What happens if you cancel one leg of a round trip flight?

Consequences of Cancelling One Leg of a Round Trip Flight

When booking a round trip flight, passengers assume that they can cancel one leg without impacting the other. However, this is not always the case.

Invalidation of Ticket

Typically, cancelling a return flight segmentinvalidates the entire ticket, rendering the remaining leg unusable. This is because most airlines issue round trip tickets as a single entity, not as two separate one-way tickets. By cancelling one leg, the ticket becomes incomplete and the carrier considers the entire journey abandoned.

Refund Limitations

Refund possibilities for skipped return journeys are generallylimited or nonexistent. Airlines often view the return leg as an essential part of the round trip contract. Therefore, cancelling it without a valid reason, such as illness or a family emergency, usually disqualifies the passenger from receiving a refund.

Exceptions

There are a fewexceptions to this rule:

• Special Fare Categories: Some airlines offer fare categories that allow changes to the return leg, albeit with potential fees. However, these fares are typically more expensive than standard round trip tickets.
• Flexible Tickets: Passengers who purchase flexible tickets may have the option to cancel or modify both legs of the round trip. Again, fees can apply.

Recommendations

To avoid surprises and financial penalties, passengers should consider the following recommendations:

• Purchase a flexible ticket if you anticipate the possibility of needing to cancel or change your flight.
• Contact the airline as soon as possible if you need to cancel a flight leg. They may be able to accommodate your request without invalidating the entire ticket.
• Be aware of the refund policies associated with your ticket fare category.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover potential losses in the event of cancelled or delayed flights.

Remember, the consequences of cancelling one leg of a round trip flight can vary depending on the airline and fare category. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your ticket to avoid unexpected fees or loss of funds.