The Controversial Hack That Could Save You Hundreds on Flights (Use at Your Own Risk!)

Ever booked a flight and then found out someone paid way less for the same seat? Annoying, right? Well, a loophole could save you hundreds—but airlines really don’t want you using it. Is it genius or just plain risky? Read on and decide for yourself. 

What is Skiplagging and How Does It Work?

Skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing, is when you book a cheaper flight with a layover in your actual destination—then don’t take the second leg of the trip.

For example:

You want to fly from New York to Orlando, but that ticket costs $300. However, a flight from New York to Dallas with a layover in Orlando is only $150. You book the Dallas flight but get off in Orlando, skipping the second leg.

By doing this, you take advantage of the pricing loophole where flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct routes.

Why Does This Trick Work?

Airline pricing isn’t just about distance—it’s about demand. Direct flights and popular routes are often priced higher because airlines know people will pay for convenience.

However, flights with connections may be priced lower to compete with other airlines or to fill seats on less popular routes. Skiplagging exploits this imbalance, allowing travelers to pay less by using the stopover as their final destination.

How Much Money Can You Actually Save?

The amount you save depends on the airline, route, and demand, but some travelers report slashing 30% to 70% off their ticket prices using this hack. On short-haul domestic flights, savings may be as little as $50–$150, but for long-haul international routes, discounts can reach hundreds—even over $1,000—per ticket.

For example, a direct flight from New York to Los Angeles might cost $400, but booking a flight to Las Vegas with a layover in L.A. could drop the price to $250—saving you $150 if you exit at the layover city. 

Similarly, a Chicago to Paris flight might cost $800, but a flight from Chicago to Madrid with a stop in Paris could be $500, saving you $300 if you leave during the layover.

That said, these savings come with risks—including missed connections, luggage restrictions, and potential airline penalties if you use the hack frequently. While it can be a game-changer for savvy travelers, it is important to weigh the savings against the risks before booking.

The Risks of Skiplagging (Read Before You Try It!)

While skiplagging—also known as hidden-city ticketing—can save you money, it’s not without its downsides. Airlines are well aware of this practice and have taken steps to discourage or even penalize passengers who use it frequently. Here’s what you need to consider before trying it:

1. Airlines Can Cancel Your Return Ticket

If you book a round-trip ticket but fail to board your connecting flight (the skipped leg), airlines may automatically cancel the rest of your itinerary. This means if you skiplag on the outbound leg, your return flight could be voided without a refund.

2. You Can’t Check Bags

Since your final ticketed destination isn’t your actual stop, any checked luggage will be sent to the final destination—not the layover city where you plan to exit. To avoid this, you must travel carry-on only, ensuring your bag meets airline restrictions.

3. Airlines Track Frequent Offenders

If you use skiplagging often, airlines may flag your account and take action. In some cases, passengers have been banned from loyalty programs, had their miles revoked, or, in rare instances, been banned from flying with that airline altogether.

4. Not Every Airline Allows It

Some airlines have strict policies against skiplagging, particularly United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France. In fact, Lufthansa once attempted to sue a passenger for using this trick. While most cases don’t go that far, airlines reserve the right to penalize passengers for violating their contract of carriage.

5. Flight Changes Can Ruin the Plan

If your flight is rebooked due to delays or cancellations, the airline may reroute you through a completely different layover city, making your hidden-city strategy useless. Since airlines don’t owe you an alternate routing that fits your original plan, you could end up in a completely unintended location.

Is Skiplagging Legal?

Yes, skiplagging is legal—but that doesn’t mean airlines approve of it. Many carriers’ terms of service include clauses prohibiting hidden city ticketing.

While airlines can’t take legal action against individual travelers, they can enforce their own rules, such as canceling accounts or restricting future bookings.

One famous case involved United Airlines and Orbitz suing a website called Skiplagged, which helps travelers find these hidden city deals. The lawsuit was dismissed, but it showed just how much airlines dislike this practice.

How to Use Skiplagging Safely

If you’re willing to take the risk, here’s how to minimize the chances of getting caught:

1. Use a Different Airline for Your Return Flight

Don’t book round-trip tickets on the same airline; if they catch on, they can cancel your return. Instead, book your flights separately with different carriers.

2. Avoid Using Your Frequent Flyer Account

If you have elite status or airline miles, don’t enter your loyalty number when booking skiplagging tickets. This reduces the chances of your account getting flagged.

3. Always Pack Light

Since checked bags will go to your ticketed destination, you must travel with a carry-on only to make this work.

4. Be Subtle at the Airport

Don’t ask airline staff if you can get off at your layover, and avoid drawing attention to the fact that you won’t be continuing to your final destination.

5. Use Websites That Find Skiplag Deals for You

If you don’t want to search for hidden city routes, tools like Skiplagged manually help you find these deals automatically. Just be aware that airlines are aware of these sites and monitor them closely.

Is Skiplagging Worth It?

It depends on your risk tolerance. Ultimately, airlines make billions from ticket pricing strategies that aren’t always fair to consumers—so it’s understandable why some travelers choose to play the game. If you decide to try it, just know what you’re getting into and proceed cautiously.