Is there a rule against this...

[Sailfast 503]

My question is, can you just get off a plane during a scheduled change and not get on the next flight. Also, can you use only the second half of a round trip ticket?

 

This is very confusing.

 

My friends are planning a trip to BKK April 8 - April 19 This flight changes planes in the UK.

 

I have a round trip ticket booked to the UK April 20 - May 2

 

 

Can I buy this round trip ticket to BKK (via UK) and not use the final leg back to the US. Then use the second half of my round trip ticket (US - UK) to get back home?

 

Would I have broken any airline rules or regulations? Or worse, are there laws against this now?

 

I have also tried to book one way tickets and/or change my flight to multi-leg but the cost is insane!

 

Thanks,

 

Sailfast

[gerald 0]

If you do not use the first half of a ticket you are put down as a no-show... which then means you cannot use the second half ...... i think

[ferocious 1]

i once used the return only after missing the outbound flight no problem ! don't know about getting off during a stop..... obviously you'd have no checked in baggage but can't see it being against the law to leave the airport as long as your passport/visa is in order

[Eneukman 1]

I don't see a problem with getting off the plane at a scheduled stop though obviously if you had baggage that went into the hold you would have to ensure that it was only checked as far as your stop. It would seem to be a good idea to tell the airline that you're not staying on for the whole flight but plan on getting off at London. This would avoid the flight being delayed through it waiting for your non reappearance.

 

Alan

[Sailfast 503]

Thanks for the replies. I don't plan on checking baggage. I plan letting the airline know I wouldn't be getting on the next flight.

 

Sailfast

[RIP Rakit 1]

Thanks for the replies. I don't plan on checking baggage. I plan letting the airline know I wouldn't be getting on the next flight.

 

Sailfast

The key point is that you want to use the UK-US leg later. If it is a cheap ticket, this will cost you a supplement. I suggest you try and use a US airline like Continental, as they allow changes for about $100.. at least within the US.

[Sailfast 503]

Rakit,

 

My original flight to the UK is with Continental.

 

I called them...3500 U.S. to turn my round trip ticket to the UK into a multi-leg ticket US - BKK - London - US.

 

This is ON TOP of the 500 I paid for my ticket to the U.K.

 

Oh, and to include passage London to Manchester...lol... it was CRAZY. They acted like I wanted to book a hot air balloon to the south pole. I know you can fly that route from 60 pounds or so.

 

The travel industry will be in constant trouble until they start selling tickets at the same price, all the time.

 

Ever go on a cruise or a flight thinking you got a great deal, then you talk to somebody else

 

Thanks for you reply,

 

Sailfast

[andyfez 0]

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.

[Firepole 181]

Andyfez is correct about the "contract" with airlines. If you "break" the contract by changing your itinerary on your own they will come after you for all kinds of fees and last-minute fares. This includes buying a round-trip(return) ticket and only using the first half. They will treat this as a one-way ticket where the fares are normally a hell of a lot more expensive the round-trip fares. They can, and will, bill your credit card that you originally purchased your ticket on for the differance in fare.