My wife and I are redeeming miles to fly to Europe however Delta does not serve Salzburg so we have a flight only to Frankfurt. I want to purchase a round trip ticket from Frankfurt to Salzburg, whch is significantly cheaper than a one way fare, but only use the first leg as I will have return travel with Delta from Prague. Is there currently any penalty that can be assessed for not using the second leg of a round trip ticket?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23622 posts
Should not be a problem, IF the two tickets are not linked in anyway. Just leave sufficient time to clear immigration should the first flight be late. You just missed your flight. The train ride is not that long. Have you checked discount Bahn tickets? We just flew into Strasbourg and home from Prague on Delta. Surprised that Delta cannot get you to Salzburg. The Strasbourg leg on Delta from Amsterdam was actually Air France.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I assume you're aware that Munich is considerably closer to Salzburg than is Frankfurt, and Delta does fly to Munich. I know that since you're using miles you may not have had much choice. There is no official penalty for not using the second leg of a round-trip ticket, but the best way to handle it is to call the airline after you've arrived in Salzburg and cancel the return leg . That will give the airline the opportunity to re-sell your seat, which will make them happy.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8037 posts
I would delve into the fine print of the carraige contract or ask a representitive. It is possible that they have the right to bill you later for the cost difference between the one way ticket and the Round trip.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23622 posts
That fine print has always been there with US carriers but I don't know of anyone who has been charged. Have no idea if European airlines have the same print. I would not worry too much about the fine print. It is not like skipping the first leg and trying to use the return leg.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Why not take the train? If you book well in advance (up to 92 days) on the German Rail, site, you can get a Sparpreis fare as low as €29. You can make the trip in five hours by taking an ICE train to Munich and a Railjet train from there to Salzburg. Or you can take a direct EuroCity train in just under six hours. If you book your tickets accordingly, you could build in a stopover in Munich for up to 24 hours at no additional charge.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
What Frank says. I've dropped a leg before with no consequences but it was on a seperate airline and not connected to my main flight to/from Europe. If the tickets are connected, missing one leg cancels the following legs so you have to be careful about that. If you can get a round trip to Munich. A cheap Bayern ticket into Salzburg for regional trains would be my choice. It's not as fast as other trains but I like not having to reserve or plan way ahead to find a discounted intercity fare.