- Trump's political action committee has embraced skiplagging, according to federal campaign finance reports.
- Save America PAC used the tactic as it spent more than $21 million on legal fees.
Former President Donald Trump's political action committee has embraced skiplagging, a controversial way to save money on flights, as it hemorrhaged tens of millions on Trump and his allies' legal bills.
According to Save America's campaign finance filings, the pro-Trump PAC indicated that it paid SkipLagged, a site focused on helping travelers find hidden-city or other money-saving ticket measures. The expenditure was first noticed by View from the Wing, a travel blog.
Insider previously reported how travelers are turning to the tactic where they book a longer flight with a layover before bailing on the final flight to the destination amid surging prices. In response, airlines are cracking down on the practice that is not illegal but does go against airline policy.
Save America raked in $15 million from the start of the year through the end of June, but spent an alarming $30 million. While some of that money was routed back to Trump's super PAC, more than $21 million was spent on legal fees.
Trump faces a growing list of legal issues, including federal charges over his mishandling of classified documents. The former president holds a commanding lead in national primary polling, but he could face difficulties in a potential rematch against President Joe Biden if he continues spending at such a clip.
A representative for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment about how the former president's orbit is using skiplagging. Trump took his recently rehabbed $100 million private jet to his April arraignment in New York.
If you're interested in trying it for yourself, Bobby Laurie, a travel expert who worked as a flight attendant for US Airways and Virgin America, told Insider the common mistakes travelers make when skiplagging.