Unlocking Hidden Travel Savings through Skiplagging
Finding an exceptional flight deal often requires a combination of strategies such as tracking prices, setting alerts, comparing rewards programs, and even signing up for new credit cards. Many travelers go to great lengths, including flying out of less convenient airports at odd hours, to save money on airfare.
Some adventurous travelers take this a step further by booking connecting flights with the intention of skipping the final leg of the journey. This practice, known as skiplagging or hidden-city flying, involves purchasing a ticket that includes a layover in the desired destination while bypassing the last segment of the flight. This tactic can sometimes yield substantial savings compared to buying a direct ticket.
In 2013, Aktarer Zaman launched a website called Skiplagged to assist travelers in discovering these budget-friendly deals. However, it’s important to note that skiplagging is against the policies of most airlines. In fact, airlines occasionally impose penalties on travelers who engage in this practice, which can include the forfeiture of frequent flyer miles or even legal action. Major carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have previously sued Mr. Zaman and his platform, with an ongoing lawsuit from American Airlines.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Zaman, now 32, shared in a conversation with The Times that over 12 million users have taken advantage of his website in the past year. He believes that skiplagging represents a valuable opportunity for budget-conscious travelers, and he remains passionate about empowering them in their search for affordable flights.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
How did you initially discover the price savings that can come with intentionally skipping flights?
My journey began with a simple curiosity. After graduating from college, I had a job lined up at Amazon in Seattle and was searching for flights from New York City. To my surprise, I found that it was significantly cheaper to book a flight from New York to Seattle with a layover in San Francisco, rather than flying directly to San Francisco. Intrigued, I delved deeper into the intricacies of airline pricing.
Airlines often utilize a hub-and-spoke model for their operations, meaning they set prices based on market demand rather than the actual distance traveled. In my case, the airline had a stronghold on the New York-to-San Francisco route, which allowed them to charge higher fares. Conversely, the New York-to-Seattle route may not have been as lucrative, resulting in lower prices.
