Skiplagging in 2025: Still Worth It for Cheap Tickets?

✈️ What Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Should Know
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If you’ve ever searched for cheap flights online, chances are you’ve heard about skiplagging. It’s the trick where you book a ticket with a layover and just don’t take the final leg, because the price is cheaper than flying direct.
Sounds clever, right?
But does it still work in 2025? Is it safe? And is it even worth the risk now that airlines are cracking down harder?
Let’s break it down, the real pros, the new rules, and what still works today.
✈️ What Is Skiplagging Exactly?
Skiplagging (also called hidden city ticketing) is when you:
- Book a multi-leg flight (like NYC → Denver → LA)
- Get off at the layover city (Denver)
- Skip the final segment (Denver → LA)
Why? Because sometimes the fare to a farther city is weirdly cheaper than just flying to the stopover.
It makes no sense, but airline pricing is full of these glitches.
💸 Does It Still Save Money in 2025?
Yes, but not as often.
Back in 2018–2020, this trick worked a lot. You could save $100–$300 on some routes.
In 2025, it still works in certain cases, especially:
- Busy U.S. routes like New York → Dallas
- Flights between major hubs with lots of competition
- Last-minute one-ways where direct prices spike
But airlines have learned. Many are closing loopholes and adjusting prices more dynamically.
Now, hidden-city deals are less predictable, and a little riskier.
🧠 What Still Works?
✅ One-way flights only
If you skip a leg on a round-trip, your return gets canceled.
✅ No checked bags
If you check luggage, it ends up at your final destination, not your stopover.
✅ Use tools that still find hidden city deals
Sites like Skiplagged.com still specialize in this trick.
Or use Fly GPT, which compares hidden-city vs direct and shows the real cheapest route, including with VPN pricing.
✅ Short routes with lots of competition
You’ll often find these tricks on U.S. domestic routes and between European cities.
🚫 What No Longer Works (or Got Riskier)
❌ Booking with your frequent flyer number
Airlines can track and flag your account. Some people have had miles wiped or even been banned.
❌ Skipping legs on international flights
Much more risky. Some countries consider this a violation of terms and may deny you boarding later.
❌ Doing it too often
Once or twice? Probably fine. But if you make it a habit, you’re asking for trouble.
⚠️ What Airlines Are Doing About It
Airlines hate skiplagging. Why?
Because it messes with their pricing system.
They expect people to fly the whole route. When you don’t, it causes logistics issues, and lost revenue.
So in 2025, they’re fighting back harder:
- Canceling return flights if you miss a leg
- Flagging repeat users through loyalty programs
- Some airlines like Lufthansa and American have even sued passengers in the past
Most cases don’t go to court. But they’re sending a message: “Don’t try this too often.”
💬 Is It Legal?
Yes, but it breaks airline rules.
No law says you must take all parts of your trip. But the airline’s contract (terms of service) usually prohibits skipping flights on purpose.
So it’s a terms-of-use violation, not a crime.
You probably won’t go to jail. But you could:
- Lose your frequent flyer account
- Get banned by that airline
- Get hit with surprise fees
📦 Summary: Is It Still Worth It?
Sometimes.
Skiplagging in 2025 is like a rusty old travel hack. It’s still there, still useful, but needs to be used carefully and sparingly.
Use it when:
- You’re flying one-way
- You don’t check bags
- You’re not using loyalty programs
- You’ve double-checked the price is actually cheaper
- You’re not flying every month for work
Otherwise?
There are safer ways to save.
🛠️ Safer Alternatives to Skiplagging
💡 Use AI tools like Fly GPT to:
- Scan routes with VPN tricks
- Spot hidden-city hacks automatically
- Compare one-ways vs round-trips vs multi-city
- Find real price drops without breaking airline rules
This way, you save without getting flagged.
Same deals. Less drama.
❓ FAQ – Skiplagging in 2025
Is skiplagging illegal?
No. But it breaks airline rules. You could get banned or lose miles.
Can I skiplag on a round trip?
No. If you skip the first leg, your return is automatically canceled.
Can I check bags if I skiplag?
No. Always bring carry-on only, or your bag goes to the final city.
Do all airlines punish skiplaggers?
Not all, but many do. Especially U.S. carriers and big internationals.
How do I find hidden-city tickets?
Use tools like Skiplagged or Fly GPT. They scan for these automatically.
Can I use my frequent flyer account when skiplagging?
Not a good idea. It links the trick to your name and increases the risk.
What’s the biggest risk in 2025?
Getting banned from an airline, especially if you fly often.
Is it still worth doing?
Sometimes yes, but be smart, low-key, and don’t overdo it.