Why Did United Airlines Sue Skiplagged?
United Airlines, one of the major players in the aviation industry, stirred up controversy when it decided to sue Skiplagged, an online travel service provider. But what led to this legal battle that garnered headlines and discussions across the globe? In simple terms, United Airlines sued Skiplagged due to the company’s creative interpretation and utilization of a hidden city ticketing strategy.
Hidden city ticketing is a travel hack that involves booking a flight with a layover at the desired destination as the final stop instead of booking a direct flight to that destination. For example, if someone wants to travel from New York to Los Angeles, Skiplagged may suggest booking a flight from New York to San Francisco with a layover in Los Angeles. Passengers intentionally get off the plane at the layover city, effectively skipping the second leg of the journey.
United Airlines, along with other airlines, argues that this practice violates their contract of carriage and disrupts the normal booking process. By intentionally skipping connections, passengers bypass certain restrictions and fare regulations set by the airlines. This strategic maneuver can lead to revenue loss for airlines, as they are unable to fill seats they projected to sell for the second leg of the journey.
FAQs About United Airlines’ Lawsuit Against Skiplagged
1. What does the contract of carriage entail?
The contract of carriage is a legally binding agreement between an airline and its passengers. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the airline provides transportation services. It covers various aspects such as baggage allowances, ticket refund policies, passenger behavior guidelines, and flight itinerary rules.
2. What specific claims did United Airlines make in the lawsuit?
United Airlines accused Skiplagged of promoting and encouraging a practice that violates the contract of carriage. The airline alleged that Skiplagged’s activities deceived and defrauded passengers while also causing monetary harm to United Airlines.
3. What is the main argument raised by Skiplagged in response to the lawsuit?
Skiplagged contends that their platform is simply providing information to consumers about existing fares and seat availability. They argue that passengers are responsible for their own decisions and actions related to booking flights.
4. Have other airlines taken legal action against Skiplagged?
Yes, United Airlines is not the only airline to sue Skiplagged. In the past, American Airlines and Orbitz have pursued legal action against the company. However, some lawsuits have been dropped or dismissed due to technicalities or jurisdictional issues.
5. Did Skiplagged invent hidden city ticketing?
No, hidden city ticketing has been used by travelers for many years. Skiplagged merely found a way to automate the search and booking process for such itineraries, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
6. What are the potential consequences for passengers using hidden city ticketing?
While hidden city ticketing can save passengers money, it comes with certain risks. Airlines have been known to penalize passengers who engage in this practice by revoking frequent flyer benefits or prohibiting future ticket purchases.
7. Is hidden city ticketing illegal?
Hidden city ticketing is not illegal, but it does violate airlines’ terms and conditions. Consequently, airlines have the right to take action against passengers who practice it, such as denying boarding or imposing additional fees.
8. How does Skiplagged make money?
Skiplagged generates revenue through affiliate programs and partnerships with online travel agencies. When a user books a flight through Skiplagged, the company receives a commission from the travel agency or airline.
9. What impact does hidden city ticketing have on the airline industry?
Hidden city ticketing poses challenges for airlines in revenue management and resource allocation. It requires them to constantly adapt and protect their sales models to ensure they remain profitable.
10. Are there alternatives to hidden city ticketing?
Yes, several travel search engines and platforms offer other cost-saving strategies, such as flight alerts, flexible date searches, and exploring nearby airports. These alternatives provide options for travelers seeking lower fares without resorting to hidden city ticketing.
11. What is the status of the lawsuit between United Airlines and Skiplagged?
As of now, information regarding the current status of the lawsuit is limited. Legal battles like these often take time to reach a resolution, with potential outcomes ranging from settlements to court decisions that set industry precedents.
12. Will this lawsuit impact the future of hidden city ticketing?
While the lawsuit may create temporary setbacks and raise awareness about hidden city ticketing, it is unlikely to eliminate the practice entirely. As long as there is a demand for affordable air travel, passengers will continue to seek innovative ways to save money on their flights. However, airlines may adapt their strategies to minimize the impact of hidden city ticketing on their revenues.