Buying roundtrip ticket and not using a return flight
 

I need a one way ticket for my trip in August, and when I checked the price, it came out that if I buy a round trip, it would cost me (ready?..?) 2.5 times less!!!

The price is great and I'm thinking of just buy a rountrip and then call the airline (a week before the flight) to let them know that I'm not be using this ticket.

It does not feel right ... come on... 2.5 times more?

Has anybody done this before?

Do it all the time plane train and bus...

Great money saving technique...

R/T specials usually lots less than one way

Always personal choice to use the return portion.

It is right ... at least right in the world of airlines.

Do not call them to cancel the return ... that opens you up to all sorts of problems. Just ignore ('throw away') the return ticket and don't show up for the flight.

If I do not call, wouldn't they charge me with some penalty? Send me a bill?

No they won't charge a penalty? You just don't show up for the return flight.

But, if you notify them ahead of time - then they will CANCEL your entire ticket and you'll have to pay much more.

Understood!
Just no show on return flight. No calls, no notifications.

I still feel that I could give them a call after the first portion of the flight, a day before return flight and let them know so they can sell the seat for someone else. And make money of of it!
I just do not understand why there is such difference?!

Airlines already overbook. You don't need to worry about them reselling your seat. They know not everybody will show up for all flights anyways.

"<i>I still feel that I could give them a call after the first portion of the flight, a day before return flight and let them know</i>"

<B>Noooo!!</B> Read what rkkwan posted. It is most likely the flight is already over sold (and if you <i>did</i> show up you might get bumped off). Don't worry about contacting the airline.

Even if it is Business/First Class? They still overbook?
Strange!

But I hear you!
I'll follow Fodors advise!
Thanks!

No, they don't usually overbook business or first class. But many of those fares are refundable anyways.

For domestic flights, if some passengers no-show, then they may just upgrade their elite members sitting in the back.

<i>so they can sell the seat for someone else. And make money of of it!</i>

In a way, they already made money off of it: from you.