Originally Posted by rattie
FWIW, I recently spoke to UA about this topic-
They were running a YVR-SYD promotion of around CA$980 through SFO, where I happen to live. Comprable flights SFO-SYD were about US$1500, all in.
So my plan was to take a one-way to YVR, fly the YVR-SFO-SYD-SFO legs of the itenerary, then jump ship in SFO on the way back. The CSR said that it would not be a problem as far as the mileage goes; I would be credited for any legs that I actually flew, and there would be no risk to my Mileage+ account...
I thought the "Hidden City / Point-beyond" rules apply more to the first leg; i.e. my ticket would be invalid if I didn't fly the first YVR-SFO segment.
Unfortunately, the SFO stop is considered a transit since it is continuing on international, so the 'point of entry' customs clearance wouldn't happen, and my bags would continue on to Canada. A subsequent CSR wasn't amused about my claim that if I didn't board the SFO-YVR flight, my bags shouldn't be on the plane under the homeland security 'no-person-no-bag-on-flight' plan... and therefore should be in SFO instead. Probably in some customs/security lockup point anyway.
Anyway, just my recent experience-
Cheers,
Rattie
Hello.. I beg to differ. You'd have to clear immigration and customs in SFO BEFORE you continue on to YVR. Your bags will not be sent to YVR before you clear them through US customs.
But best maybe to just book your SFO-YVR flight the next day within the 23 hour 'no-stopover' rule. That way you can check your bags only to SFO. Then the next day, you will basically be considered as a no-show for the later flight. But better yet, just cancel the last leg...