A Guide to Skiplagging: The Latest Travel Hack for Saving Money

To skiplag or not to skiplag, that is the question.
airport travel


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

Skiplagging is all the buzz on TikTok, empowering travelers to outsmart airlines and pocket extra cash on their adventures. While airlines have resorted to lawsuits against skiplaggers, this clever money-saving tactic to reach your destination is perfectly legal. However, you should proceed with caution.

What is skiplagging?

In a nutshell, skiplagging involves booking a flight with a connection but intentionally skipping the second leg of the journey to reach your desired connection city. Upon reaching your connecting destination, you simply choose not to board the second flight. By using this hack, travelers can save extra cash, with potential savings ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on where you’re headed.

If you’re looking to test out the hack yourself, Skiplagged, an online booking service that specializes in uncovering “hidden-city” flights, reveals skiplag options that may not be easily found independently. You can also DIY skiplagging using platforms like Google Flights or CheapAir.com, but it takes more time to find cheaper routes. Keep in mind that roundtrip bookings are usually not possible, and consider airline policies on missed legs.

What airlines are against it?

In 2021, American Airlines warned employees about cracking down on skiplagging. In 2014, United Airlines sued Skiplagged CEO Aktarer Zaman for $75,000, but Zaman and Skiplagged won. Now, more airlines prohibit skiplagging in their terms and contracts, with potential bans for rule-breakers. So skiplag at your own risk!

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!