Aer Lingus passengers are urged to avoid a controversial travel tactic that could result in them being barred from flying with the airline.
The method, known as “skiplagging” or “hidden city ticketing,” has become a popular cost-cutting strategy among travelers, but it comes with serious risks.
This technique involves booking a flight that includes a layover at the passenger’s intended destination and deliberately missing the final leg of the journey.
The goal is to exploit cheaper ticket prices on indirect routes compared to direct flights.
While it might seem like a clever way to save money, the approach violates the terms of service of most airlines, including Aer Lingus, and is considered a breach of contract.
Airlines warn that this type of booking behavior disrupts operations. It can lead to inaccurate headcounts and unused seats, affecting both logistics and revenue.
In response, many carriers have implemented strict penalties, including the cancellation of return flights and even permanent bans for repeat offenders.
Aviation industry expert Sam Bright emphasized that airlines are increasingly equipped with technology to identify suspicious booking patterns. Frequent no-shows for the last leg of a journey can raise red flags and trigger reviews.
“These systems are highly automated and can quickly detect when a traveler consistently skips portions of their itinerary,” Bright said. “What might seem like a small hack is closely monitored and often penalized.”
He warned that the repercussions for skiplagging can extend beyond a single flight. Passengers may lose loyalty program privileges or be banned from booking future flights with the airline.
Another common problem involves checked luggage. Since bags are routed to the final destination on the ticket, those who disembark early risk being separated from their belongings.
That can lead to unanticipated costs, especially if passengers must retrieve their baggage or face delays.
In more serious cases, frequent offenders have been denied boarding, lost elite frequent flyer status, or even been subject to legal action.
Experts caution that the short-term financial gain from skiplagging is often outweighed by the long-term consequences, including fines and the hassle of dealing with customer service issues.
Travel specialists suggest safer alternatives to save money on flights, such as booking during off-peak seasons, comparing fares across websites, or choosing alternative airports nearby.