Is hidden-city ticketing (skiplagging) legal and safe?
It is legal under most consumer laws but violates every major airline's contract of carriage. Consequences range from voided return legs on the same ticket to loss of frequent-flyer miles and, in rare cases, being sued for damages (United v. Skiplagged 2024).
Hidden-city ticketing exploits fare quirks where a flight to A with a stop at B costs less than a direct flight to B — the traveller books to A and simply gets off at B. Airlines forbid it: the return leg on the same ticket is voided if you no-show a segment, and elite status can be revoked. United won a $9,500 judgment against Skiplagged in 2024 for facilitating it. If you do it, book one-way only, carry-on only (checked bag goes to A), and expect no protection if disruption forces a rebooking.
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Last verified 2026-07-29.