We have a R/T ticket from Venice to Johannesberg that changes planes in London, but have decided we'd really rather end up in London when we return. We are checking no luggage. Can we "miss" our flight from London to Venice? Will anyone care, or is this against some strange rule or law? Thanks in advance, Pamela
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
As long as it is the return there should be no problem. The airline has no way of knowing why you did not make the connection. Could have been illness, too much drinking at the bar, etc. There is nothing they can do to you and they may even be able to fill your seat with a standby.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Technically Pamela, not using a portion of your ticket is part of what's called "back to back" ticketing, and is expressly forbidden in most airline contracts.
There's a great explanation of it on travel terminal: http://www.travelterminal.com/resfaq.shtml#backtoback
Basically, the airline reserves the right to charge you the full cost of what the flight you actually took were(which could be a lot). It doesn't happen often but it does happen, so it should be mentioned.
A better alternative would just be to see how much changing your ticket is end in London. You may even save a couple dollars. May not - but you never know...
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
2 posts
Chris, we bought that paricular ticket at a bucket shop, so I'm doubtful about trying to change it, though I admit I haven't tried yet.
Thank you all for your advice, it's appreciated.
We seem to be having a hell of a time deciding where to go for this last leg of our trip, so either end point will be fab. Cinque Terre and Florence or hiking in Scotland?! What's a girl to do... Or maybe Amsterdam, or Austria. Maybe we'll roll some dice and decide that way.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
If you need help reading the fare rules, let me know. Always happy.
Ryanair and a bunch of other discount airlines fly from London to Venice for very good prices (slightly inconvenient airports, but not a giant deal breaker). Check it out! =)