Travel Trends: Skip Skiplagging, Try Airline Clothes Rental: Kiplinger Economic Forecasts
Skiplagging could get you in serious trouble; renting a wardrobe could save you serious baggage.


When it comes to traveling, you want to know how to make it cheaper and easier. To help you understand what is going on and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly-experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest...
Is skiplagging worth it?
A growing trend called skiplagging can save airline passengers money. Instead of booking a direct flight, a passenger finds a cheaper one with a layover that's in their desired destination, where they disembark.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For example, a passenger might book a flight from New York City to Denver, with a layover in Chicago (their intended destination), then skip the second segment of the trip. While it’s not illegal, most airlines prohibit the practice. Those who get caught can face financial penalties, canceled frequent flyer and travel rewards accounts and other restrictions. Look for airlines to continue cracking down. German airline Lufthansa sued a passenger for skiplagging in 2018, but the lawsuit was eventually dropped.
Another trend to keep an eye on: Renting your travel clothes from your airline.
A Japan Airlines pilot program, which will continue at least through August 2024, allows passengers on flights to Japan, its home country, to rent clothes for their stay. Travelers can choose from several different sets of clothing, organized by season and occasion. A basic rental starts at around $29 for three tops and two bottoms.
The big appeal for airlines is allowing them to reduce the weight of planes — and thus fuel consumption — while allowing passengers to deal with fewer bags. Look for the idea to catch on if the current experiment with it goes well.
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Sean Lengell covers Congress and government policy for The Kiplinger Letter. Before joining Kiplinger in January 2017 he served as a congressional reporter for eight years with the Washington Examiner and the Washington Times. He previously covered local news for the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune. A native of northern Illinois who spent much of his youth in St. Petersburg, Fla., he holds a bachelor's degree in English from Marquette University.
-
Fired Up By the Masters and RBC Heritage? See These Homes for Sale By Golf Courses
Five homes for sale near golf courses, for people who can't get enough of the tour.
By Alexandra Svokos
-
The Economic Impact of the US-China Trade War
The Letter The US-China trade war will impact US consumers and business. The decoupling process could be messy.
By David Payne
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This Year
The Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
By David Payne
-
Universal Savings Accounts Are Like Roth IRAs, But With a Twist
The Tax Letter Republican lawmakers and conservative think tanks are proposing a new type of tax-advantaged savings account. Think Roth IRAs, but not just for retirement.
By Joy Taylor
-
Will Lower Mortgage Rates Bring Relief to the Housing Market?
The Kiplinger Letter As mortgage rates slowly come down here's what to expect in the housing market over the next year or so.
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-
Car Prices Are Finally Coming Down
The Kiplinger Letter For the first time in years, it may be possible to snag a good deal on a new car.
By David Payne
-
New Graduates Navigate a Challenging Labor Market
The Kiplinger Letter Things are getting tough for new graduates. Job offers are drying up and the jobless rate is increasing. Are internships the answer?
By David Payne
-
QCDs Are a Tax-Smart Way for Retirees To Donate to Charity
The Tax Letter With QCDs, retirees can save on taxes by making donations from their IRAs directly to charity. Here's what you need to know about qualified charitable distributions.
By Joy Taylor
-
How to Beat Soaring Home and Auto Insurance Premiums
The Kiplinger Letter What’s behind the insurance price hikes, and what to do about them?
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-
How to Navigate an Extra-Busy Summer Travel Season
The Kiplinger Letter Tips for beating the exceptional crowds expected this year and keeping your vacation budget manageable.
By Sean Lengell