Two sets of rules: PQD vs fare allocation for partial cancellation
 

I think I might have a valid DOT complaint, but wanted to test here before filing. On a recent flight, SJC-IAH-FLL;FLL-IAH-SJC (round trip), I had to cancel the final IAH-SJC leg due to personal emergency.

The ticket cost $1027 (P fare). The Airfare portion of that is listed on my receipt at $913. I cancelled the last leg before the flight took off. I found I had a residual value of $126 on the ticket by calling in a week later, so useless since it is less than the $200 change fee.

BUT, when I look at PQD allocation of the Airfare, the allocated it $166+$275+$159 for the first 3 legs, total of $600. So last leg should have been $913 - $600 = $313. This would be worth $113 after $200 change fee.

Do I have a case for a DOT complaint do you think?

No

What DOT rule/reg was voided?

The process of determining residual value has always been different than fare construction. The two are different animals.

The process for rewarding travelers in FF program has always been outside of the DOT's preview.

BTW I think you mean PQDs not PQMs, correct?

So an airline is free to determine residual value in any way it chooses, after the fact, so that they can allocate minimal value to whatever segment was cancelled? Sounds odd. But somehow not surprising.

No, but the process used is a repricing approach and it is the industry standard practice. And it is not related to fare construction or PQD allocation.

Thanks. Is there any documentation of this industry standard practice that you are aware of? Would be interesting to understand it. I did decide to send a note to 1KVoice just to see what they say. I am guessing it will be exactly as you laid out here.

Oh, and I am always impressed by the level of knowledge people like you have in this forum. Just amazing. And incredibly helpful to the rest of us!! Thanks!!!

When you cancelled the last segment, the remaining 3 segments were refared.

As you can imagine, SJC-IAH-FLL-IAH is wildly expensive. I'm surprised there was any value left!

Airfare is quite complicated because the whole is not the sum of the parts.