Missing return flight one time?
Apr 28, 2021 | 7:54 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 1
Missing return flight one time?
Hello, the roundtrip tickets between two midwestern towns is $100 cheaper than a one-way ticket, which is all I need. If I miss a return flight one time, and I don't plan on really doing that again, do I risk any consequences with Delta?
Any best practices to let them know of an excuse day-off or just don't show up for flight?
Any best practices to let them know of an excuse day-off or just don't show up for flight?
Apr 28, 2021 | 7:58 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold Royal Air Maroc OW Emerald Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 22,532
No consequences at all. Plans change. Just cancel the return after you've flown the outbound. Since DL offers free changes you might be able to use that return down the road.
Apr 28, 2021 | 8:30 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Skymiles Silver
Posts: 742
I've skipped final legs several times as needed. As long as there's no pattern for hidden city ticketing type of maneuvers you're good. But as SFO777 mentioned, maybe change the return to several months from now when you might need it?
Apr 28, 2021 | 9:31 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KARB
Programs: DL 2MM
Posts: 26,941
The cheaper fares are due to them having a roundtrip booking requirement (while the one-way fare does not). If you simply cancel the return, you won't have a credit since you no longer meet the conditions under which you bought the fares. If you schedule it far enough out, there could be a schedule change or IRROP's which would still provide value to the return. Or you could change return flight to a different date with no change fee as long as it meets original fare conditions.
Last edited by xliioper; Apr 28, 2021 at 9:43 am
Apr 28, 2021 | 9:50 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
The cheaper fares are due to them having a roundtrip booking requirement (while the one-way fare does not). If you simply cancel the return, you won't have a credit since you no longer meet the conditions under which you bought the fares. If you schedule it far enough out, there could be a schedule change or IRROP's which would still provide value to the return. Or you could change return flight to a different date with no change fee as long as it meets original fare conditions.
OP, mind if I ask what towns? I haven't seen a domestic OW ticket cost more than half a RT in ages. International sure, but domestically no.
Apr 28, 2021 | 10:13 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KARB
Programs: DL 2MM
Posts: 26,941
They are not too difficult to find for departures less than 7 days out. FSD-SBN <7day advance = $519 one-way, pair of roundtrip fares (same departure) from $403. DSM-SCE <7 day advance = $593 one-way, pair of roundtrip fares (same departure) from $448.
Apr 28, 2021 | 12:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Platinum, Delta SM, Atmos Silver, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 8,166
Its technically against the fare rules but realistically people have any number of perfectly legit reasons for missing a return flight. The usual advice, which I agree with, is that doing it once or twice is no big deal but making a regular habit is likely to get a frequent flyer account flagged for review.
Apr 28, 2021 | 12:43 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Skymiles Silver
Posts: 742
Its technically against the fare rules but realistically people have any number of perfectly legit reasons for missing a return flight. The usual advice, which I agree with, is that doing it once or twice is no big deal but making a regular habit is likely to get a frequent flyer account flagged for review.