lgabriel73

You can get refund for some of the taxes on the return portion of the ticket but you need to notify the airline that you will not be using it.

Gozit

Well I think the best way is to not let them know - for fear that they charge your credit card for a one way!

Pollyana

They can't do that, it would be an unauthorised charge.
Many people buy return tickes intending to use both portions than have to cancel for some reason.
Telling the airline in advance does throw open the seat to be sold to someone else.

Gozit

Ahh I see... No chance of some "Terms and conditions" you checkmarked whilst booking online hindering your ability to claim it as an unauthorised charge? Or is that all overridden by the bank? I'm only so curious about this because I plan to do that myself if I can't find a good deal on a one way.

Pollyana

They can't bill you for a charge you haven't agreed to.
What they CAN put in the T&C is clauses like - 'no refunds after the first leg of the trip has been flown' or 'no changes to return flights after outward leg has been started'.And the cheaper the original price, the more restrictive the conditions will be.
They can't penalise you for only flying one leg though as there are too many legit reasons for doing it.

lgabriel73

Pollyana is correct they cannot charge you if you do cancel your return portion. When you purchase the tickets you are authorizing payment for that amount and that amount only. They would need approval to make any further charges from your credit card.
Only using one portion can actually benefit the airline as it means once they know you don't intend to use the return leg they can sell it again.

Brigette

From everything I have searched all the one way flights are cheaper than a retun. Not sure if it's my location but was shocked to read that a return ticket is cheapee

Gozit

Sigh of relief for me, but if letting them know benefits the airline, all the more reason not to let them know, unless you like said airline and they've been good to you etc. but for how much they rip us off on flight tickets?

lgabriel73

But it foes benefit you because you get the money back you paid for the taxes. You have everything to gain by letting them. Stupid if you don't take advantage of at least getting a few quid back from them.

Gozit

Is that a guarantee? If so, then win-win. I'd happily let them know then. I thought though that what Pollyanna said

would mean that they could not issue a refund, with it then being only to their benefit if you make them aware you are not using the return leg.

Pollyana

Most will refund taxes even if they can't refund the fare. Or they may offer to hold an amount in credit for future use. Every ticket is different, thats why you should always read the T&C on each fare you book - so many different classes, and rules differ between airlines as well.

The other reason (in my book) for telling the airline you are cancelling is this - what is you need to travel suddenly, say for a sick relative - and you can't get on a flight at the last minute because the airline thinks the seats are all sold.......but at least one of those seats is sold to someone who has already decided not to use it but hasn't bothered to cancel? After a few years on here listening to people trying desperately to get a flight home - and even doing it myself once.......

lgabriel73

Very good point Pollyana.

Pollyana

More an emotional pont than a practical one, but after reading too many threads of that kind over the years, if I could ever free up a seat in case someone needed it, I would.

Gozit

True... That is a good point.

windsong

How much did you get back?