Why is skiplagging controversial?
A. Loss of actual revenue for airlines
B. Loss of potential revenue for the empty seat on the first or last leg of a flight
C. Increases in overbookings
It should not come as a surprise that airlines dislike this practice. Essentially, they cannot fill a physically empty seat for one flight because an absent skiplagger is supposed to be sitting there. Many airline contracts of carriage these days expressly forbid the practice of skiplagging. Therefore, the airlines can claim that they are just enforcing the fine print when it comes to lawsuits.
3. 次數同罰乜嘢真係睇airlines
A United passenger supposedly skiplagged 38 times, resulting in United apparently charging them thousands of dollars. In 2020, American Airlines reportedly charged a passenger $2,500 for skiplagging 52 times.
Also in 2020, a passenger said they received a harsh email from American Airlines, informing them they were banned from the airline's frequent flyer program (AAdvantage) for skiplagging 95 flights, losing 50,000 loyalty points. The airline said they would reinstate the points and loyalty membership if the passenger paid the difference for all 95 flights, which would total nearly $10,000.
And, of course, the latest tale of the 17-year-old receiving a 3-year ban.