Is skiplagging illegal in India?

Skiplagging: Understanding Its Legality and Risks in India

Skiplagging refers to a travel strategy where passengers purchase a ticket with a connecting flight but disembark at the connecting city instead of their intended final destination. This practice aims to save airfare by exploiting loopholes in pricing algorithms. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal and potential consequences associated with skiplagging in India.

Legality of Skiplagging in India

Currently, there are no explicit laws in India that directly prohibit skiplagging. However, airlines have specific terms and conditions in their contracts of carriage that may address this practice. These terms often stipulate that passengers must travel to the final destination on their ticket, and failure to do so may constitute a breach of contract.

Airline Regulations

Most airlines view skiplagging as a violation of their regulations and consider it a form of fare fraud. As a result, they may take various measures against passengers who engage in this practice, including:

• Denying boarding or removing passengers from flights
• Cancelling tickets or charging additional fees
• Placing passengers on a no-fly list

Financial Penalties

In addition to the potential consequences faced directly from airlines, skiplagging can also lead to financial penalties. Some airlines may charge passengers the difference between the fare they paid and the actual cost of the flight they took, which can be substantial.

Associated Risks

Beyond the potential legal and financial penalties, skiplagging also carries other risks:

• Delayed or missed luggage: Airlines may not forward luggage to the connecting city if the passenger disembarks early.
• Travel disruptions: Skiplagging can disrupt the airline’s flight schedule and cause delays for other passengers.
• Damage to reputation: If passengers are repeatedly caught skiplagging, they may damage their reputation and make it difficult to book future flights.

Conclusion

While skiplagging may seem like an attractive way to save money on airfare, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with this practice in India. Airlines have strict regulations against skiplagging, and passengers who engage in it may face legal consequences, financial penalties, and other travel disruptions. It’s always advisable to purchase flights that align with your actual travel plans and avoid practices that could violate airline regulations.