FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) passengers faced direct confrontation from airline staff after attempting to use throwaway ticketing, a practice commonly known as ‘skiplagging.’
The incident occurred when a passenger checked in at the ticket counter and presented identification issued from their connecting state, immediately raising suspicions.
Photo: JFK SpottingAmerican Airlines Passengers Skiplagging
The airline agent identified that the passenger likely intended to end their journey at the connecting city rather than continuing to the final destination on their ticket. The agent explicitly warned that skipping the final flight segment would result in a ban from American Airlines.
The passenger, who admitted to using this money-saving strategy, identified themselves as a “poor college student” simply trying to return home. This left them in a difficult position – continue with the connection they never intended to take or risk being banned from the airline.
Despite their connecting flight being delayed, potentially providing an easy excuse for missing it, the passenger ultimately decided to exit the airport at their intended destination, accepting the possible consequences of an American Airlines ban.
Throwaway ticketing has existed for decades as a cost-saving measure employed by travelers. Airlines typically charge premium prices for non-stop flights while offering connecting itineraries at lower rates. This pricing structure creates an opportunity for passengers to book flights with connections through their desired destinations and simply abandon the remaining segments.
Photo: Skiplagged WebsiteNot Illegal But Unethical
While this practice violates airline policies, according to sources like the New York Times ‘Ethicist, it isn’t illegal or necessarily unethical. However, viewfromthewing reported that passengers engaging in skiplagging face several significant risks.
During flight disruptions, airlines may reroute passengers through different connection cities than originally planned, potentially bypassing the traveler’s actual intended destination. Though passengers can request to maintain their original routing during such irregular operations, this accommodation isn’t guaranteed.
Checked baggage presents another major obstacle, as airlines generally don’t allow “short-checking” bags to connecting cities rather than final destinations. This means luggage could continue to the ticketed destination without its owner.
Gate-checked carry-ons create similar problems. When overhead bins fill up, passengers might be forced to gate-check their bags, resulting in their luggage traveling to the ticketed final destination while they exit at the connection.
The practice also restricts booking options. Using throwaway ticketing on an outbound flight segment typically results in airlines automatically canceling all remaining itinerary segments. This forces passengers to book separate one-way tickets for returns, potentially eliminating savings from cheaper round-trip fares.
Airlines have grown increasingly aggressive toward frequent skiplagging. Major carriers have employed various deterrents, including confronting passengers at airports, threatening credit score damage, filing lawsuits, terminating frequent flyer accounts, and implementing flying bans.
Travel experts suggest using this strategy sparingly rather than regularly to avoid detection. Gary Leff recommends crediting any earned miles to partner airline programs to make tracking more difficult, though this provides limited protection against determined enforcement.
ALSO READ: What is Skiplagging and Why Airlines Don’t Like It and How They Can Fix It?
American Airlines Dallas Hub. Photo: American AirlinesAmerican Airlines Agent Confronts Passenger Over Hidden City Ticketing Suspicions
A recent incident highlights the risks of in-person check-in when attempting to use throwaway ticketing. The passenger unnecessarily complicated their situation by checking in at the ticket counter rather than using American Airlines’ mobile app or a self-service kiosk, which would have eliminated direct scrutiny of their identification and travel plans.
The agent noticed the passenger’s ID matched their connecting state, raising immediate red flags about potential skiplagging. This face-to-face interaction created an avoidable confrontation that put the passenger’s travel plans in jeopardy.
American Airlines collects state of residence information during online booking primarily for insurance product sales, though this data could potentially be used to identify passengers with suspicious travel patterns. This information creates another data point airlines might leverage to detect throwaway ticketing.
Questions remain about whether this specific agent formally reported their suspicions or if the system automatically flags such discrepancies for follow-up investigation. The effectiveness of enforcement relies heavily on whether proper documentation occurs after initial suspicion.
Some airlines have escalated their response to suspected throwaway ticketing beyond verbal warnings. Previous incidents include a teenager being taken to a security room for interrogation, where they ultimately confessed to the practice.
Airlines have also confronted passengers directly at airports over alleged “ticketing abuse” and attempted to bill them for fare differences, with flying bans implemented for those who refuse to pay.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrAnother Incident
A second passenger recently discovered American Airlines’ enhanced detection capabilities for identifying potential skiplagging attempts. Despite taking precautions to avoid linking the reservation to their frequent flyer account, the airline still identified the passenger as a potential skiplag risk.
The passenger, who booked a last-minute flight with a connection through their home city, deliberately avoided using their AAdvantage number to prevent the airline from connecting the itinerary to their profile. Their caution proved insufficient when the check-in system flagged their reservation and directed them to speak with a counter agent.
During this interaction, the agent revealed that American’s system had automatically flagged the reservation because the passenger’s address information matched the connecting city. The agent explicitly warned that failure to board the second flight segment would result in placement on the airline’s Do Not Fly (DNF) list.
Faced with this direct threat, the passenger abandoned their original plan and instead boarded the connecting flight. They then purchased a separate $60 ticket departing shortly after arrival to return home, effectively paying additional money to avoid potential penalties.
The passenger now questions whether simply changing their profile address to a different state might allow future skiplagging attempts without triggering the airline’s detection systems.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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American Airlines Wins Lawsuit against Skiplagged, Gets $9.4 Million
The post Two American Airlines Passengers Caught Skiplagging appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
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