Planning on a trip from the US to Europe - but thinking of coming back via a transatlantic cruise. Would be staying in Europe about a month.

When I look at flights, it is so much less expensive just to book a r/t than a one-way. Ridiculously so.

What happens if you just don't show up for the return flight? Is there any enforceable penalty?

Generally nothing happens. People miss flights for all sorts of reasons, if you do it too often though you will be picked up.

A consolidator will sell you a OW ticket, very likely for less than a cheap RT. Also, discount airlines sell OW tickets, Norwegian comes to mind, also probably less than the others' RT. When I returned by ship I bought a OW using miles, another possibility.

If you're flying from the Bay area, look at Norwegian's nonstops to London or Oslo. It's a no-frills airline, but for August (don't know your dates) a one-way from Oakland (they don't fly to SFO) to Gatwick is around $300; they also offer a premium economy (business "light") product for under $700 one way, with lots of legroom, booze, etc. https://www.norwegian.com/us/travel-...premium-cabin/

We did that once. Our return was delayed by UAL for 5 days sec. to Super storm Sandy so I had to book a return on our own and I did a RT as I too found a OW very high.

I called the airline when I got home and told them and they said booking a RT with no intention of using the return was illegal! Yikes.

Anyway nothing happened. We did have trip insurance and our extra ticket back home was fully refunded. In addition UAL refunded our entire fare, even the leg to Rome from Chicago. I don't know why. I did not argue. .

Buying stuff and not using it would be illegal ?

They said if you knew all along you were not going to use the return then yes it was. I called them right after we got home just to open up those seats but again this is what the agent said.

Probably looked at the same way as buying a ticket A-B-C with the intention of getting off at B when A-B is more expensive. You are essentially cheating the company. Not sure whether it is actually illegal but the airline might close your FF account if you have one.

jacketwatch: >>I called the airline when I got home and told them and they said booking a RT with no intention of using the return was illegal! Yikes.<<

It isn't 'illegal' like against the law. But it IS against the rules . . . one should never EVER <B>EVER</B> contact the airline re this. Just don't show up for the return flight and leave it be.

Once or twice no biggie. But definitely don't make a practice of it (at least on the same airline)

scdreamer: If a cheap fare is your main objective -- Norwegian is like gold. Especially since OAK is so easy.

Just landing now with way in and will never use return trip.

I am a rebel. Yeah.

After they said what they said I won't say that again!

I suppose it depends on the class of ticket you bought if you can get any sort of refund or future credit.

pariswat: You scaliwag. .

>>I suppose it depends on the class of ticket you bought if you can get any sort of refund or future credit.<<

If you mean for the return flight . . . if you don't use it you lost it. No refund/credit.

Ok. Thank you.

janis - Thanks for the info on Norwegian. Fares look great - and I do love that it's nonstop to CDG out of OAK. At this point we're thinking we'll fly r/t (skip the transatlantic cruise for another year)in the premium cabin. It's definitely not true lie-flat, but looks comfortable enough for a long haul, especially at that pricepoint!

We don't have "miles" - I gave up on that a few years ago and switched to credit cards that give me refunds for any travel related expenses - so not tied to any particular airline anymore.

IF you are going to toss return ticket -- don't use your frequent flyer # on reservations. Skip the points is safer than having them have a means to get to you.

If you are intending not to use the return ticket, book it for as far in the future as you can. You may decide you want to go back then and you will have the ticket.

Replay

Thank you so much for this idea. My husband and I love or TS's but the one way air kills us. We will try this and try to match the next TA up with the air. Love this idea!, Sailinggal1953

Booking a round trip ticket while intending to use it one way has always been illegal. So is using a hidden city fare. If the airlines find out (usually only if you repeatedly do so) the airlines can come back and charge you the one way fare.

This is a three year old posting. The OP could be dead by now.