UK > USA. One way or return flight?

[Aaron&Clari 1]

Hello,

 

I have been looking at how to get across from the UK to the USA (specifically California) after receiving my visa (hopefully in the next couple of weeks).

 

What is the deal with one-way flights and the scandalous fares?! I would book a return, since it's cheaper, but not go on the return leg, but I have read that this may cause issues: namely, the airline may come back and sue me for breaching the agreement; or they may charge me for that flight should I travel with them in future. There are other complications possible, but there is also the possibilty that the airline may not take action.

 

So, for anyone who has travelled once receiving their visa, may I please ask how you did it, and whether a return flight is recommended, despite not taking the return journey?

 

Thank you.

[Mike E 11,723]

2 hours ago, Aaron&Clari said:

What is the deal with one-way flights and the scandalous fares?!

 

The demand for one way fares is high enough that airlines can charge more.  
 

Quote

I would book a return, since it's cheaper, but not go on the return leg, but I have read that this may cause issues: namely, the airline may come back and sue me for breaching the agreement; or they may charge me for that flight should I travel with them in future.

I’ve canceled or simply not used countless return flights and have never been sued.  
 

Besides you might get here and change your mind.  A K-1 visa is after all a non immigrant visa.  
 

Quote

So, for anyone who has travelled once receiving their visa, may I please ask how you did it, and whether a return flight is recommended, despite not taking the return journey?

I bought frequent flyer miles on United when they were having a 50 percent off sale and then used those miles to buy one way tickets for my then fiancée and me.  In addition, out of paranoia than necessity, I bought a one way return flight for my fiancée in case the airline demanded proof of onward or return travel from my fiancée.  I bought this using American Airlines frequent flyer miles that were fully refundable because of my status on American.
 

The airline didn’t demand proof of onward travel, my fiancée was happy to be in the USA and wanted to stay and i canceled her return flight.  
 

Buy a round trip flight if it is cheaper for you.  Cancel the return flight before the flight is supposed to fly.  Also if the airline charges the schedule you can reject the return flight and get a full cash refund.  So book the return as far in the future as possible that still keeps the total price in your budget.    

Edited June 30, 2021 by Mike E

[JeanneAdil 6,196]

No airline is going to sue when you don't take the return flight 

most overbook flights and depend on people cancelling

 

Overbooking is an airline's way of ensuring they have no empty seats at take off. It's exactly what it sounds like—an airline sells more tickets than they have seats on the plane. They do this to ensure a full plane when it comes to take-off. Empty seats are a financial drain on airlines.Mar 2, 2021

Edited June 30, 2021 by JeanneAdil

[Crazy Cat 39,226]

2 hours ago, Aaron&Clari said:

Hello,

 

I have been looking at how to get across from the UK to the USA (specifically California) after receiving my visa (hopefully in the next couple of weeks).

 

What is the deal with one-way flights and the scandalous fares?! I would book a return, since it's cheaper, but not go on the return leg, but I have read that this may cause issues: namely, the airline may come back and sue me for breaching the agreement; or they may charge me for that flight should I travel with them in future. There are other complications possible, but there is also the possibilty that the airline may not take action.

 

So, for anyone who has travelled once receiving their visa, may I please ask how you did it, and whether a return flight is recommended, despite not taking the return journey?

 

Thank you.

Buy the cheaper option.  If you purchase a round trip ticket, simply cancel the return leg after you get inside the US.  There is no legal issue in doing so.   If you fail to cancel the return ticket, USCIS could think you left the US using it.  As weird as this sounds, it has happened during Adjustment of Status interviews. 

[JeanneAdil 6,196]

$619 for round trip from london to santa anta isn't bad at all

 

https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhosagwIAhIIL20vMDRqcGwSCjIwMjEtMDgtMjNyDAgCEggvbS8wamJycjICTEgaLGoMCAISCC9tLzBqYnJyEgoyMDIxLTA5LTA3cgwIAhIIL20vMDRqcGwyAkxIcAGCAQsI____________AUABSAGYAQE&tfu=EgYIARAAGAA

 

9:30 AM – 8:13 PM

Lufthansa, United

18 hr 43 min

LHR–SNA

2 stops

FRA, SFO

 

 

$619

round trip

 

[Wuozopo 4,285]

4 hours ago, Aaron&Clari said:

So, for anyone who has travelled once receiving their visa, may I please ask how you did it, and whether a return flight is recommended, despite not taking the return journey?

I had a round trip ticket. We searched around for the cheapest return date/time available. I cancelled the return. They asked at the time if I wanted to book a different return date. I said no.

[yuna628 9,528]

My husband chose the one way route, and cashed in all of his FF miles. That significantly knocked down the high price and he was able to upgrade to 1st to fly in luxury. We didn't feel like fussing around canceling another ticket. But plenty of people do it.

[txdoc 35]

Unfortunately, July prices are highway robbery. At these rates, it might be worth taking a look at business or premium economy, specially if you are carrying lots of luggage. Virgin Atlantic upper class and premium are both great and have excellent deals usually. Travelled both, and premium actually ended up being the best deal, better than economy considering cost of paying for extra luggage and all that. 

[ArkansasExile 5]

My parents flew Saturday and booked return but just plan on not using the backward leg. No issues at immigration 

[Cindy and Matt 20]

If you go direct you will find they gouge you because, well, they can.

 

Try using an intermediary like Dialaflight for one ways.  They buy seat options in bulk and are often happy to sell one way tickets at reasonable rates, if they didn't people would just go and get gouged.

[DaisyJ 35]

Found this thread again because wow.... what they can charge for one way is really disgusting! I have a voucher for British Airways I am hoping to use from a cancelled flight in Nov last year (never did get to spend Thanksgiving with my in-laws), but their flight prices are all so different even depending on the time of day! Need to arrive around a certain time so hubby can pick me up after work. The most simple step has become such a headache. Anyone who recently travelled have any advice?

[James E 1]

8 minutes ago, DaisyJ said:

Found this thread again because wow.... what they can charge for one way is really disgusting! I have a voucher for British Airways I am hoping to use from a cancelled flight in Nov last year (never did get to spend Thanksgiving with my in-laws), but their flight prices are all so different even depending on the time of day! Need to arrive around a certain time so hubby can pick me up after work. The most simple step has become such a headache. Anyone who recently travelled have any advice?

Hi Daisy, 

 

I found the best way of booking a one way flight to the States was with air miles. I had some accumulated but also purchased more via the BA website. I also have a BA Amex which earns points when I spend. 
 

If you have a nectar card through Sainsbury’s I believe you can also convert points to air miles with BA. Tesco Clubcard points allowed you to convert to BA miles last year but they have since put a stop to that. You can only convert Tesco points to Virgin air miles now. 
 

Hope that helps! 
 

James