Just a thought =O

[Felya and Olya 3]

I just submitted today but I am already looking ahead. I don't want to jinx anything and I am not being impatient, I just figured it doesn't hurt to look. So I found airplane tickets for dirt cheap in October. Literally under $400 one way from Moscow to LA. Very cheap. Now here is the interesting part: If I know for sure that this ticket can be exchanged or adjusted, should I buy this ticket and save my self, probably a $Grand ???

Thanks for your input as always!

[Markieboy 104]

I just submitted today but I am already looking ahead. I don't want to jinx anything and I am not being impatient, I just figured it doesn't hurt to look. So I found airplane tickets for dirt cheap in October. Literally under $400 one way from Moscow to LA. Very cheap. Now here is the interesting part: If I know for sure that this ticket can be exchanged or adjusted, should I buy this ticket and save my self, probably a $Grand ???

Thanks for your input as always!

It sure is tempting to book tickets...especially if you can save $1000! However, many advise against purchasing airline tickets until visa is in hand. IMHO, I would just pay the extra $1000. At least you'd have piece of mind that her visa was issued before purchasing.

Just my $0.02.

[JeannieL 44]

Funny I just posted a question similar to yours. If you do book it, make sure that you can change the ticket if you can't use it the day it is booked. I think most airlines charge somewhere around $150. to change reschedule. Check with the airline for their policy. $150. charge for changing it compared to $1000 for a ticket after the fact.

[James And Oksana 19]

I just submitted today but I am already looking ahead. I don't want to jinx anything and I am not being impatient, I just figured it doesn't hurt to look. So I found airplane tickets for dirt cheap in October. Literally under $400 one way from Moscow to LA. Very cheap. Now here is the interesting part: If I know for sure that this ticket can be exchanged or adjusted, should I buy this ticket and save my self, probably a $Grand ???

Thanks for your input as always!

With the unpredictability, you just do not know. California Service Center has been approving February petitions, yet still has Octobers - January they need to do. My advise, do not worry about travel arrangements. Worry about being ready with all your paperwork for the embassy interview, and preparing for the interview itself. Ticket cost will not matter if by some stretch you get approved very quickly, and are unprepared with paperwork and interview questions and get turned down. Then again, just my opinion...take it for what it is worth.

[Kiwifruit 0]

You need to look at the conditions of the ticket. Tickets are valid for one year from date of booking for departure and may, subject to the fare conditions, incur a change fee plus difference in fare or taxes.

If you need to change two or three times it may very well be cheaper just to wait.

[Rob_Lesya 4]

As someone who has traveled to Russia pretty regularly for almost 30 years, I would advise you not to worry about tickets at this point. There is almost always someone having a good sale on fares to/from Moscow. October to March is considered the "winter season" for fares to/from Russia and you can almost always find good deals during that time frame.

I understand the excitement you're feeling now, but it's WAY too early to be thinking about tickets (unless you are looking for tickets for YOU to go visit HER).

Your guess that you'll have an interview in October is nothing more than that at this point --- a GUESS. At least wait until the interview has been scheduled before buying her ticket(s).