Travel Insights: Skiplagging and Innovations in Airline Services

Is skiplagging worth it?

A growing trend known as skiplagging can save airline passengers money. Instead of booking a direct flight, travelers seek cheaper flights that have layovers in their desired destination, where they disembark. For instance, a passenger might book a flight from New York City to Denver with a layover in Chicago (their intended destination), then skip the second segment of the trip.

While it’s not illegal, most airlines prohibit skiplagging. Those who get caught may encounter financial penalties, possible cancellations of frequent flyer accounts, and other restrictions. Accordingly, airlines are likely to tighten their policies on this practice. In fact, German airline Lufthansa sued a passenger for skiplagging in 2018, but the lawsuit was eventually dropped.

Another Trend to Watch: Renting Travel Clothes

Another innovative trend to observe is renting travel clothes directly from certain airlines. A pilot program by Japan Airlines, running at least through August 2024, allows passengers on flights to Japan to rent clothing for their stay. Travelers can select from various sets of clothing, organized according to season and occasion. The basic rental package starts at around $29 for three tops and two bottoms.

The primary advantage for airlines is the potential reduction in plane weight—thereby lowering fuel consumption—while also easing the baggage burden on passengers. If the current pilot experiment is successful, this service could become more widely adopted.

This analysis provides insights into current and emerging travel trends. Understanding these developments can empower travelers to make more informed choices and save money on their journeys.