One Way Ticket- Onward Travel Required?

[how241]

I have been to Thailand 6 times, coming from the USA. When I leave the USA to come to Thailand, I like to come on a one way ticket, as I am never sure when I want to return. I have a retirement visa,which I renew yearly, so that is not my problem. The last 2 times, when I tried to check in at the airport, in the USA, traveling on American Airlines, the ticket agent gave me a VERY hard time and almost didn't let me fly because I had a one way ticket. Even though I bought the one way ticket through American Airlines.com . He said that I must have proof of "onward travel". Finally, after much fighting and calling several supervisors I was allowed to fly. I don't want this problem every time. Any suggestions, besides buying a expensive round trip ticket and changing the dates as needed. Do you think it would be OK, if I bought a cheap bus/train ticket inside Thailand showing travel to Loas/Cambodia?

[lopburi3]

Write a complaint to American Airlines or use another. That requirement is only for visa exempt entry. You are showing them your visa when challenged right? There is absolutely no requirement for onward travel - indeed with your visa it is not expected.

[IMA_FARANG]

Write a complaint to American Airlines or use another. That requirement is only for visa exempt entry. You are showing them your visa when challenged right? There is absolutely no requirement for onward travel - indeed with your visa it is not expected.

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Lopburi3 is absolutely right. The only requirement for an out-of-country ticket is for those with no visa who need/can get a (stamp on entry)visa by Thai immigration rules. Usually a senior supervisor can be called and SHOULD know this.

IF you can't find a paper version of the IATA Guide for Airlines...so much is done on line these days that it might be hard to find one of those...but there could be an on-line version available by now....there is an appendix in the back of the IATA guide that lists the visa and entrance requirements for most countries worldwide. If they look at Thailand's entry requirements it clearly states that fact...I believe as a footnote to Thailand's entry...but it's been a long time since I had anyone actually show me that guide.

If the duty supervisor doesn't know, then politely ask to speak to his/her supevisor.

At some point you reach a level that will actually check on the regulations...but for a practical point it is not always a good idea to be noted by the airlines as a "difficult" flyer.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Presumably you do have a Re-Entry Permit, right? About the same thing happened to me last September at PDX with the United check-in gal. I almost had to spell out in very simple terms what "re-entry" meant in immigration terms. Pointed out the date of xx February 2011 as expiration, and since it was just Sept 2010, she agreed that I was correct.

Mac

[lopburi3]

Not sure he has extension of stay - my reading was he obtains a new non immigrant OA visa each year - but it could be either.

If re-entry permit airlines often do not have much of a clue and you need to advise them it is the same as a visa for entry and that you live in Thailand. At higher level they should be able to resolve.

Airlines really don't trust those using one way travel as it was a terrorist catch phrase so always best to have round trip and often they will be cheaper even if you must change return date at a fee. But by regulations of Thailand there is no reason to block your flying.

[Mrjlh]

I had same problem with EVA last time. I just showed them my passport again telling them "I live there". She saw the Retirement Stamps and apologized. You might also consider a ticket with open return. Saves you money and depending on the ticket you can extend it for another year. Nothing wrong that way.