Skipping a leg of your flight, especially if it's within a multi-leg itinerary, can lead to the airline cancelling the rest of your journey. Travelers often overlook this aspect.
Consequences of Skipping a Flight Leg
Here’s a breakdown of what can happen:
- Cancellation of Subsequent Flights: Airlines have the right to cancel any remaining flights in your itinerary if you miss a leg. According to information available, if legs are missed, airlines can cancel the whole journey, including any future returns.
- Loss of Value: You likely won't receive a refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
- Disruption of Travel Plans: This can significantly disrupt your travel plans, especially if you were relying on the return flight.
Why Airlines Do This
Airlines operate on a "use it or lose it" basis with their tickets. The pricing structure often involves complex algorithms, and skipping a leg can throw off their calculations.
Example Scenario
Imagine you booked a flight from New York to London with a connection in Chicago, and a return flight London to New York. If you decide to skip the New York to Chicago leg, the airline could cancel your Chicago to London flight and your return flight from London to New York.
What to Do Instead
- Contact the Airline: If you anticipate needing to skip a leg, contact the airline as soon as possible. They might be able to adjust your itinerary, although this could involve a fee.
- Book Separate One-Way Tickets: Consider booking separate one-way tickets if you're unsure about completing the entire itinerary as planned.
- Understand the Risks: Be fully aware of the potential consequences before deciding to skip a flight leg.
Summary
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Flight Cancellation | Remaining flights in your itinerary, including return flights, might be cancelled. |
| No Refund | You likely won’t receive a refund for the unused portion of your ticket. |
| Travel Disruption | Your travel plans can be significantly affected. |
