Can I skip parts of a flight to avoid layover time and still ride the connecting flight?

Question

I have a flight with NWA and have a 4 hour layover for a connecting flight that is only an hour and 45 minutes away. I have the layover both ways, to end the flight when I reach my destination and to begin the flight back home.

Can I have someone just pick me up and drive me to my destination and I can pick up the luggage there?

Can I skip the first part of my flight back home and just catch the connecting flight?

Answer 1

Why not cancel the 2nd part of the flight and get a refund for that portion?  Most airlines would be willing to do that for you. Even if you can't get a refund for the 2nd leg, you would be able to get your destination changed. Just talk to the ticket agent or gate agent. That kind of thing happens more than you think.  

Answer 2

Because of the security rules concerning airlines post 9/11, your luggage may not get forwarded to your final destination if you are not on the flight to accompany it.  Also, you risk getting put on a list for additional security screening if they think you are exhibiting unusual behavior.  To avoid this, you might try contacting your airline and explain what you would like to do and see if you can do it with notification, where they would place your luggage out at the location where you get off the airplane, but that way they wouldn't be wondering where you are.

Answer 3

If you no-show any part of your flights, the rest of the flights will be canceled as well. You need to work this out with NWA reservations before your trip.

Regards,

Dan