Here’s everything you better know about skiplagging.
In many cases, it is.
What is skiplagging?
Waiting area in airport.Credit:Greg Pease/Getty Images
Its also about demand.
This pricing strategy is intentional.
“The price difference is supposed to encourage filling seats on connecting flights,” says Fowkes.
Empty airplane seats.Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure
“So, when you engage in skiplagging, the airline loses potential profit from selling separate direct flights.
Whenever a profit loss is involved, you’re able to expect consequences.”
But the biggest draw of skiplagging is obvious: to lower the cost of travel.
Man leaving airport with carryon luggage.Jose Luis Agudo Gonzalez/Getty Images
“When it works, it can save travelers hundreds of dollars,” says Neugarten.
Airline policies explicitly prohibit this practice, and changes to your itinerary can throw a wrench in your plans.
Even if you manage to avoid detection, skiplagging can come with logistical headaches, too.
Bercerra points out that if you do skiplag, you will only be able to travel with a carry-on.
Sometimes, airplanes run out of overhead storage space.
Strategically using airline miles or credit card rewards can also cut down on airfare expenses.
Instead, focus onsetting flight alerts, accumulating those points, and planning trips during shoulder season.
