What happens if you don't complete your flight itinerary?

Consequences of Skipping Flight Segments

In the intricate web of air travel, itineraries are carefully planned sequences of flights connecting passengers to their destinations. Skipping even a single leg of this itinerary can have significant repercussions, rendering the entire ticket unusable for subsequent flights.

When a passenger skips a flight segment, the airline interprets this as a voluntary cancellation. This triggers a policy known as “break in itinerary,” which voids the entire ticket, including any remaining flights. The passenger is no longer eligible to board any of the flights booked under that ticket, effectively stranding them.

This strict policy is enforced by airlines for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the efficient use of aircraft and flight crew resources. When a passenger skips a segment, the airline incurs unnecessary costs associated with the empty seat on the skipped flight. Secondly, it maintains the integrity of the airline’s flight schedule and prevents disruptions caused by passengers who may decide to alter their itinerary without proper authorization.

While circumstances may occasionally arise that prevent a passenger from completing their itinerary, airlines generally do not provide exceptions to the break in itinerary policy. If a passenger anticipates missing a flight segment due to unforeseen events, they should contact the airline as soon as possible to explore alternative arrangements or request a refund for the unused portion of the ticket.

In conclusion, skipping a flight segment has severe consequences, nullifying the validity of the entire itinerary. Passengers are strongly advised to adhere to the flight schedule they have booked to avoid these potential disruptions and maintain the smooth operation of air travel.