BE 264: What is Skiplagging and Why You Should Avoid It
Jun 4, 2024
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Exploring the risks of skiplagging in the airline industry, the debate between cost and convenience of flights, understanding the repercussions of skiplagging, and the importance of airlines' financial stability. Plus, an exciting announcement about the podcast being available on Lufthansa Airlines' in-flight entertainment system.
Skip lagging is a travel strategy to save money by skipping the final leg of a flight.
Airlines are cracking down on skip lagging by canceling return flights and imposing consequences on passengers.
Deep dives
Understanding Skip Lagging and Its Risks
Skip lagging is a travel strategy where travelers book cheaper flights with layovers at their destination, but skip the final leg to save money. This concept has been around since the 2000s and gained popularity as a money-saving travel hack. However, airlines are cracking down on this practice, leading to potential negative consequences for passengers.
Drawbacks of Skip Lagging: Baggage and Return Flights
One major drawback of skip lagging is the inability to check baggage as airlines tag luggage through to the final destination. Moreover, airlines have started canceling return flights to discourage this practice, eliminating any cost savings obtained through the strategy. These measures by airlines aim to prevent passengers from exploiting the system and potentially getting stranded without a return flight.
Airlines' Response to Skip Lagging: Contractual Protections
To prevent skip lagging, airlines have added written protections in their contracts of carriage, outlining consequences for passengers who engage in this practice. These repercussions may include losing loyalty miles, elite status, or even being banned from booking with the airline again. By implementing these measures, airlines aim to deter passengers from exploiting loopholes in pricing strategies and ensure fair and profitable operations.
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