Virgin Atlantic question

[gilld]

I need to book a flight to Barbados in March and I would like it to be VA for the miles. I only need the flight one way as we shall be cruising home.

Looking on-line, the cost of a one way UC seat is £2,943, whereas the cost of a round trip seat with the outbound seat in UC and the return flight in Economy is is £1,233.

Is there anything to stop me booking the roundtrip and just no showing for the return? Unethical technically but £1,700 is a lot more to pay to be ethical.

What do you think....will they chase us up for the extra fare if we don't show up for the return flight?

 

[CustardTart]

That difference in price is just so crazy I'd have to give it a whirl! There must be times when folk don't show up for their return flight - illness or what have you. Actually, I've done it myself - flown to Paris on a v cheap BA return ticket but stayed longer and returned on Eurostar instead...

 

[Goofyish]

Strictly speaking if you are booking a round trip with no intention of ever using your return, you are violating the rules of the fare, and you are committing a fraudulent act. The airlines have a right to collect the difference. They have given you a discount fare on the understanding that you will return with them.
I guess it all depends on how strict VA are on this. To be honest I don't think they would do anything - it would probably be too much hassle

Doing it the other way round can leave you stranded because if the outward leg of a return ticket is not used then the return leg can be automatically cancelled!

 

[UKDEB]

Airlines rely on people not turning up for flights in order to oversell.

I'd suggest posting your question on the V-Flyer forums.

 

[Frances999]

My DH has done this a few times before with no problem whatsoever.

Sounds like you've got a wonderful trip planned, Gill!

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Done this a couple of times on business trips where they have been extended and I've missed the return flight.

We now use non-flexible fares where changes are not permitted to save money and take the hit on the odd occasional fare when we have to rearrange travel.
I don't bother informing the airline as the tickets are fixed and I've never heard a peep from anyone and never gave it a thought to be honest, you've paid for the flight.

 

[carolfoy]

as Tim says Gill the airline does have the right to chase you for it, but I have clients that do this all the time and have never been chased for it yet, I'd definately give it a go.

 

[islandmum]

Airlines rely on people not turning up for flights in order to oversell.

I'd suggest posting your question on the V-Flyer forums.

exactly - and they've probably oversold the flight anyway on the BGI route as they always do .... I totally wouldnt stress about it and enjoy the UC treatment - but beware you'll never want to go back to turning right when entering the plane!