andyfez

Sorry to say this, but I can say it with authority cos I used to work for several airlines in the department that knows! There are several reasons why you can't use the second leg of a ticket without using the first leg. You have a contract with the airline, and if you don't use the outward leg you are not fulfilling that contract and they will (not may, WILL) refuse to carry you on the return portion. If anyone claims to have done it, they were probably on a domestic flight where cross-border rules are not applicable. Secondly, the same applies for getting off an aircraft before the end of the contracted journey. Occasionally it is possible if you are simply missing a domestic hop, say from London to Manchester. But 9/11 security comes in to play here cos there is no easy way of checking for 100% sure that you haven't left a bomb on board when you got off. The final decider on any of these subjects is airline revenue. Airlines don't like you undercutting their published prices, and if you do either of the things you suggest you are travelling at a lower fare than that applicable for the route. If you think you can simply get off the plane and wander out of the airport I can assure you that security is tighter than it may appear and 99% certain you will be arrested, and the airline has a legal right to take you to court.