Throwaway Ticketing
 

First time poster, so apologies if this is in the wrong category.

Flying DL DCA-ATL-JNB in August returning 10 days later in September. I need to change the routing to return to PEK instead of DCA. Big difference I know, but needs to be done. I bought a non-refundable fare, but it still was a lotof loot for me. After calling DL, the net net is that I could convert to a 1-way and pay an additional $600 ($250 penalty plus the difference in the fare), or I could pay out the nose to re-route to get to PEK (it was over $10k for that option).

Question to the Forum: Can I just fly DCA-ATL-JNB and not show up for the return, and just buy one way from JNB to PEK? Is there extra scrutiny if I don't show up because it's an international flight? I'm a brown man, with a brown name and I def. don't want any extra attention, or get put on any damn list. I have read about Throwaway ticketing, and I don't want to incur fines or anything like that, like lose Medallion status or lose FF miles. On the other hand I am price sensitive so I am looking for a low, to no cost solution.

Any advice? Also, any recommendations on who to fly from JNB-PEK? SkyTeam options are not good....

I wouldn't pay to convert it to a 1 way, you should be fine doing what you propose and just not flying the return leg.

If you want stay off of Skyteam, look at a connection either in LHR or DXB. For less time, I would recommend connection in DXB with Emirates. You could also do SQ via SIN, CX via HKG, or BA via LHR.

If it is of any use to you it might be possible to make it into an open jaw. So you'd fly DCA-ATl-JNB but change the return to DXB-xxx-DCA. But that only makes sense if you would need to come back from PEK and could buy JNB-xxx-PEK then PEK-DXB. That way you'd still be able to use the value of the return. The limitation is the distance of the open-jaw compared to the distance of the legs you'd be flying. So returning from PEK to DCA would not work.

I did Etihad JNB-AUH-BKK 2 years ago and it was great, and cheap if I remember for the one way... great seats, full lie flat, great meals... I was impressed. I'd suggest that...

Looks like MAS has a good biz fare ~$2k for the trip...

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