>>> 3 people traveling
Mass scale refers to number of dates it happens, not the number of people in your party.
If you show up late for your flight and the airline refuses to fly you without your paying a change fee or refare difference and then you turn around
"dejectedly" and seek alternate transportation home, that is not throwaway ticketing. It is the dishonoring of your ticket.
Travel tips:
http://www.cockam.com/travel.htm