Originally Posted by
channa
If BMI takes pity on you, you can ask them to cancel that segment so it doesn't get shown as a no-show. They may very well do this because it's a visa issue.
If you just don't show up, you're more likely to have a problem than if you have them delete the flight.
It's kind of like someone travelling SFO-ORD-MKE, and misconnecting to ORD-MKE. If they just take the train, their return is in jeopardy. If the GA cancels ORD-MKE when you tell them you're going to take the train, then you're good.
I don't think that helps OP. His issue is that UA will nonetheless refare the itinerary and has already told him what it will cost. Apparently a lot.
The only other step worth checking is what a completely new ticket would cost to get him home. There are occasions when it's less than refaring an existing ticket.