American Airlines Wants $94M in Skiplagging Lawsuit

American Airlines has filed a $94 million lawsuit against a website dedicated to the TikTok trending practice of “skiplagging,” claiming that the site is profiting from the controversial practice.

Skiplagging, also called “hidden city” ticketing, is when a traveler books a destination with a layover, but the layover city is the traveler’s final destination. According to Aviation A2Z, the airline giant is suing Skiplagged, a website that shows travelers how to engage in the practice, for “exploiting” American’s reputation to promote cheaper tickets to its customers.

The Fort Worth-based carrier sued Skiplagged in federal court last year, and on Monday, Oct. 7, it gave the jury its case. American Airlines claims that by promoting this booking hack, Skiplagged is infringing on trademarks, breaking airline policy, and running the danger of having consumers’ tickets canceled. Additionally, the airline charges that Skiplagged interfered tortiously with its ability to conduct business.

Airlines view skiplagging as a policy violation even though it’s not against the law. Carriers contend that this approach costs them money since it keeps them from making seat sales on the portion of the trip that is abandoned. As a result, if an airline suspects skiplagging, they may cancel a passenger’s entire itinerary.

American Airlines calls Skiplagged’s use of this strategy a “classic bait and switch” operation. The airline claims that by using this dubious tactic, Skiplagged unfairly takes advantage of American’s well-known reputation of drawing in passengers looking for lower tickets.

Damages of over $94 million are sought by American Airlines. U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman will preside over the trial, which could go on for up to two weeks.

American Airlines Partnered With Rosario Dawson & Stand Up To Cancer

Over the summer, the airline extended an invitation to travelers to take part in its yearly fundraising drive, which it launched in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), to raise funds for innovative, life-saving cancer research. The campaign began with a powerful new PSA starring actress, producer, and celebrity supporter of SU2C, Rosario Dawson.

“I am one of the millions of people who have a loved one that’s been touched by cancer. This year, 2 million people will be diagnosed — that’s one person every 15 seconds. I’m hoping that when people watch this PSA, they will be encouraged to learn more, join us and rise to the challenge,” said Rosario Dawson, an SU2C ambassador, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “With the help of donors like you, we are making incredible strides. Together, we could see the end of cancer as we know it.”