Similar threads that are tangentially related, feel free to merge though...
Why are all AC one-way UK -> Canada flights full-refundability only?
Cheap Latitude fares ex-Europe (2021 onwards)
I have a reward booking NA - EU. Looking to book a one way fare back (cash) and realize they're all expensive. I understand why this is the case (flexibility, blah blah, etc.).
Booking a round trip ticket (similar to ex-Europe Latitude fares, but not necessarily targeting the upgrade) still works out to be cheaper than whatever 1 way price AC has come up with. For example, it's $2000 Y Flex EU-NA, vs. $1450 PY Lowest/Y Standard or $1680 PY lowest/Y Flex round trip EU-NA-EU.
I'm happy to either cancel the return and get the difference back (I'm expecting $0 difference after the fare is repriced), or to just change the return flight (NA - EU) and see if I can salvage another EU flight in the future (mileage run, whatever), or... just forfeit the return entirely since it's still cheaper than booking just a one-way.
I think I have the answers but want to confirm (not trying to make a habit of doing this...):
1. From a FF/naughty list perspective, no penalty if I just.. no show for the return (NA - EU) flight?
2. I can expect essentially $0 fare difference for a refund? Will I get the taxes back at least? And if I get taxes, will that be in FTC or to original payment method?
3. If I do move this flight in the future, I assume it's $225 change fee + fare difference for Y Standard/Flex? What restrictions do I have on origin and destination? (for this, assume ticket was originally YYZ and CDG).