What happens if you decide to skip the connecting flight?

Question

I have to fly between New York City and Chicago next month. Sometimes I fly to a different airport close by because it is cheaper. When I searched for flights, I found one that has a connecting flight in Chicago and then on to the destination (where I don't want to go). Can I just leave the flight at that point and not board my next one? Will that mess me up when I try to go back - i.e. do they keep track of that sort of thing? Of course I wouldn't be checking luggage.

Answer 1

You can't do that, if you miss any of your flights, all further travel will be cancelled by the airline. In your case, if you miss the connecting flight, you won't have a ticket to return home.

Answer 2

Yes, they do track that.  If you don't take the 2nd flight on the way out....you may be surprised when you show up at the airport to go home...to find out you don't have a flight anymore.  They do this so that people can't take advantage of lower airfares.  I would definitely take that second flight if I were you!

Answer 3

Airlines know that this occurs. It says in their policies they have the right to cancel and revoke any future parts of an itinerary. However, if you do it once, they probably won't say anything. If you do it consistently, then yes, it will show up and you will get caught.

But once, I'd say you're fine.

Answer 4

You could probably do it, provided that you call the airline and cancel your second flight. It probably depends on the airline; I'm unsure as to any airline-specific policies on this.