Skiplagging is not illegal. But most major airlines, including American, Delta Southwest and United, don't allow it. For one thing, airlines lose money on the practice, says Tim Huh, a professor at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business, who co-authored a study on skiplagging last year.

No, skiplagging is not illegal in the sense that you cannot be arrested or criminally prosecuted for it in the United States. Skiplagging (also known as "hidden city ticketing") is the practice of booking a flight with a layover in your true destination and simply walking away at the layover point because it was cheaper than a direct flight. While not a crime, it is a violation of the airline's "Contract of Carriage." In 2026, airlines like American, United, and Delta have become extremely aggressive in detecting and penalizing this behavior. If caught, the airline can cancel the remainder of your ticket (including your return flight), revoke your frequent flyer miles, or even permanently ban you from the airline. Because it is a civil contractual issue rather than a criminal one, the consequences are purely financial and logistical. It is also important to note that you cannot check a bag when skiplagging, as the luggage would continue on to the final ticketed destination without you.