getting off rt flight in the transfer city?

[robc]

Has anyone purchased a round trip ticket on a one-stop flight, taken only carry on items and exited the flight in the transfer city? Will the airline really cancel the return leg of your flight? Would they be more/less likely to honor your return flight if you show up for the flight at the originally designated city or in the transfer city again?

The reason I ask is I am planning a trip to Atlanta from Austin and these fares go for about $525 round trip. A flight from Austin to Birmingham, Al with a 1 stop in Atlanta (same exact flight) goes about $216. This adds up for a family of 4.

Also if you have a better way to approach this I would love to hear it. Thanks.

 

[JohnnyYuma]

In the past, airlines have been known to cancel the return part if you don't travel to final destination. I've been away from the business for a few years, so I can't give you the 100% answer. I probably wouldn't chance it. With the savings you see by going to BHM, you can rent a car and drive back and forth to ATL and still save a bundle. It's not a bad drive at all.

 

[Utkclack15]

Read too many horror stories about them canceling the return leg. I would look at your airline's TOS and then see what you think.

 

[runner]

I fly a lot. The airline will almost certainly cancel the remainder of your trip, and no, it won't make any difference which airport you show up in. This technique used to be pretty popular -- flyers would take it one step further and buy two one way tickets. In your case, one from AUS - BHM (with the intent of getting off in ATL), then a one way return from ATL - AUS. Airlines have even wised up to this ploy -- even if they are on different itineraries.

My recommendation is to fly to BHM, rent a car and drive to ATL.

 

[Bernard]

Your ticket will AUTOMATICALLY be canceled by the airline's computer. You will be SOL if you show up with a cancelled reservation for your flight home. You'll end up paying full fare for all four return tickets.

Better Approach: 14 Hour Road Trip. 966 mailes each way. At 15.5 MPG or higher, you're there and back for under $500.

Bernard

 

[scottsins]

i have had my return cancelled before. it sucks. we missed a flight to omaha and jsut drove there. the day before our return, we tried to check in, and when it wouldn't work we called.

they then informed us that they cancel the return trip "AS A COURTESY FOR THE CUSTOMER".

 

[robc]

Thanks for the feedback. Air Tran has a sale on for a round trip from San Antonio to Atlanta for $238 that I locked in. Austin-San Antonio is a much shorter trip than Birmingham-Atlanta. Maybe Air Tran will open an Austin-Atlanta route in the future so the prices will go down.