KLM only taking the return leg of a flight

simonsmithsays

Hi all

Anyone any experience of how KLM react if you don't take the outward bound flight to a destination (as you're already there) but use the return leg.

Note that the booking is for two people and one would be using the outward leg )and return) and the second only the return.

Will the return leg still be in place?

TIA

p00hsticks

I can't comment on KLM in particular, but thought the general rule was that if you don't use the outbound leg then the return part is automatically cancelled, to prevent people taking advantage of the fact that in some cases buying a return from  A to B and back is cheaper than a single from B to A.

oldernonethewiser

If you don't use the outward part of a return flight then the return is automatically cancelled.

simonsmithsays

Thanks for the replies so far - I've edited the OP to show that of the two person booking one WILL be taking both legs.

I.e. would that make a difference?

oldernonethewiser

The return flight for the person not using the outward leg would be cancelled, so no difference.

bagand96

You'll need to get in touch with KLM to advise them you wish to cancel the outbound and see if you can keep the return. Whether it's possible or not will depend on the ticket terms and they may reprice it as a one way rather than a return, which could cost more. 

Caz3121

Section 3.4 of the conditions of carriage is 'Flight Coupon Order of Use'

it includes
(b) Except in case of Force Majeure, any non-compliant use by the Passenger (for example, if the Passenger does not use the first Coupon or if the Coupons are not used in the order in which they were issued) will result in the payment of an extra fixed fee at the check-in moment for the following Coupon (from 30 hours before the departure) at the call center, at a City Ticket Office or at the airport amounting to: €125 for flights in Economy Class within Europe and between Europe and Israel, €300 for flights in Business Class within Europe and between Europe and Israel, €500 for intercontinental flights in Economy Class and €1,500 for intercontinental flights in Business Class (or the equivalent in the local currency).

Wonka_2

As @Caz3121 has shown the terms are clear. KLM are generally one of the better one for communication/response if you ask them - they're unlikely to be flexible vs their T&C's but will give you the options you have.

Good luck

adindas

oldernonethewiser said:

If you don't use the outward part of a return flight then the return is automatically cancelled.

p00hsticks said:

I can't comment on KLM in particular, but thought the general rule was that if you don't use the outbound leg then the return part is automatically cancelled, to prevent people taking advantage of the fact that in some cases buying a return from  A to B and back is cheaper than a single from B to A.

What about if you have paid for it and you do not bother to ask the money for outbound flight that you have paid back ?? You still have ticket/boarding pass for both legs that you could use though. Could you not use it ??

This circumstance is not uncommon, people might miss the flight and need to repurchase another ticket on the same day with another airlines to get to destination as planned. In this particular case, you still have an inbound bit of your return ticket, could you not use it ?? Also it does not make economic sense as the total cost of inbound + Outbound will always be higher than inbound alone in the same time frame.

silvercar

adindas said:

oldernonethewiser said:

If you don't use the outward part of a return flight then the return is automatically cancelled.

p00hsticks said:

I can't comment on KLM in particular, but thought the general rule was that if you don't use the outbound leg then the return part is automatically cancelled, to prevent people taking advantage of the fact that in some cases buying a return from  A to B and back is cheaper than a single from B to A.

What about if you have paid for it and you do not bother to ask the money for outbound flight that you have paid back ?? You still have ticket/boarding pass for both legs that you could use though. Could you not use it ??

This circumstance is not uncommon, people might miss the flight and need to repurchase another ticket on the same day with another airlines to get to destination as planned.  In this particular case, could you still have inbound ticket, could you not use it ??

No, generally the return flight would be automatically cancelled when the outbound isn't taken. The exception is some low cost carriers who don't actually offer return flights but put both legs as a separate booking. 

adindas

silvercar said:

adindas said:

oldernonethewiser said:

If you don't use the outward part of a return flight then the return is automatically cancelled.

p00hsticks said:

I can't comment on KLM in particular, but thought the general rule was that if you don't use the outbound leg then the return part is automatically cancelled, to prevent people taking advantage of the fact that in some cases buying a return from  A to B and back is cheaper than a single from B to A.

What about if you have paid for it and you do not bother to ask the money for outbound flight that you have paid back ?? You still have ticket/boarding pass for both legs that you could use though. Could you not use it ??

This circumstance is not uncommon, people might miss the flight and need to repurchase another ticket on the same day with another airlines to get to destination as planned.  In this particular case, could you still have inbound ticket, could you not use it ??

No, generally the return flight would be automatically cancelled when the outbound isn't taken. The exception is some low cost carriers who don't actually offer return flights but put both legs as a separate booking. 

Thanks.

In my view, it is not economically rational because the combined price of inbound + outbound flight will always be higher than Inbound flight alone within the same time frame.

The only exception I am aware of would be if they employ an unfair practice, taking advantage of people's  assuming that by not using the outbound flight, they can now profit by selling the seat to someone else. As mentioned earlier, there could be individuals in legitimate situations, such as missing their flight.