First time poster, so apologies if this is in the wrong category.

Flying DL DCA-ATL-JNB in August returning 10 days later in September. I need to change the routing to return to PEK instead of DCA. Big difference I know, but needs to be done. I bought a non-refundable fare, but it still was a lotof loot for me. After calling DL, the net net is that I could convert to a 1-way and pay an additional $600 ($250 penalty plus the difference in the fare), or I could pay out the nose to re-route to get to PEK (it was over $10k for that option).

Question to the Forum: Can I just fly DCA-ATL-JNB and not show up for the return, and just buy one way from JNB to PEK? Is there extra scrutiny if I don't show up because it's an international flight? I'm a brown man, with a brown name and I def. don't want any extra attention, or get put on any damn list. I have read about Throwaway ticketing, and I don't want to incur fines or anything like that, like lose Medallion status or lose FF miles. On the other hand I am price sensitive so I am looking for a low, to no cost solution.

Any advice? Also, any recommendations on who to fly from JNB-PEK? SkyTeam options are not good....