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American Airlines files lawsuit against Skiplagged over alleged customer deception
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American Airlines has sued Skiplagged, a travel website specializing in finding cheaper flights using "hidden-city" ticketing.
The lawsuit, filed in Fort Worth, Texas federal court, claims the website is deceptive.
It allegedly allows travelers to book connecting flights at a lower cost than direct flights while not intending to fly the entire route.
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American Airlines argues Skiplagged employs unauthorized and misleading ticketing practices, enticing consumers with promised savings that it fails to deliver.
The airline said Skiplagged often charges customers more than if they had booked directly through American or an authorized agent.
The suit accuses the website of misleading the public into thinking it can issue valid tickets on behalf of American, despite lacking the authority to do so.
It also states Skiplagged leads customers to believe it offers access to a secret "loophole," though its fares are often higher than those on American's website or through authorized agents.
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American Airlines has gone as far as threatening to invalidate every ticket sold by Skiplagged, stressing all such tickets are at risk.
The suit seeks a permanent injunction requiring Skiplagged to adhere to airline restrictions.
It also wants an account of all American flight sales made by Skiplagged and those made through other travel agencies.
Lawyers are also demanding statutory damages and compensation for actual damages American has incurred due to Skiplagged ‘s actions.
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Airlines have cracked down on "skiplagging"
While "skiplagging" is generally not illegal, airlines argue it violates their policies and have increasingly cracked down on the practice.
Passengers opting for this method may face limitations, especially regarding checked luggage, as it is tagged to the final destination.
It primarily applies to one-way tickets; two separate one-way tickets are typically required for round trips.
This follows a 2014 lawsuit United Airlines and Orbitz filed against Skiplagged's founder, Aktarer Zaman, for interfering with their operations and promoting prohibited travel practices.
Zaman settled with Orbitz in 2015, and a Chicago judge dismissed the United lawsuit against him.
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