What Happens If You Get Caught Using Skiplagged?

What Happens If You Get Caught Using Skiplagged?

Skiplagged is a travel booking platform that helps travelers find "hidden city" flights—routes where the passenger disembarks at a layover instead of completing the full journey. While this strategy can save money, airlines frown upon it.

What Is Skiplagged?

Skiplagged is an online search tool that finds cheaper flights by leveraging hidden-city ticketing. This method involves booking a flight with a layover at the traveler’s intended destination rather than purchasing a direct ticket to that city. For example, instead of booking a flight from New York to Chicago, a passenger might book a cheaper flight from New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago and simply exit the airport at the layover city.

The platform gained popularity because it can significantly reduce airfare costs, especially on routes where direct flights are expensive. However, airlines strongly oppose this practice, as it disrupts their pricing models.

What Happens If an Airline Catches You?

While using Skiplagged is not illegal, it violates airline policies. If an airline detects that a passenger frequently engages in hidden-city ticketing, they may impose consequences, such as:

1. Frequent Flyer Account Suspension – Airlines may ban or suspend travelers from their frequent flyer programs, causing them to lose accumulated miles or rewards.

2. Canceled Return Flights – If a traveler skips a segment of their itinerary, airlines often cancel the remaining legs of the journey, leaving them stranded.

3. Denial of Boarding – Some passengers have been denied boarding if an airline suspects they booked a hidden-city ticket.

4. Legal Action or Fines – While rare, some airlines, like Lufthansa and United, have taken legal action against passengers who repeatedly use Skiplagged.

5. Baggage Complications – If checked luggage is associated with a full itinerary, it will go to the final destination rather than the layover city. This makes hidden-city ticketing impractical for travelers who need checked baggage.

   
   

How to Avoid Getting Caught

Some travelers try to minimize risks by:

• Not using their frequent flyer number when booking a hidden-city ticket.

• Traveling with only carry-on luggage.

• Avoiding frequent use of Skiplagged on the same airline.

Is Skiplagged Worth the Risk?

While Skiplagged can save travelers money, the risks—especially for frequent flyers—might outweigh the benefits. Those who rely on airline loyalty programs or need guaranteed return flights should think twice before using hidden-city ticketing.

In summary, Skiplagged provides a unique way to find cheaper flights, but it comes with potential consequences. Travelers should weigh the risks before deciding if the savings are worth it.