Arriving With A One Way Ticket

[good guy]

Hi I'm a business man who's been to thailand a few times ,this time I'll be ariving with a one way ticket because I want to fly home a different route, is this a problem?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi I'm a business man who's been to thailand a few times ,this time I'll be ariving with a one way ticket because I want to fly home a different route, is this a problem?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you get a visa you will be OK. Airlines are anti one way tickets. A visa overcomes their reluctance to carry the pax.

[Expat2B]

Hi I'm a business man who's been to thailand a few times ,this time I'll be ariving with a one way ticket because I want to fly home a different route, is this a problem?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you get a visa you will be OK. Airlines are anti one way tickets. A visa overcomes their reluctance to carry the pax.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It also depends on the airline, since many tickets are now issued electronically, increasingly few people have a "real" ticket to show. I have never had a problem with BA, QF, AY, LX or CX when I pointed out at check in that I had an independant return ticket. No airline has ever requested to see my return ticket (which in all cases I actually had, albeit often in electronic form).

Since it is cheaper to ticket ex BKK, I tend to leave at least one ex UK return open so that I can if necessary "show" a return ticket and buy my subsequent trips BKK-LON-BKK. In several years now travelling multiple times a yearI have never once been requested to prove this by either an airline or Thai Immigration. I think the airlines are concerned at the implications of the 30 day visa waiver, and if Thai Immigration suddenly started to apply the rules re: return tickets strictly. Few check in agents (if any) will have the knowledge to probe deeper than suggested by the check in screen. YMMV.

Incidentally, it should also be possible to ticket yourself ex BKK before actually arrving, especially if you use an airline/agent with offices in your home country or you buy an e-ticket. Whilst as statedabove this would not seem to be strictly necessary, it is another option.

Edited February 23, 2005 by Expat2B

[Dragonman]

Have been travelling back and fore to UK 5times a year on one way tickets for 5years and nobody on either side has ever mentioned the fact.Even when I was on 30 day entry visa.

[Lancelot]

Have been travelling back and fore to UK 5times a year on one way tickets for 5years and nobody on either side has ever mentioned the fact.Even when I was on 30 day entry visa.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I came here two years ago with a one-way ticket (Chicago-BKK) Never had a problem with airlines or Thai Immigration (got a 30 day on arrival at Don Muang)

Been home one time, RT ticket, BKK-Chicago-BKK. Again, no probs. Have a retirement visa now though, not sure if that makes any difference.

Lance

[chonabot]

Have a search for earlier threads. The problem , as Dr P points out , will be at the check-in desk.

I have tried to check-in , with a visa , but a one-way ticket, only to be told by the Airline staff that I need a ticket out of the country.

They are allowed to insist on this , I then had to buy a ticket from Bkk-Png , from the airport before they allowed me to board. This has happened twice out og 40 odd flights.

The reason , I am told, is IF you are refused entry to the desination Country , the Airline are resonsible for your return flight ( ie they have to stump up for the seat )

Obviously I have never been asked for a return ticket at Thai Immigration.

But that's the reason for a return ticket.

[Expat2B]

Have a search for earlier threads. The problem , as Dr P points out , will be at the check-in desk.

I have tried to check-in , with a visa , but a one-way ticket, only to be told by the Airline staff that I need a ticket out of the country.

They are allowed to insist on this , I then had to buy a ticket from Bkk-Png , from the airport before they allowed me to board. This has happened twice out og 40 odd flights.

The reason , I am told, is IF you are refused entry to the desination Country , the Airline are resonsible for your return flight ( ie they have to stump up for the seat )

Obviously I have never been asked for a return ticket at Thai Immigration.

But that's the reason for a return ticket.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would restate my post above, I have only ever had 30 day visa waiver and never had a problem after saying yes I do have a ticket. Unless you are coming from somewhere weird, I would imagine the conversation would go something like this.

"I see you do not have a return ticket do you have a visa etc?"

"No I actually have a return ticket"

"Can I see it"

"I am sorry but it is an e-ticket and I do not have a printed copy" Plan B here is to use the format of an existing e-ticket and make up a printout yourself

"Ok sir that is fine"

When I have been questioned about the return ticket (on less than 25% of occassions this is how the conversation has run, except that they always ended after I said yes I have an onward ticket. Maybe this is because I only fly buiness and first class and maybe because I am a top tier frequent flyer in 2 of the 3 global alliances, but in 40+ flights it has never been a problem.

If it is a problem I suggest changing airlines. Alternatively buy a fully refundable one way and refund it immediately upon your return, (this has never been an issue for me because I always actually had an open return I could use if necessary).

There is a revenu protection issue in play here for the airlines, which I am also sure is part of the rationale for their approach. Ex BKK fares are always considerably cheaper than ex EU or ex US fares. As a result it is cost effective to originate flights ex BKK as much as possible. As a frequent traveller I have saved £1000's in this way.

For more specific airline related information, help and advice I would suggest a browse at www.flyertalk.com may pay dividends.

[Dragonman]

Return flights on Thai airways currently 50% cheaper from UK to Bangkok than Bangkok to UK. Insentive for tourists to come in wake of Tsunami presumably.No such discount on a one way, only 50 pounds less than a return!

[Expat2B]

Return flights on Thai airways currently 50% cheaper from UK to Bangkok than Bangkok to UK. Insentive for tourists to come in wake of Tsunami presumably.No such discount on a one way, only 50 pounds less than a return!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not in Business or First they aren''t I presume those passengers don't need much incentive TG is very expensive anyway on direct flights ex BKK for obvious reasons. Some excellent deals are normally available with Cathay tho.

For those looking to make the best of fares ex BKK it is better not to book a one way necessarily, but rather to book an open dated return with 12 month validity, then make several return trips ex BKK within the validity period of your return ticket, eventually using it to start the whole process again (and thus only buying one ex-UK fare per year). In economy at least you are correct in saying that one way fares tend not to be that much lower (and often not in other classes either), so it is best to make the most of a return ticket. Of course then the "possession of ticket" issues also fade away.

This probably isn't worth the hassle if travelling economy, to me it seems a lot of trouble to save a few quid, but in the premium cabins, the fare savings can be breathtaking. For example (all BKK-LHR) flexible economy plus with BA ex BKK c.£800, the same ticket ex London, on a totally non flexible basis is typically £1250. Flexible business with Cathay ex BKK runs to about £1300 as against ccloser to £3000 ex UK. I have had situations where I have saved close to £6k on flexible BA First tickets (alas the deals now are not quite so good).

Travelling ex BKK can save a LOT of money if you are a frequent traveller.

Edited February 24, 2005 by Expat2B

[dr_Pat_Pong]

It is 2005 and way past 9/11. See how you go now. Your risk.

[Pink Mist]

the airline carries the risk, if there is a refusal at immigration, they get fined and have to carry the passenger back, it only takes a zealous immi official and boom boom

[toastwars]

Have been travelling back and fore to UK 5times a year on one way tickets for 5years and nobody on either side has ever mentioned the fact.Even when I was on 30 day entry visa.

Thats because we don't live in the "land of the free" and any Airline in the UK knows the responce it would get if it were to ask us to show visa's or return tickets. I the good ol USA people don't seem to think that the people they paid to fly them somewhere works for them, they seem to enjoy being told what to do by the people they employ...wierd

[Expat2B]

It is 2005 and way past 9/11. See how you go now. Your risk.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My ONLY experience has been flying this way well after 9/11, prior to this I was stupidly paying full ex UK fares. If you have an open return ticket and you buy (technical term being nest) another itinerary or itineraries within it, then no-one has any cause to complain since you technically do possess a return ticket.

But I come again to the the question of e-ticketing, how does one "produce" an e-ticket it is impossible. A zealous check in agent could look up your reservation code on Sabre/Galileo/Amadeus but how many will really bother. All they are looking for is a convincing explanation of your apparent "one way" ticket. Of course if you are wearing a jallaba and a luxuriant beard, then you could be in for some trouble. A bit like if you are english and wearing a suit and tie trying to enter the US

Finally given recent IATA changes it is now possible to purchase your ex BKK ticket in your country of origin (at BKK prices), neatly bypassing the whole "return ticket" issue anyway for those of a paranoid disposition.

Edited February 24, 2005 by Expat2B

[simey]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

[croftrobin]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

If you arrive at the destination airport dressed liked the common tattooed pattaya beach scum in vest etc, with only a one way ticket - then I would enusre that you have an ongoing ticket - or print out of an e-ticket otherwise you are highly likely to be refused.

It matters not if you fly business or economy - its your appearance on first sight that matters - and not history of flying in the past.

It really is a no brainer - dress smartly - and speak politely, if you are then unlucky to be asked about a return - state an asia tour and show an e ticket to Malaysia.

You can buy one online, for 499 Baht from Bangkok (BKK-PEN) to Penang on www.airasia.com before you come - but if you had searched the forums before posting then you would have known that.

USE THE SEARCH FACILITY - ITS THERE FOR A REASON!!!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With a visa they should not have hassled you at all. Qantas knows the rules and does the check in for most carriers.

[Braccobaldo]

..personal experience..

..for three years (seven trips with the same career) always I make a ticket BKK-EUROPE-BKK and never I have had troubles...

...but last time at check-in in Europe the career refused me to board...

They said I need a ticket showing I will be out of Thailand or a proper Visa...

...I lose two days for get the visa from thai embassy(very helpful) and I was lucky that the career help me to board on their next flight even if it was full...

...so, good advice for everybody...MAKE VISA PRIOR GO TO THAILAND WITH ONE WAY TICKET or with ORIGIN/DESTINATION BKK

[dr_Pat_Pong]

..personal experience..

..for three years (seven trips with the same career) always I make a ticket BKK-EUROPE-BKK and never I have had troubles...

...but last time at check-in in Europe the career refused me to board...

They said I need a ticket showing I will be out of Thailand or a proper Visa...

...I lose two days for get the visa from thai embassy(very helpful) and I was lucky that the career help me to board on their next flight even if it was full...

...so, good advice for everybody...MAKE VISA PRIOR GO TO THAILAND WITH ONE WAY TICKET or with ORIGIN/DESTINATION BKK

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what we try to tell 'em Bracco. Thank you for posting your recent first hand experience

[spacebass]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would imagine Qantas handle BA ticketing if no BA desk surely they could confirm?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would imagine Qantas handle BA ticketing if no BA desk surely they could confirm?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QF handle nearly all airlines out of Australia.

[simey]

I was actually flying with Thai, rather than Qantas. And for the record I live in Samui, am a professional consultant, and don't check in as a tatooed singlet wearing Pattaya tourist as was mentioned. I guess there is a risk in lots of situations and as I'm back to Samui usually after working I don't worry too much if I don't get on the flight as there is always another one. The people that will be affected are those on a two week holiday, it's not good to start that by wasting two days getting a visa.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I was actually flying with Thai, rather than Qantas. And for the record I live in Samui, am a professional consultant, and don't check in as a tatooed singlet wearing Pattaya tourist as was mentioned. I guess there is a risk in lots of situations and as I'm back to Samui usually after working I don't worry too much if I don't get on the flight as there is always another one. The people that will be affected are those on a two week holiday, it's not good to start that by wasting two days getting a visa.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A two week holiday maker doesn't usually require a visa, and will have a return ticket in hand. QF is Thai's agent in Australia and does the passenger checkin's

[buadhai]

A friend of mine recently flew here to Saipan on a one way ticket, thinking he would stay. He didn't like it much and decided to return to LOS. He was unable to find a travel agent here who would even sell him a one way ticket. He ended up having to buy a rt Bangkok/Singapore ticket along with the one way from Saipan to Bangkok.

Of course, he could have purchsed a one way on line, but he wanted to have an actual paper ticket on hand.

[chonabot]

This topic has been covered many times before, and for each person that insists that they have never had a problem there are other people that actually have.

I fit into the latter class, bought a return from BKK to sydney and was taken aside when I tried to check in for the return part at Sydney and told I needed an onward ticket. I actually had one (BA to London) but I had left it in Thailand, they said this was no good and I would have to purchase an onward ticket (there was no BA ticket desk in Sydney that I could confirm my flight). After many discussions and them studying my 2 month tourist visa that I was entering on they finally let me board, but warned me that next time I would have to show the ticket or else no flight for me.

It seems that it is at the discretion of the ground staff, however don't beleive posters when they say you definitely will NOT have a problem, as I can personally vouch for that fact that you MIGHT.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you arrive at the destination airport dressed liked the common tattooed pattaya beach scum in vest etc, with only a one way ticket - then I would enusre that you have an ongoing ticket - or print out of an e-ticket otherwise you are highly likely to be refused.

It matters not if you fly business or economy - its your appearance on first sight that matters - and not history of flying in the past.

It really is a no brainer - dress smartly - and speak politely, if you are then unlucky to be asked about a return - state an asia tour and show an e ticket to Malaysia.

You can buy one online, for 499 Baht from Bangkok (BKK-PEN) to Penang on www.airasia.com before you come - but if you had searched the forums before posting then you would have known that.

USE THE SEARCH FACILITY - ITS THERE FOR A REASON!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally idiotic post from a Mod ..........assuming everything , revealing nothing except an attitude.

Edited March 2, 2005 by chonabot