In these times when traveling can be a big expense, it’s only natural to look for techniques to save money while enjoying the travel experience to the fullest.
This article sets out to explore one such technique, known as skiplagging.
Skiplagging, or how to travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort or quality, has become a real phenomenon among discerning travellers.
But what exactly is skiplagging? How does it work ? What are its advantages and disadvantages ?
And above all, how can we take advantage of it to lighten our wallet? This is what we are going to discover together.
Skiplagging: What is it?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth clarifying what skiplagging is.
Skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing, is a technique used by travelers to obtain plane tickets at a lower cost. The trick is to buy a ticket for a destination with a layover where you really want to go and then not take the final flight.
For example, if you want to go from Paris to New York, you could buy a ticket from Paris to Miami with a stopover in New York, and simply not board the flight from New York to Miami.
How does skiplagging work?
The operation of skiplagging is based on a particularity of the pricing of air tickets.
Airlines calculate their fares based on demand, not distance. Thus, a direct flight may cost more than a flight with a stopover, even if the total distance traveled is greater.
This is explained by the fact that airlines seek to maximize their profit by filling their planes as much as possible. Skiplagging therefore makes it possible to take advantage of this commercial logic.
But beware, skiplagging is not without risk. If the airline realizes that you have not taken your final flight, it can cancel your return ticket or even exclude you from its loyalty program. It is therefore important to fully understand the implications before embarking on skiplagging.
The pros and cons of skiplagging
Like any technique, skiplagging has advantages and disadvantages.
- Advantages: The main advantage of skiplagging is of course the cost. By using this technique, you can save up to 50% on the price of your plane ticket. In addition, skiplagging allows you to benefit from stopover fares, which are generally more advantageous than direct flight fares.
- Disadvantages: Skiplagging also has its disadvantages. First, this technique is considered unethical by some people because it takes advantage of a loophole in the airline pricing system. Second, skiplagging can be risky. If the airline realizes that you have used this technique, it can cancel your return ticket or exclude you from its loyalty program. Finally, skiplagging limits the number of bags you can carry, as your bags will be checked for the final destination and not for the stopover.
How to take advantage of skiplagging?
If you’re tempted by skiplagging, here are some tips for getting the most out of it.
- Plan your trip: Skiplagging requires some planning. You need to find a flight with a stopover at your destination of choice, and make sure the final flight doesn’t depart too soon after you arrive. In addition, it is preferable not to have checked baggage, as this will be checked until the final destination.
- Use discretion: Do not let the airline know that you are skipping. Do not book return tickets using this technique, because if you miss a flight, the rest of your itinerary may be cancelled.
- Use specialized websites: There are several websites that can help you find suitable flights for skiplagging. These sites compare the prices of different airlines and find the most advantageous flights with stopovers.
- Don’t overuse this technique: Skiplagging can be a great way to save money, but it shouldn’t be overused. If you use this technique too often, airlines may start monitoring your bookings and take action against you.
Skiplagging is an ingenious technique that can allow you to travel at a lower cost. However, it requires some planning and is not without risk.
If you decide to try skiplagging, it’s important to do so in an ethical and responsible way. Have a good trip !
I am a web editor specialized in people news. I am passionate about the world of celebrity and I love to follow the latest trends, scoops and gossip that make the buzz