Throwaway ticketing

[Wahid Younis 5]

Has anyone done the throwaway ticketing hack before? It's where the round trip ticket is cheaper than a one way ticket, and you just don't use the return flight.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

Yeah, why? 

[Wahid Younis 5]

4 minutes ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

Yeah, why? 

I'm looking at flights and the round trip flights are cheaper than the one way flight. Was wondering if there's any risks to that or is it pretty safe as a one off?

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

Just now, Wahid Younis said:

I'm looking at flights and the round trip flights are cheaper than the one way flight. Was wondering if there's any risks to that or is it pretty safe as a one off?

No risks whatsoever. 

What you could do, if it is still cheaper, is booking the return one as far as possible. That way you can go back home in a few months. 

[Sammy_2496 116]

Many people do this and there is absolutely zero issue with it! I hate how much one way tickets are 😅

[Daphne . 1,852]

I did it like this because a return ticket is way cheaper. No issues at all! 

[Dashinka 24,448]

We did it when my then fiancé came over.  We put the return date out six months, then canceled that leg just prior to that date.  When my now wife got her GC and went back to visit family we had a credit from the airline to use.

[TBoneTX 45,159]

Of note, for K-1 entrants, there is indeed potential danger unless the traveler takes crucial steps.  When the booked passenger is a no-show, airlines have issued the seat to a standby passenger but failed to correct the flight manifest.  The original passenger (the K-1 entrant) is thus listed as having left the country before receiving Advance Parole.  This has caused major grief to many in trying to prove a negative ("no, I didn't leave").

 

K-1 entrants should therefore cancel their return leg with the airline very soon after entry, noting the date, time, and agent's name/location, insisting on some e-mail or printed confirmation, and filing the printout with the rest of the entrant's immigration papers.  This can save untold trouble later.  It's also one of the hardest things to remember to do, amidst the bustle and excitement of arriving.  It can be forgotten if it's put off too long.

 

The OP is a CR-1 entrant, so the above doesn't apply.  However, it's presented in case anyone on K-1 status reads this and fails to recognize the difference in protocol.

Edited April 9, 2023 by TBoneTX

[Mike E 11,739]

4 hours ago, Wahid Younis said:

I'm looking at flights and the round trip flights are cheaper than the one way flight. Was wondering if there's any risks to that or is it pretty safe as a one off?

Airlines can ban passengers that make a habit of this

[Kanja 201]

6 hours ago, Mike E said:

Airlines can ban passengers that make a habit of this

Was just going to say this. 
 

 

[Wahid Younis 5]

13 hours ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

No risks whatsoever. 

What you could do, if it is still cheaper, is booking the return one as far as possible. That way you can go back home in a few months. 

That's a great idea. I'll do that. Thank you!

[Wahid Younis 5]

12 hours ago, Dashinka said:

We did it when my then fiancé came over.  We put the return date out six months, then canceled that leg just prior to that date.  When my now wife got her GC and went back to visit family we had a credit from the airline to use.

Ah ok, so you cancelled the return flight and received credit for that which can be used at a later date at your own choice?

[Wahid Younis 5]

10 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Of note, for K-1 entrants, there is indeed potential danger unless the traveler takes crucial steps.  When the booked passenger is a no-show, airlines have issued the seat to a standby passenger but failed to correct the flight manifest.  The original passenger (the K-1 entrant) is thus listed as having left the country before receiving Advance Parole.  This has caused major grief to many in trying to prove a negative ("no, I didn't leave").

 

K-1 entrants should therefore cancel their return leg with the airline very soon after entry, noting the date, time, and agent's name/location, insisting on some e-mail or printed confirmation, and filing the printout with the rest of the entrant's immigration papers.  This can save untold trouble later.  It's also one of the hardest things to remember to do, amidst the bustle and excitement of arriving.  It can be forgotten if it's put off too long.

 

The OP is a CR-1 entrant, so the above doesn't apply.  However, it's presented in case anyone on K-1 status reads this and fails to recognize the difference in protocol.

So I don't need to do this? There's no issue if they mistakenly still think I've left the country even though I haven't?

8 hours ago, Mike E said:

Airlines can ban passengers that make a habit of this

Yeah it's just a one time thing only.

[Sammy_2496 116]

37 minutes ago, Wahid Younis said:

So I don't need to do this? There's no issue if they mistakenly still think I've left the country even though I haven't?

Yeah it's just a one time thing only.

Since you will be a permanent resident once you arrive in the country, you don’t need to worry about what TBone said. Although i would still cancel it soon after arrival ☺️

[TBoneTX 45,159]

Depending on airline protocol, call to say that you're canceling the return* but would like to keep the funds spent, for credit toward later use.

     *assuming that you don't want to use those exact arrangements later

Edited April 9, 2023 by TBoneTX