In the example given in the story, the kid was flying from JAX to NYC with a connection in CLT (one of the larger AA hubs). In that case, AA probably priced the flight to NYC lower in order to compete with some rate that United or Delta was offering. A "normal" flight to CLT might be a lot more expensive - but it's artificially marked up with a hefty profit. Now American Airlines is whining because they can't squeeze profit out of every passenger because people are doing this. They claim it's against their terms of service... but screw that noise.
I think it should be illegal for them to bar skiplagging. I hope lawsuit blows up in their face and the FTC and Consumer Protection step in to bar airlines from fighting it.
Especially 1-way fares when they cost way more than half a round-trip. That triggers people into skiplagging, especially when it opens up a route to a competitor that doesn't overcharge for 1-way fares.
I think it should be illegal for them to bar skiplagging. I hope lawsuit blows up in their face and the FTC and Consumer Protection step in to bar airlines from fighting it.