Anyone looking to travel can benefit from a cost-affordable flight since flying can be so expensive. Many websites are dedicated to providing access to these lesser-fare flights, though, so it can be difficult to know which service to trust.
Some of these services actually operate under the guise of offering cheaper tickets when they only operate with competitors or partner with select flight providers to package airfares into hotel and accommodation bundles.
Due to the consolidation of U.S. airlines, specific routes have experienced a significant decrease in competition, resulting in inflated prices for those journeys.
While traveling entirely for free in real life is essentially impossible, there are some ways to make traveling affordable. If you’re a frugal traveler who uses services like Going.com or Dollar Flight Club, you’ve undoubtedly come across flight booking websites offering discounts through affiliations with several airlines.
Some platforms, however, use legitimate loopholes in airline policies to get you the best fares possible. Skiplagged is one of these platforms and provides a unique way to book the cheapest flights and accommodations using a technique known as ‘hidden city booking,’ which we will cover in further detail and determine whether or not it’s a legitimate way to find cheap flights.
Skiplagged Review
Regarding cheap ticketing, getting rewards through loyalty programs set up by airlines is demonstrably safer than exploiting loopholes in their ticketing process. Several Skiplagged reviews can testify to this.
The website has often been involved in multiple lawsuits between airlines and clients–such as when United sued the founder or individual airlines suing customers for alleged breaches of contract. But through its intelligent policies and thoroughly vetted system, the website has always come out clean.
What’s more, Skiplagged gives you some of the best airfares you can find on the internet, and that’s what matters while traveling with friends and family on long vacations, right?
But, if you’re still skeptical regarding the reviews on Skiplagged and its operating policies, this review has you covered. This article explores every aspect of the website and its provided services, including:
- Its origin
- Internal working system
- Features
- Risk factors
So you can ultimately decide whether to go for it or not. Let’s dive right in.
What is Skiplagged?
Skiplagged is a flight booking website founded in 2013 by a then-22-year-old Bangladesh native named Aktarer Zaman. The website’s main claim is that they display the ultra-cheap tickets that airlines often try to hide away. Instead of getting a round-trip ticket directly to where you want to go, Skiplagged finds flights that stop there on the way to somewhere else.
You buy a ticket and hop off at the layover, skipping the rest of the trip. This way, you can often save much money at the airline’s expense.
This concept is known as hidden city ticketing. A ‘hidden city ticket’ is a fantastic tactic that capitalizes on differences in airfare prices.
While many flight booking sites currently use this method, Skiplagged is one of the pioneering platforms in the industry. Most importantly, it has one of the safest policies to save its users from hassles during travel.
With a user-friendly interface and an accessible mobile app, Skiplagged is a go-to booking option for cheap flights. For example, suppose you’re searching for a flight to Orlando on a conventional booking site.
In this case, the website will only display direct or connecting flights reaching Orlando. But, if you conduct the exact search on Skiplagged, it will show flights that go through Orlando to some other destination while using Orlando as a layover.
So, is this technique used by Skiplagged legit? Let’s answer that question by looking a little deeper into the progress.
How Does Skiplagged Work?
Skiplaged displays the price of a trip to your destination, except you don’t end up at the flight’s final stop. Instead–if you’re flying to Orlando, for example–the flight would depart from your airport of choice and end up in a city like Dallas, with one of the layovers being Orlando.
That way, you can reach your destination by hopping off the plane at one of the layover stops. Believe it or not, these hidden city flights will cost you considerably less, and you might even get business class tickets for the price of economy travel.
While it’s an unconventional way to travel, Skiplagged has an extensive database of flight options and helps users save loads of money on ticket fares by having them enter their desired departure and arrival cities and then find affordable hidden ticket options.
Skiplagged also enables users to input their frequent flyer number and elite status, guaranteeing they will still enjoy the perks and accumulate airline miles from their airline loyalty programs.
Using Skiplagged, you can save money by getting off at your desired destination before the flight reaches its final stop. Despite this, there are a few apparent loopholes in the plan.
- It borders the line of being ethical.
- You can’t check in any luggage, so you’ll need to travel light.
- The airline may take objection if they discover what you’re doing and reject flight status’ or even ban you from their airline.
- While skiplagging isn’t illegal, it violates certain airline conditions of carriage.
That’s why, if you explore the Skiplagged website, the creators discourage users from using this method for every flight they book. But, it is an excellent way to reduce airline fares when traveling on a budget or you can’t find a flight to your destination.
Hidden city ticketing is not illegal, so you’re not doing anything wrong by booking flights through Skiplagged, but again, some consider it unethical.
See Related: Viator Review: Is Viator Legit?
Who is Skiplagged For?
Although Skiplagged does not use illegal means to book cheap flights for its users, it still involves some risk. If it helps, major publications like Forbes and CNN have published Skiplagged flight reviews to satisfy skeptical users.
But, if you’re concerned about your safety during travel and think of this concept as an unethical means of booking, you should stay away from Skiplagged.
However, if you are:
- Satisfied with the internal workings of the Skiplagged website
- Can avoid using your frequent flyer account to book flights on Skiplagged
- Are okay with traveling without any check-in luggage
- Are open to the possibility that you may run into unexpected problems, including the chance of having your ticket rejected
- Have exhausted all other options for finding a cheaper flight to your destination
…then Skiplagged may be a viable and worthwhile option for saving money on flight fares.
Is Skiplagged Legal?
Yes, Skiplagged is legal. It’s a flight search engine that finds the cheapest flights by considering flights with layovers in your destination city.
This technique is called ‘hidden city ticketing.’ Airlines don’t like it, but there’s nothing illegal about it.
However, airlines have ‘conditions of carriage,’ which are essentially the terms of the agreement within the contract you make when purchasing a ticket. These terms typically entail that the passenger finish the entire route of the flight, which is obviously voided when skiplaggers disembark at a layover stop.
But, as previously mentioned, you can save a lot of money by using Skiplagged. For example, suppose you want to fly from New York to Los Angeles. In that case, you can consider buying a one-way ticket to San Francisco with a layover in LA–that way, you can save on not flying direct to San Francisco and hop off the plane in LA without completing the last leg of the trip.
This could mean the difference between a direct flight to LA being around $500 and a flight to San Francisco costing $300 with a layover in LA–so you’ve just saved $200.
Key Features
Now that we’ve reviewed Skiplagged’s basic details and overall premise, let’s discuss some of its key features.
Intuitive User Interface
Skiplagged is convenient and user-forward because it prioritizes your needs and specifications rather than endorsing a few airlines like other flight booking websites. A comprehensive search bar on the front page lets you add your details and look for flights immediately.
You will see a list of significant flights to your destination once you click the search button, and then the page loads (in real-time) will see all of the available flight times, departure dates, and estimated prices, along with other flight options.
Now, this list will include hundreds of options that fit your criteria. If you wish to customize the search further, click the filter icon and adjust the search results.
At this point, you can also choose not to view hidden city searches if you wish to book flights at conventional rates. Similarly, you can also specify your takeoff timings and landing timings, as well as the number of maximum desired layovers when enabling the ‘Skiplagging’ option.
Suggested Cities List
Another attractive feature of Skiplagged is the suggested cities list on the front page. Here, the website displays potential discounts on flights to major cities across the globe.
If you still haven’t decided where to go for your next vacation, these discounted prices can inspire you while planning your next getaway. If you already have a destination in mind, you can tap the arrow icon on the top right and explore the expanded list for the option you want.
Booking Your Flight
The booking process is fairly easy on Skiplagged. You can book flights through the app and get all the information on the platform.
Moreover, you can browse through Skiplagged hotel reviews from your destination and book your accommodation on the website while planning your trip. Another helpful aspect is that Skiplagged shows you the flight and hotel prices according to your currency. This way, you don’t have to convert prices, which saves time.
See Related: Ways to Book the Cheapest First-Class Flights
Skiplagged Mobile App
Apart from the user-friendly website, Skiplagged has an accessible app for Android and iOS users that allows you to book flights and hotels on the platform. The app makes it easier to track your bookings and stay in touch with price updates. The mobile application has an overall positive rating, too.
See Related: Snaptravel Review: Is it Legit?
Customer Service
Skiplagged offers solid customer support for its users. First, it has a comprehensive FAQ page with detailed answers to your queries neatly categorized according to a range of topics. If you have a more urgent question, contact a representative at their live help center.
Pros of Skiplagged
Now that you know all the essential details about Skiplagged and the risks involved, you’ve decided whether or not it’ll work for you. If you still haven’t decided, here’s a concise list of Skiplagged’s ‘pros.’
Outrageous Discounts
Since the platform uses a different technique to look for cheap flights than other flight booking websites, some fares are outrageously cheap. By booking occasional flights from Skiplagged, you can save considerably on your yearly travel expenses.
User-Friendly Interface
The website has an intuitive interface that helps you find your way around quickly. Besides that, it cuts the clutter by letting you search for flights or hotels right through the front page. It’s a common feature, but still a nice touch.
You can immediately get a list of cheap flights by specifying your location, destination, and travel dates on the search bar.
Book Flights Directly
If you find a flight option that appeals to you on the Skiplagged website, you don’t have to navigate to the airline’s website to book the flight. Instead, Skiplagged provides a direct booking link to bag the low airfare as soon as you’ve found it.
Well-Organized Destinations
The website offers a neatly organized list of destination cities for searching for cheap flights on Skiplagged.
Multiple Currency and Language Settings
You can customize the website’s language and currency settings according to your preference. This way, you won’t have to convert the fares when booking a flight.
Extensive Search Customizations
You can customize your search through extensive filters when looking for affordable flights or hotels on Skiplagged. This way, you can get tailor-made options without scrounging through long, unorganized listings.
Free to Use
Skiplagged does not charge any membership fee from users. All you have to do is sign up by email and enjoy cheap flight bookings through the website.
Cons of Skiplagged
As I mentioned, not everything is positive about Skiplagged. A few customers have been stuck previously in serious lawsuits with flights like Lufthansa and United Airlines for using Skiplagged.
Here’s a list of drawbacks to using the website, which you should know before trying.
Limited Baggage
By booking a hidden-city flight with Skiplagged, you won’t be able to check in your luggage, which will travel further without you. Ensure you understand the luggage limitations and only travel with a carry-on and a personal item that you can always keep on your person.
Unethical Means
Using Skiplagged regularly means you are breaching many airlines’ trust, which can lead to serious consequences in the long run. Overall, the method is not sustainable for the travel industry.
It may also be seen as unfair to other people who need to fly to the same destination, as the demand for tickets drives up the overall price, compounded by competing airlines jacking their prices, and so on. This ends with numerous empty seats on ‘fully booked’ flights.
Requires Location Access
While using the Skiplagged app, you must provide complete access to your location. This feature might not be liked by people who prioritize privacy.
Redirecting Booking Links
The booking links on the Skiplagged website will redirect you to external websites and booking agents. They ensure these links are always safe, but you must be careful to avoid being scammed or phished.
No Round-Trip Flights
Perhaps the biggest con of using Skiplagged (or any other skiplagging service, for that matter) is that you can’t book any round-trip flights. This is because the airline cancels the rest of the itinerary for travelers who fail to board their connecting flights.
Again, while it’s not illegal, it does violate the terms you agree to when purchasing a multi-stop ticket–namely, that you board each connecting flight en route to the final destination.
Skiplagged Reviews
If you check out Skiplagged on Trustpilot and other platforms, you’ll find a mix of reviews below. Even though the entire skiplagging process is dicey, their 4.3/5-star rating indicates they have some experience and accumulated success in satisfying customers. Let’s examine both the positive and negative feedback.
Some delighted customers scored amazing deals, experienced easy booking, and even utilized their credits for a free flight. However, there are also some negative experiences to consider.
Customers have faced issues such as price changes, overcharges, unauthorized charges, and difficulties with customer service regarding credit usage and problem resolution.
Some users reported that they couldn’t redeem their rewards and claimed that it was a scam and that they only used fake advertising. Customers generally have a positive experience with Skiplagged despite occasional mishaps.
Skiplagged Alternatives
Skiplagged has become a hit among budget-conscious travelers thanks to its innovative hidden city ticketing strategy, but you shouldn’t use it as your last resort. There are plenty of other sites out there that can provide similar perks. Let’s venture out and uncover these alternative options.
1. Going.com
Going.com (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights) is an exciting booking platform that offers travelers hidden deals. Going’s team monitors flights to over 900 destinations and sends subscribers the best deals on round-trip, one-way, open-jaw trips, and multi-leg round-trippers.
Once they find a valuable offer, they collect all the necessary information and promptly share it with their subscribers via email. Subscribers receive these alerts and can immediately explore available airfare deals, which allows them to save significant amounts of money.
See Related: Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) Review: Is It Legit?
2. Thrifty Traveler
Thrifty Traveler, founded by travel enthusiast Jared Kamrowski, is a comprehensive travel hacking site that aims to simplify finding great flight deals. It can be easy to overlook good deals nowadays with there being so many available travel deal websites. Fortunately, Thrifty Traveler has the fix.
Not only do they post deals on their website, but they also deliver them directly to you. The website utilizes flight-scanning software, which operates 24/7 to find affordable round-trip or one-way online flights.
With Thrifty Traveler Premium, flights can be booked through Google Flights, ensuring the best prices and a simplified booking experience. Thrifty Traveler does a lot more than just find you deals on trips, though–it’s also a one-stop platform for international travel-related news, guides for how to understand and properly use loyalty reward systems, and much more.
See Related: Thrifty Traveler Review: Is Premium Worth It?
3. Dollar Flight Club
Dollar Flight Club is a fantastic travel service that operates on a subscription basis. It keeps its members updated about the most affordable flight departures from their nearest airport and provides a range of affiliate deals that cater to all their travel needs.
The DFC is managed by a team of travel enthusiasts who search flight databases to find the cheapest flights based on your preferences. They handle all the initial steps, such as narrowing down airlines and travel dates.
They also compare airfares and identify the ones that offer the best value for money. Subscribers receive notifications about these flights through email or mobile app alerts. Since the offers are limited, you only need to get to the one before someone else.
DollarFlightClub also sends subscribers notifications when airlines have airfare errors, when they compete on flight pricing for peak days during the holiday season, and much more.
See Related: Dollar Flight Club Review: Is it Worth It?
Overall Rating
- Ease of Use – 5 / 5
- Features – 4 / 5
- Value for Money – 5 / 5
- Customer Support – 3 / 5
Is Skiplagged Legit?
Although Skiplagged uses the controversial hidden city technique to display the cheapest flights for its users, the website is still legit. Other popular publications frequently endorse it, and Skiplagged has succeeded in two separate lawsuits by airlines United and Southwest.
Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal preference and how much risk you’re willing to take. However, if you decide to utilize hidden city ticketing, you do so at your own risk. It’s a good option if you can travel without luggage and regularly avoid using the service.
On the contrary, if you’re already getting good discounts with your airline loyalty program or want to book a round trip, there isn’t a point to using it, as you can get more risk-free value as a loyalty member.
FAQs
Is Skiplagged illegal to use?
Skiplagged utilizes a controversial method of providing its users with affordable flights by ‘skiplagging’–hence its name–which allows users to skip out on the final legs of flights and arrive at their destination for a fraction of the cost. While the practice is not illegal, it is considered unethical by many (especially airlines, to nobody’s surprise) and comes with its risks.
Can I check a bag if I use Skiplagged?
Because the nature of Skiplagged is to abandon the rest of the flight itinerary once you’ve reached your desired destination, anyone checking in luggage on that flight will be unable to get their stuff since it’s being transferred to the next plane en route to the final stop. As such, you should only travel with backpacks, purses, and carry-on briefcases to ensure you don’t leave anything behind.
Does Skiplagged charge a fee?
Yes, Skiplagged charges a fee for its services. The fee is included in the flight price and is typically lower than what you would pay if you booked directly through the airline. Skiplagged also states that they do not charge additional fees beyond the flight price and that the fee is displayed during the booking process.
Did United Sued Skiplagged?
Yes. In November 2014, United Airlines and Orbitz began a civil lawsuit against Aktarer Zaman, the creator of Skiplagged.com, accusing him of engaging in ‘unfair competition’ and ‘deceptive behavior’ by promoting flights (and an entire method of travel) that violated individual airline contract laws. The case was thrown out, though, since it was filed through the Chicago court–a city where Aktarer neither resided nor did business.
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