skiplagging

American  

[skip-lag-ing] / ˈskɪpˌlæg ɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of purchasing an air ticket for a flight with a layover at one’s true destination, getting off at the layover point, and skipping the last leg of the flight: a workaround to avoid paying a higher fare for a direct flight to one’s destination.

   New York is a popular airline hub, which is key to skiplagging.

   While skiplagging is not illegal, in some cases the airline has caught on and threatened repercussions.

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Etymology

Origin of skiplagging

First recorded in 2015–20; skiplag ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Generally skiplagging is not illegal, but airlines claim that it violates their policies.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2023

In a practice called skiplagging and hidden-city ticketing, travelers book a flight that includes at least one stop, but they leave the plane during a layover.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2023

Rising fares, in addition to fees for everything from beverages to printing boarding passes, have made skiplagging more enticing to passengers.

From New York Times • Aug. 8, 2023