I'm hoping one of you wise people can help me out on this one :0)

Myrtle0204

Hi guys,

I wonder if someone knows the answer to this one.

So, the scenario - I want to fly from UK to Cape Town. Direct flight from LHR to CPT costs £790 with BA.

If I take a flight to Amsterdam and then do the same flight originating in Amsterdam it costs £590.

The Amsterdam flight actually flies into LHR and then onto Cape Town, are you with me so far ??

If I "missed" the pick up in Amsterdam would I be able to pick up the flight in Heathrow ?

A long shot I know - I may just do the extra travelling but it seems ridiculous that its £200 more for a flight less :0(

Any questions ??:D

PS. I would only have hand luggage.

dmg24

No, BA would not allow you to start your journey at LHR if you are booked from AMS. The prices are lower due to supply and demand.

Myrtle0204

Cheers, I thought that would probably be the case :0)

Myrtle0204

This is probably abit of a daft question so apologies in advance but is there anything to stop me flying into Amsterdam and then going on from there ??

dmg24

Jigsawkate wrote: »

This is probably abit of a daft question so apologies in advance but is there anything to stop me flying into Amsterdam and then going on from there ??

That would be fine, and many people do that, especially when paying for business class. Have you looked at flying with KLM, so you could start in the UK and change in Amsterdam?

Myrtle0204

Yes, thats what I've done before but that is approx £100 more for not less travel time.

Do you know if anything would happen if on the way back I jumped off at Heathrow during the stopover and didn't carry on to Amsterdam ?

I would only have hand luggage and would inform someone (not sure who thought LOL)

dmg24

Jigsawkate wrote: »

Yes, thats what I've done before but that is approx £100 more for not less travel time.

Do you know if anything would happen if on the way back I jumped off at Heathrow during the stopover and didn't carry on to Amsterdam ?

I would only have hand luggage and would inform someone (not sure who thought LOL)

In this situation I have seen two outcomes - one, the passenger has left the airport with no problems, the other, the passenger has been found out and charged the correct fare as if he was flying to LHR. However, I would note that the second example is second hand, it is not someone I know personally, so I don't know the exact circumstances.

How much is it going to cost you to get to AMS? Make sure you leave plenty of time between your flights - even if you are on the same airline, if you are on different tickets the airline has no obligation to put you on a later flight if you missed the one you are booked on.

Myrtle0204

Hi,

Cheers for being so helpful :0) The latest option is one way to Ams - East Jey £29, then return Ams to CPT but back into LHR (legitimately) and I make my own way home - not too hard £563 with BA. The is a good 2.5 hours between landing in AMS and the onward flight so that should be OK. Total £592

Doing it any other way is around £100 more but I am beginning to think it is probably worth it from a hassle factor :0)

The depressing thing is I did the same flight 3 times over the last two years and the flights are now about £200 more from where ever I fly than I have paid in the past :0(

I am planning on travelling mid week in March (the end of) am really flexible with dates and departure airports, I use Kayak mainly but wonder if you have any top tips for finding better prices - are there any UK airports that are generally cheaper ?? my nearest is LBA but as I say can travel :0)

marble

Missing the last leg of your journey is, technically, against the airline rules. However, people do it all the time and I've yet to hear of anyone who the airline has taken to court over it (they can't just charge your credit card, especially if you've booked through a 3rd party like Expedia etc). If you're a member of the airline's frequent flyer program then doing this regularly might cause you problems ... but again it is virtually unheard of.

As dmg24 said, don't try and skip the first leg of your trip.

Takecareofthepennies

Personally, for a trip in March I'd wait until Jan / Feb time (depending on your exact travel dates) to book. Keep an eye out for airline sales & promos in the meantime, but CPT should be doable for under £500.

Myrtle0204

Hi Take care,

Cheers for the input, I've done the flight a good few times and have been tracking for months (was going to go in Sept), prices dont seem to be shifting at all - maybe the world cup made it an attractive place to visit :0)

One of my first flights there 2 years ago cost £485!!! The same flight is now £747 - how depressing They just aren't available sub £500 now unless you are prepared to go Ethiopian airways and having read the reviews I dont think I'll go there LOL.

Most of the airlines who fly have already gone through their sales without any amazing reductions.

I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and book, one advantage of being able to travel felxibly is I can try and grab the chaepies :0)