Scoring cheap flights can be a headache, as travellers scour the internet for sales and consider extreme measures just to grab an economy seat.
But there’s one contentious tactic known as “skiplagging”, which could chop your fare by up to 50% – much to the chagrin of airlines, some of which have resorted to legal action against those using this method.
Skiplagging is when you book a connecting flight with the intention of alighting at the layover location which is actually your final destination, often because it’s cheaper than booking directly there.
Aktarer Zaman set up Skiplagged in 2013, creating a platform that flags these ‘hidden city flights’ for savvy passengers, though Skiplagged itself doesn’t sell tickets; it redirects users to airlines or travel agencies.
In a New York Times interview, Zaman disclosed airlines’ contempt for the strategy that has led United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines to take legal steps.
He said: “We work with big companies like Priceline and other travel companies, and pass along customer information but we don’t actually do any of the ticketing. The information is what people come for – most of them are just getting information and price comparison.”
In a notable case, Skiplagged was hit with a $9.4 million judgment in favour of American Airlines for copyright infringement, reports the Express.
Zaman has defended his website amidst the debate, highlighting its popularity and the savings it provides.
“Every month, about 25,000 people are skiplagging through our platform. We tell people not to do it too often with the same airline.”
He also contested the notion that airlines suffer losses due to this practice, stating, “I don’t agree at all that the airlines are losing money. It’s very possible these sales wouldn’t have happened otherwise. And let’s not forget that these travellers are actually paying for both the segments, what they’re flying and what they’re skipping.”