Skipping final leg of Return Flight--Delta
Mar 20th, 2011, 02:52 PM
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Skipping final leg of Return Flight--Delta
Hello all,
I'll be traveling home from Rome, Italy to Charlotte, NC in May 2011. I have a connection in Atlanta and am actually wanting to just stay with family in Atlanta for a few days and driving home to Charlotte later. Would I be charged anything extra if I just skipped the last leg of my flight (from ATL to CLT)? Thanks!
I'll be traveling home from Rome, Italy to Charlotte, NC in May 2011. I have a connection in Atlanta and am actually wanting to just stay with family in Atlanta for a few days and driving home to Charlotte later. Would I be charged anything extra if I just skipped the last leg of my flight (from ATL to CLT)? Thanks!
Mar 20th, 2011, 03:03 PM
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Ditto to above. We did something much worse with no consequence. Bought a round trip tkt and never used the return portion.
The problem is the baggage, unless you would clear customs in Atlanta anyway, I would be a little worried if I was doing carry-on and--for whatever reason---they make you check it. Then there could be an issue. But if you know for sure you can do carry-on, *or* you clear customs in ATL, then (should be) no problem!
The problem is the baggage, unless you would clear customs in Atlanta anyway, I would be a little worried if I was doing carry-on and--for whatever reason---they make you check it. Then there could be an issue. But if you know for sure you can do carry-on, *or* you clear customs in ATL, then (should be) no problem!
Mar 20th, 2011, 03:24 PM
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I have no idea how it works in Charlotte, but in Miami when I had to claim my luggage and go thru customs and immigration, they then immediately took my luggage back and sent it on its way to Boston - so just make sure they will actually let you and your luggage leave the secure area.
Mar 20th, 2011, 06:01 PM
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Did you price your flight with Atlanta as the destination rather than Charlotte? If it's more, I belive that Delta would have the right to charge you the higher fare which they could just bill to your credit card since technically you violated your contract with them.
My brother was flying from Europe to the NYC area last year and considered a flight with a connection in Philadelphia continuing to NY. Since the flight Philadelphia to LGA seemed ridiculous to him (and the 8 seater plane seemed unappealing) he wanted to just get off in Philadelphia and make his way home. It turns out the flight through Philly was much cheaper because of a specific competitive route and it was made clear to him that he would be liable for the price difference. Would they really follow though? Who knows, but be prepared for the possibility
My brother was flying from Europe to the NYC area last year and considered a flight with a connection in Philadelphia continuing to NY. Since the flight Philadelphia to LGA seemed ridiculous to him (and the 8 seater plane seemed unappealing) he wanted to just get off in Philadelphia and make his way home. It turns out the flight through Philly was much cheaper because of a specific competitive route and it was made clear to him that he would be liable for the price difference. Would they really follow though? Who knows, but be prepared for the possibility
Mar 21st, 2011, 06:06 AM
#10
Yes, you will go through US immigration and customs at Atlanta. Following customs, just walk past the baggage re-check counter and out into the world. If you don't make a habit of it, there shouldn't be any adverse consequences. There might be an issue with your frequent flyer miles for the last two segments, however. Might not, too.
Mar 21st, 2011, 11:13 AM
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This is why I fly Southwest when it is possible. Generally- they charge you for the appropriate amount of miles you fly. I live in Oklahoma between two cities. Almost all flights connect in Dallas with AA or in Denver with United. It amazes me how I have to compare the two cities. Prices vary as much as 50%. The mileage is nearly identical. This is why AA and United looses money and customers. To bad they don't fly to Rome.
Mar 22nd, 2011, 10:28 AM
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Someone correct me if I am wrong, but don't you ALWAYS have to collect checked luggage and go through customs at your first entry point into the US? Onward flights are domestic, so the international arrival is the only opportunity for customs to screen passengers as they enter the US.
For connecting flights to other US destinations, you have to recheck your luggage - if you opt not to take that flight, you just leave the airport with your stuff.
For connecting flights to other US destinations, you have to recheck your luggage - if you opt not to take that flight, you just leave the airport with your stuff.
Mar 22nd, 2011, 12:47 PM
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If you drop the last leg, Delta will not only have the right to adjust your fare, they will charge you a change fee for eliminating the flight. All the advice is accurate to claim your bag, clear customs and then proceed to the exit rather than re-check.
november_moon is incorrect. You always claim your luggage at the U.S. port of entry and clear customs. The exceptions are when the U.S. has an agreement that the port of departure is classified as U.S., then you clear customs at the port of departure. For example: Ottawa, Canada
november_moon is incorrect. You always claim your luggage at the U.S. port of entry and clear customs. The exceptions are when the U.S. has an agreement that the port of departure is classified as U.S., then you clear customs at the port of departure. For example: Ottawa, Canada
Mar 22nd, 2011, 12:49 PM
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Your plan may not work, since the Atlanta airport is poorly designed and has insane arrival policies for international flights. I live here and my husband and I have taken quite a few international flights, with Atlanta as a final destination. The unique aspect of Atlanta is that ALL international arrivals, even those terminating in Atlanta, are required to re-check luggage after clearing customs and immigration. You cannot just walk out of the airport. Yes, you heard me right. In order to leave the airport, you must recheck all prior checked luggage and go through security again. You then pick up your luggage at the domestic baggage claim and then can leave the airport. I assume that the security people will notice that your luggage is checked through to Charlotte and will re-route your bag to the airplane, but this may not be the case.
I think you would be fine in any airport in the country except Atlanta.
I think you would be fine in any airport in the country except Atlanta.
Mar 22nd, 2011, 01:38 PM
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I forgot about flights from Canada and the customs immigration process being at the departure airport.
Katie - Wow, that is definitely a weird set up. You'd think that the airport would want to minimize the amount of baggage handling they have to do.
Katie - Wow, that is definitely a weird set up. You'd think that the airport would want to minimize the amount of baggage handling they have to do.
Mar 22nd, 2011, 03:57 PM
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KatieL - I really appreciate when someone takes the time to explain their opinion backed up by recent first hand experience. It's much more helpful then dismissive responses spoken with shallow authority.
