Yes, Skiplagged is a legitimate and legal app, but it operates on a controversial practice known as "hidden-city ticketing." The concept involves booking a flight where your actual intended destination is the layover city rather than the final destination on the ticket, because it is often cheaper to book a flight from City A to City C with a stop in City B than it is to book a direct flight to City B. While legal for the consumer, it is a direct violation of the "Contract of Carriage" that airlines have with passengers. Because of this, airlines like United and American have historically sued the app (mostly unsuccessfully) and may penalize passengers by voiding their return flights or deleting their frequent flyer miles if caught. In 2026, the app remains popular for budget travelers, but it comes with strict "rules": you cannot check luggage (as it would go to the final destination), you must have a "hidden city" mindset, and you should never link your frequent flyer number. It is a "use at your own risk" tool that offers genuine savings but requires a deep understanding of airline logistics to avoid complications.