A website known as Skiplagged, which offered cheap airfares through a travel hack called skiplagging, has been ordered to pay American Airlines almost $10 million in damages for infringing on the airline’s copyright. Skiplagging involves booking a ticket with a layover in the intended destination but not actually traveling to the final stop, saving travelers money on airfares.
Despite the potential savings, using hidden city ticketing comes with risks, as airlines can penalize passengers caught skiplagging by banning them or forfeiting their frequent flyer miles. American Airlines accused Skiplagged of using bots to search its website for hidden city ticketing trips and misleading consumers into thinking the site was authorized to issue tickets.
In a recent trial, a Texas jury ruled that Skiplagged must pay American Airlines $9.4 million, including funds from the site’s revenues and for copyright infringement. While the airline did not receive damages for trademark infringement, it argued that Skiplagged deceived consumers by using its copyright without authorization.
Skiplagged, founded by former Amazon engineer Aktarer Zaman, charged a fee of around $10 per ticket for finding cheaper fares, despite American Airlines claiming that the prices were often similar to those on the airline’s official website. The website advised passengers to lie about their final destination to the airline and offered guidance on what to do if caught skiplagging.
Although skiplagging is not illegal, airlines like American Airlines prohibit the practice in their terms and conditions. Travelers caught skiplagging risk having their remaining flights canceled and could be barred from future travel, in addition to losing frequent flyer points and status.
The case highlights the ongoing debate between airlines and websites like Skiplagged that offer alternative ways for consumers to save on air travel. While hidden city ticketing can provide cost savings, passengers must weigh the potential consequences of using such tactics to avoid disruptions to their travel plans and loyalty rewards with airlines. As the industry continues to evolve, travelers should stay informed about the risks and benefits of different booking strategies to make informed decisions when planning their flights.