<p>Here is a common issue that I’ve had-(numbers made up, but this is the concept).</p>
<p>Let’s say I’m flying from Chicago to Frankfurt business class.<br>
The fare to go nonstop round trip on business class is $8,000.</p>
<p>But if I check the fare out of Newark, it might only be $5,000. They want me to fly from Newark to Chicago, get on the VERY SAME flight and go direct to Frankfurt, then return to Chicago and back to Newark. </p>
<p>It’s hard for me to justify this money with my clients. So what I’ve done is - book a one way to Newark (perhaps the night before and get some business done, then go Newark-Chicago, Chicago-Frankfurt. On the way back, I go Frankfurt-Chicago and instead of continuing on to Newark, I just go through customs and depart the airport. No issues. </p>
<p>I don’t get all the comments about luggage - well, duh, you can’t plan to ditch the last leg of your flight if you have a checked bag - unless it’s your first port of entry into the US like my example. </p>
<p>I absolutely wouldn’t call the airline “as a courtesy” and tell them I’m not taking that last leg. What’s the point? I fly very frequently and people don’t show up for flights all the time. That’s how people like me get upgrades to first class. The people at the gate handle it. You’re not “showing any courtesy” by telling some reservation agent somewhere about it.</p>