MyTravels

This is regarding wanting to book a multi-leg-itinerary and with the last leg/segment in January 2015. As Delta won't currently let you book beyond Dec XX, can you book the last leg in Y (fully refundable/changeable coach) and start flying the itinerary and in a month change the last leg (in Y class) with no additional fees? (or would you pay phone fee?)

For Example:

AAA-BBB on Feb 1, 2014
BBB-CCC on July 1, 2014
CCC-DDD on July 7, 2014
DDD-AAA on Dec 19, 2014 (to be moved to Jan XX, 2015).

When you move leg #4, if the Class Y changes in price I presume that you would owe the difference if more and Delta would they refund the difference if less?

Since you already started the trip and not all legs are in Y, would you be able to rebook the last leg in a lower fare class when moving the date to Jan 2015?

Any other words of wisdom?

TTT

Usually the most restrictive fare rules for a ticket apply to all segments of the ticket. So if you have one flight in Y and the rest in X generally the X fare rules will be used for your ticket with regards to change fee etc.

So as to avoid a re-fare before departure I would suggest waiting until you have flown you last segment in July and then make the change.

Also keep in mind that the ticket must be used within 1 year of booking. So if you book today you have until 24 Jan 2015 to complete all travel on that ticket.

If this is a domestic flight I wouldn't think this is a very cost effective strategy. I would look at booking the 3 legs for 2014 together and then a 1-way in 2015 when you need it.

MyTravels

Ah!! good to know

Yes, although I appreciate the reminder.

You guessed it, not domestic, there is a method to the madness.

TTT

If that is the case I would book what you need to now and then change once you have just one segment left.

Also - you won't likely see a huge increase in fare in the next couple of weeks. It may be worth waiting until the return portion becomes available to book then you won't need to worry about making the change in the future.

MSPeconomist

OP might need to book it now in order to be eligible to enter some foreign country or even apply for a visa. In many cases, proof of a ticket for onward travel is required, although one could presumably buy a refundable or very cheap ticket to satisfy the requirement.