Return tickets vs one-way tickets

[matchakat 10]

Hi everyone,

I’m sorry if this has already been discussed but I’m wondering if people usually buy one-way tickets or return tickets when they permanently move to the US. 
I am only asking because one-way tickets are so much more expensive than return tickets! Are you allowed to buy return tickets, fly to the US and simply not show up for the return flight? Or would that amount to some kind of violation of T&Cs? 

[Cw1977 104]

31 minutes ago, matchakat said:

Hi everyone,

I’m sorry if this has already been discussed but I’m wondering if people usually buy one-way tickets or return tickets when they permanently move to the US. 
I am only asking because one-way tickets are so much more expensive than return tickets! Are you allowed to buy return tickets, fly to the US and simply not show up for the return flight? Or would that amount to some kind of violation of T&Cs? 

that’s exactly what I did (and I suspect many others too!). Technically it’s a breach of the ticket but if you don’t show up for the return, how do they know you just haven’t missed it, are sick etc. I’ve never heard anyone having issues missing/skipping the return. 
 

If you’re really bothered avoid airlines you’re a frequent flier with and/or might use regularly but ultimately you won’t have any issues either way. I’ve done that 3 times in the last few years (2 out of my control when plans have changed/I’ve missed the return) and not had any issues at all or ever heard from the airline. 

[Leeman15251 36]

We bought a refundable round trip ticket and was able to get a refund on the unused portion so it end up being cheaper than a one way or even a non-refundable round trip. 

[matchakat 10]

Thanks you guys! Either way, I’m glad  we won’t have to pay a fortune for one-way flights. I’ll definitely look into refundable return flights! 

[Legend of Summer 23]

3 hours ago, Leeman15251 said:

We bought a refundable round trip ticket and was able to get a refund on the unused portion so it end up being cheaper than a one way or even a non-refundable round trip. 

That's GREAT advise.