Brit_in_Japan

I only intend to use one half ?

I want to buy a single ticket to the UK from France. The major airlines (no low cost airlines fly this route unfortunately) are charging 500 Euros for a single fare

But via a UK based website I can buy a return fare from the UK for 100 quid. I don't intend to use the outward part of the ticket, just the return from France.

Sounds easy, but I have read about Eurostar getting sh!tty with customers who buy cheap weekend return fares because it's cheaper than a single, and then getting grief from Eurostar with them demanding extra money because they didn't fulfill the terms & conditions by using the other part of the ticket!

Will I be safe or do the airlines operate the same sharp practice ?

boxst

Hello

No you can't do that.

Airlines automatically remove the "return" part of a ticket if you do not use the outbound part.

Steve.

boxst

Hello

Having just re-read your post: Most airlines offer cheap fares the other way i.e. you should be able to pick up a cheap ticket with the same carrier from France to the UK and then you of course do not have to use the return portion.

Steve.

Brit_in_Japan

So any suggestions ? 500 Euros is ridiculous for a single airfare from France to the UK.

Eurostar will probably be 200 quid one way, and that still only leaves me in London

edit: Cheers, Steve. Any suggestions of a cheap flight bucket shop in France with an English language website ?

boxst

Hello

I just tried www.travelocity.co.uk and www.opodo.co.uk. They both allow you to book a return ticket FROM France.

I tried: Thu 24/Jun CDG -> LHR, 27th June LHR -> CDG : cost £93.

Steve.

Brit_in_Japan

Cheers Steve, looks like I have viable options now. Many thanks,
Gary

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

This sort of question comes up time and again when dealing with the "Channel Pirates", (ferry companies, eurotunnel etc), and the answer is no.

They basically book all cheapo tickets on cards now, credit, or debit, keep your details on file, and if you don't use one part or the other, they then charge you for the cost of a single, and bill the original card direct, no need for authority apparently.

Alcazar

mart360

you can some times using a back to back method....

but the airlines arnt daft... and if you get caught you may have to pay.... but......


buy a return, and only use one half!!!!!


M

RRH

easyjet?

foamy

Always used to get a single from Spain to the UK for a Friday night and then a return from the UK to Spain but never bothered checking in for the return flight. Never have I been charged for it.

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

Surely airlines etc can not legally charge you if you don't use the other half?

I would have thought that any transaction on a credit card that the holder didn't agree too would be illegal, and that you could claim the money back from the bank/CC company and thus incur a chargeback fee for the company that took your money illegaly.

juan

I bought a return in Switzerland intending to use just the switz -> UK portion which I did with no comebacks (that I'm aware of). Told the travel company what I needed and they were fine with that. Wasn't too cheap about 200 quid but it was with like 1 days notice so can't complain.

(this was with Lufthansa)

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Can't speak for the airlines, but the Channel Pirates have it in their small print: use both halves, or the price is a full single:

Alcazar

juan

Pay cash!