No show on first leg of basic ticket - return forfeited?
#16
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: YXY
Posts: 3,504
For years, you could get very reasonably priced one-ways YHZ-LHR, but not LHR-YHZ. I have no idea why.
Last time I checked, AC had abandoned that practice. Oneways had become very expensive in both directions.
#17
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: sqrt(-united states of apologist)
Programs: *$ Green
Posts: 5,403
At the risk of getting even more off-topic, YYZ-SFO-YYZ is (or maybe "was", but the fares still look the same) significantly cheaper than either SFO-YYZ-SFO or two one-ways. Needless to say, I have:
SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO
I didn't investigate the exact cause of this. I know there are certain tax issues with "Canada within ~100 miles of the border" to US flights, as well as other implications. But the savings were significant enough that I booked non-sensible round-trips for three treks to Toronto.
So all I can say is do your research when booking. Sometimes a round-trip, even within North America, is cheaper. Sometimes it isn't.
SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO-YYZ
YYZ-SFO
I didn't investigate the exact cause of this. I know there are certain tax issues with "Canada within ~100 miles of the border" to US flights, as well as other implications. But the savings were significant enough that I booked non-sensible round-trips for three treks to Toronto.
So all I can say is do your research when booking. Sometimes a round-trip, even within North America, is cheaper. Sometimes it isn't.
This is the most likely reason if there's no PROS availability shenanigans, and difference is higher than taxes.
I think the Eastern Canada to FL fares can have this quite often. Many times with the lower fares ex FL.
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,186
So, a potential reason for this is that when you buy SFOYYZ R/T, you book it using fares sold in SFO (even for the return portion). So there might be a discounted fare published for SFOYYZ but not YYZSFO. Booking two one ways means you miss out on the discount for the return.
This is the most likely reason if there's no PROS availability shenanigans, and difference is higher than taxes.
I think the Eastern Canada to FL fares can have this quite often. Many times with the lower fares ex FL.
This is the most likely reason if there's no PROS availability shenanigans, and difference is higher than taxes.
I think the Eastern Canada to FL fares can have this quite often. Many times with the lower fares ex FL.
But again, the point is to check. If you're departing YYZ, it's easy. If you're departing SFO, two one-ways is cheaper than a round-trip. If you can plan multiple trips together, booking two one-ways and some reverse round-trips between them is much cheaper.
And I'm pretty sure this isn't the nefarious nested/back-to-back ticketing the airlines don't like, since no fare rules are being circumvented.
#19
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,574
not possible
Just call AC and cancel the first leg. For a basic fare you forfeit the fare. For Standard fares and above you get a credit. For domestic fares there are no return requirements. Ie. the return leg wont be repriced. There are no cancellation fees. AC only charges change fees when you actually use the credit. There will be no credit for a basic fare anyway.
I did did the last year for my son. 5 minute call to AC.
I did did the last year for my son. 5 minute call to AC.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson
Posts: 35,232