I want to do something and want to know if it's legal. And if it's not, is it POSSIBLE? And if it is ILLEGAL and POSSIBLE, then will the airline do anything to me (i.e. charge me, etc.) if I decide to do it?

I buy a ticket on BA:

Toronto - London - Madrid - London - Toronto.

I use the first 2 ticket cupons: Toronto - London - Madrid. I skip the third cupon: Madrid - London. I use the forth cupon: London - Toronto.

1) Is this legal?
2) If not, can I still do it?
3) Will my reservation for the last flight be cancelled if I don't show up for the flight before?
4) Should I do it?

I believe that if you miss any segments of an itenerary, the rest of the itenerary gets cancelled.

As far as legalities - you will not be arrested by a governmental authorities, but the airlines have the right to cancel the rest of your trip.

You can check with the airline but I have been in a similar situation. An AC airline agent told me to phone to say I can't make that flight and reconfirm me on the other segment that I will be going on. It worked and saved me a Saturday night stay and about $1500 once (too convoluted to explain here).

The airline will cancel your itinerary if you don't show up for the first part of a series of flights unless you cancel the segment in question. You will have to ask your airline what their policy is as on some, it is just not allowed under their rules (i.e throwaway coupon). Non North American airlines may not have such stupid rules.

I sat next to a guy last week who said if you take those little issues into the world club, the agents therein will deal with them for you.

I do that quite often in business or first class and I've never had a problem. I just call the airline to let them know I'm skipping one of the legs.

It all depends on what type of ticket you are holding.

If you're on a Business Class ticket, then that is fine. And you might evenbe able to get a refund on that portion that you did not travel.

If you are on a cheapie economy class ticket, then there are a few things you must look at:

The route you are taking :
YYZ-LHR-/MAD-LHR-YYZ is called an "OpenJaw".
If you have no intention in using the 3rd segment of the ticket, ask your T/A or airline what the fare is for an "openjaw" routing. MAD's fare is usually common-rated with LHR if it is a 'special' ticket. That was you can relax without thinking what to do next. Does your ticket permit you to STOP in LONDON enroute to MADRID?

To give you a better answer to your question, you may email me direct with:
1. Dates of all your travel.
2. Class of travel (Y,M,G,X,B etc)
3. Fare basis
4. Stopovers in London

I'll try to help as I can.

Cheers
C340

A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE SAYS:

* Do it
* Tell the airline (choose the friendliest person of that airline when you arrive at the airport before that segement)BEFORE the unused segement: a MISFORTUNE happened, and that you will MISS/NOT USE the next segment, but that you will also NOT CLAIM ANY REFUND for this ... as you feel uncomfortable ...).
* my good friend says he succeeds 100%

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 04-24-99).]

Safer to beg forgivness, than to ask permission.

This would be a redemption BA economy ticket using Canadian Plus points. I've already spoken to CP with respect to open jaws; they replied negatively. Any more specific suggestions from the more experienced flyers?

On a redemption ticket, you are allowed either one stopover OR one open jaw enroute to your final destination, which in this case is Madrid.

It is actually to CP's advantage if you openjaw - because then they do not have to give BA any revenue for the flight which you will not be taking. I'd check with them again.

Otherwise, go with Rudi's suggestion.

I do what you intend to do all the time. I've never had a problem with it. I think you will be OK as long as you CANCEL the sector that you will not be taking in advance. Never fail to turn up for a flight. That's bad for the airline and if you fail to show, any onward connections could get automatically cancelled.

The problem with Open Jaw tickets is that they sometimes are more expensive than round trips. Otherwise I'd take them instead.

[This message has been edited by Austman (edited 04-26-99).]