Help: how to preserve the return leg

[keeven]

I booked return flights for my family of 4 by using 2 companion vouchers, so that’s 4 people in one booking. For some reason my wife may not be able to travel along. I do want her to join us for the second half of the holiday. I can book her an outbound flight on alternative date, and hope she can use the original return ticket. I know the rule is if you don’t take the outbound flight, the return flight booking will be void. Is there anyway to preserve the return flight for my wife if she does not travel on the original outbound flight? If I make online check in for her or she comes to the airport to check in with us, but she does not board the plane, will it validate her return flight?

[ChrisC]

You need to speak to BA about this to do it properly.

Unless she boards the plane and flies her return leg will be cancelled.

Checking in isn’t enough. Her departure needs to be recorded at the gate.

And just presenting her BP at the gate won’t work either.

[keeven]

Well I called BA today, I was told that they have to cancel one voucher booking then rebook for one of my son, and book one way return for my wife. So I have to pay extra one way Avios points, and get refund of £17.50 taxes. Because the companion voucher has expired, I will lose the voucher. Seems this is the only way, I had to accept it.