I have roundtrip tickets from Miami to Denver with a change in Houston. I am not going to Denver, but would like to use these tickets to travel to Houston and back. Is there a way to use the same tickets and just not board the connection to Denver and not pay the $75 ticket change penalty? Will the return tickets automatically cancel? Does anyone know if this can be done?

That is known as the hidden city trick. Yes, your remaining flights will be canceled if you no-show for one, plus you may lose your OnePass miles for the trip, and if the Miami-Houston fare was more expensive, you or your travel agent may get a bill for the difference.

If you have a 'good reason' as to why you're not continuing the trip to DEN, you may be able to get the penalty waived.

Likewise, sometimes, I've not been charged the penalty for changing itineraries (which is quite often - I think only fools pay full-fare economy tix (or, in the case of corporations which do, have fools for shareholders)). Whatever the reason for not being charged, I simply don't know - it may be the ticketing agent forgets, can't be bothered to write up an MCO, or, as a courtesy for frequent flyer status (you FF elite snobs, eat your heart out).

IMO: Owning up to the airline and incurring the risk of paying out $75 up front is a lot more acceptable than what was mentioned earlier about having the return portion cancelled and/or having to pay the difference in fare (which will be exorbitant, especially since you are flying on a discounted fare to begin with).

Again, have a 'good reason' ready.

[This message has been edited by FQTV (edited 06-02-2000).]