Originally Posted by
richardinmotion
I don't understand how this is even a remote issue? What recourse could Delta possibly have for not using the return portion of a round trip ticket? What is the possible liability?
Understand that this is a
theoretical technical answer to your question, not what is even remotely likely to happen:
1. Nobody can force anybody to fly any segment they do not want to fly. But, OP has contracted for a routing. If he changes that routing, he is subject to whatever fees and fares he agreed to. For a discounted US domestic ticket that is typically $200 +/- fare difference.
2. DL's remedies include: a) zeroing out and closing your SM account (a big deal if you have accumulated miles and/or status); b) seeking to recover the difference from you (in other words, invoice you, report you to credit agencies if you do not pay and sue for damages). Some would argue that the terms of CC debits would allow DL to debit the CC used. DL could lastly refuse to sell you more tickets, especially until your debit balance is paid.
Of all of these, it is the first dealing with SM which is the only realistic one for people not engaged in wide-spread commercial fraud. for instance there are instances of TA's who do this on international tickets where the RT is cheaper than the OW and then advertise the OW at the RT price.
Just to be clear, this is not intended to be some fear-mongering thread about guys in ninja suits coming to your house to force you onto an airplane. It answers your reasonable question about what the discussion is about.