Return flight cancellation

[Barbarac83 0]

Hi! I leave for the States with a Fiancè visa in 2 days and I got a return flight because the one-way flight was just impossibile for me to get (it was more than double price! WTH?). People on this forum gave me the advice to cancel the return flight in order to not be accused of leaving the country. I just called the airline asking about cancel the return flight, but they say they can't cancel it? They can change the date but not cancel. The guy told me I could just not show up, but I wouldn't want to have troubles once in the States because I have a return flight. I don'tknow what to do! Do I have to cancel the return flight AFTER I used the first leg of the trip (so I call back once I'm in the States)? Feeling so confused now...

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, you can only cancel the return trip after you have used to first part of the ticket. Cancel it once you are in the US.

[Barbarac83 0]

Yeah I figured! Thank you.

Will they say anything about it at the check-in at the ariport or at customs? What should I say?

[Hagrid 22]

if they ask you just say it was cheaper to buy a round trip ticket. Anyways, you won't get in trouble with the USA as the airline is something separate. Even if you just don't show up, the airline will manage to sell that seat to someone flying standby, airlines are the ones that get mad at you as you get a better deal, therefore they loose money. If somebody asks just say that it was cheap. If it is the airline say I might change the date in the future to visit my family. But you will be fine, it's your personal life. You can buy a ticket to go anywhere and not just go and still buy it, right? Don't get stressed for those things

[S and P 9]

Yeah I figured! Thank you.

Will they say anything about it at the check-in at the ariport or at customs? What should I say?

Just tell them the truth, that the round trip ticket was much cheaper than the one-way flight, it's most likely not the first time that they've heard that.

congrats and good luck to you!

[indiana_sweetie 120]

I looked into the problem with one-way tickets being so high, like $2,000 higher in some cases. The reason given (by a travel website) is that one-way tickets are usually only purchased by business travelers and corporate usually pays the full tab. Another reason is airlines don't want travelers to fly one-way, as it upsets airline travel schedules. Oh boohoo. Anyway, it won't affect your immigration, but it could get the airline mad at you. DO NOT indicate to the airline that you will be using a round-trip ticket as a one-way. According to what I read, it's possible they can make you pay the higher one-way price at the gate. Read here:

"Unfortunately, the airlines are on to travelers who participate in what they call "throwaway ticketing" (although we prefer the more appropriate term, "turning the tables"), booking a roundtrip flight and only using one of your tickets in order to save money over a more expensive one-way flight. Most airlines have a restrictive clause in their terms and conditions that bans throwaway ticketing. For example, Delta's Web site says the airline prohibits "Throw-away ticketing -- use of discounted roundtrip excursion fares for one-way travel." As punishment, the airline threatens to confiscate unused flight coupons, refuse boarding or even charge the passenger for the more expensive one-way flight. " source: http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/how-to-save-on-one-way-flights

I did some looking and found that Turkish Air allows cheap one-way. At least they did the last time I looked. There must be others...

Edited December 19, 2012 by indiana_sweetie

[lunaboriken 2]

Just tell them the truth, that the round trip ticket was much cheaper than the one-way flight, it's most likely not the first time that they've heard that.

congrats and good luck to you!

I agree... the truth is what they want to hear.... sooooo don't worry. That is a very small issue. Just don't go outside of the US if you are looking to get the permanent residency. I am not sure out K-1 works.

[Darnell 8,479]

from what i've read here, the optimum time for cancelling the return leg is anytime AFTER you arrive in the USA but before the ticketed return date.

[Andie 147]

You cancel the return flight after arrival in the US and before the date that return flight is due to depart. The airline will not cancel it for you before you use the first flight. You can cancel anytime after arrival in the US and before the return date. As far as the carrier is concerned you could just not turn up for the flight, but you may have a problem later with immigration who may think you left on that flight and abandoned your visa, so it is better to cancel it rather than just not turn up.

[bt1 42]

Hi! I leave for the States with a Fiancè visa in 2 days and I got a return flight because the one-way flight was just impossibile for me to get (it was more than double price! WTH?). People on this forum gave me the advice to cancel the return flight in order to not be accused of leaving the country. I just called the airline asking about cancel the return flight, but they say they can't cancel it? They can change the date but not cancel. The guy told me I could just not show up, but I wouldn't want to have troubles once in the States because I have a return flight. I don'tknow what to do! Do I have to cancel the return flight AFTER I used the first leg of the trip (so I call back once I'm in the States)? Feeling so confused now...

We canceled the unused portion of the roundtrip ticket one my fiance (now husband) got to the US. He received credit for that unused portion that he had 1 year to use towards another flight, which we did, going back to Serbia for a visit this summer.

[bigdog 377]

Just tell them the truth, that the round trip ticket was much cheaper than the one-way flight, it's most likely not the first time that they've heard that.

congrats and good luck to you!

:thumbs:The truth is always easier.

[Andie 147]

two posts running on this... I think its resolved

[B & G 200]

Firstly you cant cancel just part of your ticket before you begin your journey. As others have mention you can call up the airline before your travel date and inform them that you are not travelling. As i am sure you are aware, you ticket is non-refundable because it is a cheaper fare. But you can still get a refund for unused goverment and airport taxes.

Secondly, customs actually have no access to your return travel information, thats why at every POE they ask to see your return ticket, as proof that you are leaving. If they had access to that info, they wouldnt ask for it. And since you will be entering on a K1 visa, they wont even ask to see your ticket information. And in the instance they do, just say it was cheaper.

You cancel the return flight after arrival in the US and before the date that return flight is due to depart. The airline will not cancel it for you before you use the first flight. You can cancel anytime after arrival in the US and before the return date. As far as the carrier is concerned you could just not turn up for the flight, but you may have a problem later with immigration who may think you left on that flight and abandoned your visa, so it is better to cancel it rather than just not turn up.

You will not get in trouble with immigration if you dont cancel your flight. The only way immigration will receive any kind of information about you being listed on the flight, is if you are checked in and boarded.

[Jamnan_n_Steve 17]

Always try for a one-way frequent-flyer miles ticket that works for you - they are always half the miles of a round-trip ticket. Once you find a flight for your fiancee, you book on the same flight, may need to beg and plead to get seats together as FF tickets don't allow seat selection far in advance, but the airlines still harbor a few romantics.

steve

[Reyan 56]

You will not get in trouble with immigration if you dont cancel your flight. The only way immigration will receive any kind of information about you being listed on the flight, is if you are checked in and boarded.

I recommend canceling the first leg of your travel, because there are stories of it causing problems during the AOS stage:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/268029-returned-flight-cost-my-husband-his-aos/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/255674-denial-of-aos-due-to-inaccurate-info/

Edited December 20, 2012 by Reyan