Skiplagging: 7 Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
1) What is skiplagging on a plane?
Skiplagging is when you purchase a connecting flight itinerary only to take the first leg of the route. For example, let's say you are flying from the Netherlands to Spain. The connecting flight (Netherlands to Spain to Italy) is cheaper than the direct flight (Netherlands to Spain directly). Therefore, you decide to purchase a connecting flight instead and only take the first flight of the connecting flight to reach Spain. This is called skiplagging.
2) What is the point of skiplagging?
Connecting flights tend to be cheaper than direct flights, as they have lower demand compared to direct flights. This means you may save a lot of expenses if you purchase a cheaper connecting flight and then skiplag instead of purchasing the direct flight to the destination.
3) Is skiplagging illegal?
Technically, skiplagging is legally permitted. However, it’s a violation of many airline policies! We recommend you to check out the specific policy of the airline you are flying with regarding skiplagging.
4) Why do airlines hate skiplagging?
Airlines dislike skiplagging because if passengers purchase cheaper connecting flights and then skiplag to get to their destination instead of purchasing direct flights, the airline loses the potential profit they would have earned if they sold separate direct flights.
5) Can an airline punish you for skiplagging?
Again, this depends on the airline you are flying with and its policy regarding skiplagging. The punishment may include financial penalties or the prohibition on future booked flights. Airlines may even take legal action against the skiplagging passengers! For instance, Lufthansa attempted to sue a passenger for skiplagging and violating the airline’s terms of service in 2019.
6) Can you get caught skiplagging? How to not get caught skiplagging
As tempting as it sounds, skiplagging may be risky, as you might get caught by an airline and receive penalties. Check out the following tips to avoid getting caught skiplagging by the airline!
First, limit your interaction with the airline’s employees.
Unless it’s urgent and necessary, you must avoid speaking directly to airline staff as much as possible to avoid suspicion. You can do this by using online or mobile check-in instead of in-person check-in at the airport.
Second, avoid using frequent-flyer information.
Frequent flyer information refers to details, such as the frequent flyer number, the status level, and mileage, which passengers provide when booking flights to earn miles and benefits like lounge access. If you want to skiplag the flight, you must forget about earning miles or a free upgrade. If you skiplag using your frequent-flyer information and get caught, it could lead to the cancellation of your account.
Third, do not check in your bags.
What could happen is that your checked-in bags might end up at the final destination instead of being unloaded at the connecting destination where you get off. Make sure to use a carry-on bag on board instead!
7) Do you still get miles if you miss your flight?
Unfortunately, if you miss your flight, it is likely that you won’t receive miles for the ticket. You must fly the flight to get them.
What do I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Did you experience more than 3 hours of flight delay or a flight cancellation 14 days before the departure? According to the British and EU regulations, you may be eligible for flight compensation up to £520! Claim now with Flight-Delayed.co.uk using free, no-obligation Claim Calculator!
We hope you find this information useful, have a safe and amazing trip!
Want to keep up with more interesting tips and travel hacks? Read the rest of our blogs!
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