One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

Hi all,

Hope this doesn't sound like an odd question, but it's really puzzling me...

Basically, it's in relation to this - I'm waiting on approval for a K Visa... and I'm trying to think ahead IF I get approved (please I hope so, can't stand the waiting!).

Is it possible to book a return flight to the US from the UK (which is far cheaper than getting a one-way flight) - and then just not turn up for the return flight?

So, when I do head to the States on the K visa, are the immigration people going to ask 'why have you booked a return flight' and cause problems.

Cheers all.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

We're planning on booking a round trip and not using the return half. You can do that, but if you book a flight and don't use the FIRST half, or the first part of any flight with connections, then the rest will be cancelled.

You're allowed to go back to your home country briefly to sort out any loose ends (ie sale of a house) so I don't think they'd question it.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

yes

no

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

Yes

No

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

no

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

My advice is to book the return as far as humanly possible in the future, say 6-9-12 months or so. Take the first trip over, and then you have this return ticket that is valid in say 6 months or whatever.

Should some emergency present itself in the next XX months, you can then just pay the change fee and go home.

No sense in booking a return a week later that you know you will not make. Why not book it 9 months later and maybe...well, it's there if you need it.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

That's a good idea...I might do that myself.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

You'll also want to play around with the return date to make sure it's cheap i.e. don't book the return for the middle of July, when trips to Europe are more popular.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

The return date should make very little or no difference to the price on consolidator tickets, it is the date of the outbound leg that governs it.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

If they did, you'd reply "'cos it was cheaper"

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

That works for an Immigrant Visa, or perhaps a K-3 but not someone entering on a K-1 visa. Someone on a K-1 cannot just turn right around and leave the USA again. They have to wait for an Advance Parole travel document first.

Rene

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

that's funny I was thinking of posting about the same thing. I'm due to go in 6 weeks and it costs twice as much for a one way ticket as it does for a return. So I can book a return ticket and cancel it at a later date?

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

Yes, or use the return later.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

Another 'feature' of booking the return far in advance is that the chances of the airline changing or cancelling the flight increase over time. If the airline cancels out you'll get a full refund of the return fare, even if the original ticket was a no-refund variety if you are the one that cancels it.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

I'm so glad others were thinking the same question too... thought I was the only one :lol:

Thats great advice all - I can book a return ticket, and just book the return for 7-8 months after I arrive... so simple when someone else says it!

Fingers crossed... let me know how it goes Meryl!

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

People! Folks do this all the time. There is nothing necessarily shady about it; you're going to fly the other direction *some* time, right?
I usually read of people setting the ticket for a year out, but bear in mind that the price of the ticket will change depending on how far 'out' your return is. Some of the best discounts are only for 90 day stays.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

I'm willing to take the chance- even if I end up losing money I'll still have saved if you know what I mean:)

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

I looked into my flights last night and for me and kids its cheaper to just go the one way, but in the past it has been cheaper to do round trip. :blink:

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

You took the words right out of my mouth. I don't get why so many other posters seem to get all bent out of shape at times on the little simple things.

Re: One way flight to the USA or a Return...?
 

uh, in our defence... what may seem simple or obvious to you may not be so to others... we're all on the forums just looking for advice to help us, and we're certainly not 'bending out of shape in any way' over it... it's all good. :)

I guess if people want to help, they can help - and they earn our thanks and appreciation for doing so. If people don't want to help or feel irritated by what they see as little simple things, then fine, no drama, please carry on with your day. It isn't worth getting hung up over :thumbup: