you skiplagging. While you might not get banned the first time, you may eventually get banned if you use this practice often. Being banned from a major airline could make traveling more difficult. 

There can also be consequences if you do this when booking a round-trip ticket. Some airlines will cancel your return leg if they learn that you didn't complete the original itinerary. For this reason, many travelers only use this strategy when booking one-way journeys. 

Finally, another issue to consider is baggage. If you struggle to pack light, skiplagging won't work for you. If you check a bag, it will reach the intended final destination, but you won't be there to get your stuff. Many fliers who book hidden city flights travel with a carry-on bag.

One flier was billed $2,500 for repeat skiplagging activity 

In 2020, one traveler shared their experience and a warning to other fliers on the FlyerTalk forum. American Airlines caught on to them using this practice. The airline found 52 instances where the elite status flier didn't complete the intended itineraries. 

American Airlines told the traveler they would need to provide compensation to bring their account to good standing, or their AAdvantage membership would be terminated. They would lose any program benefits and any miles in their account if they didn't comply. 

The company asked the traveler to pay around $2,500 to resolve the issue and keep their account. It's likely this unexpected bill impacted their personal finances. I don't know about you, but I don't think this travel hack is worth a potential $2,500 bill. 

Not all travel hacks are worth it 

Skiplagging could save you money on airfare costs, but you may have to deal with unintended consequences. Not all travel hacks are worth it. If you want to save money on airfare costs, there are other ways to get a deal. Check out these suggestions to score cheap plane tickets. When making travel reservations, consider using travel credit cards so you earn rewards on your spending. You can redeem your rewards for free travel in the future.