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Return ticket from USA/ out of sync

(8 Posts)
Stillwaters Wed 05-Feb-25 16:58:17

Hi, I'm fairly sure that what I'm going to do will be ok, but if anyone knows different, I'd like them to say.

I have a return, non refundable, no changes allowed ticket to the States - due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to move the return flight to a slightly later date; will it cause any problems with Border Control if I book a new return ticket - outbound being U.S to UK, and the inbound being my next flight over to the States.
My feeling is that it won't matter - that Border Control are concerned with the number of days you spend in the U.S, and provided you have a return ticket, the booking reference is of no importance.

NotSpaghetti Wed 05-Feb-25 17:12:34

My experience with US border control is that they are extraordinarily unhelpful in every way possible.
Is there some way you can officially check?

Logically it looks OK because they want to see a return flight booked. ...But if you don't show up for your return flight it might flag something up... is the new return with the same airline?

I know there were legal changes not long ago to make airlines in America make changes to nonrefundables if bought from the airline.

Have you exhausted the options to change it via the airline?
(I know you probably have!!)

ferry23 Wed 05-Feb-25 17:45:17

In my experience it depends on what mood Border Security is in. As NotSpaghetti has said, they're not the most helpful or welcoming folk in the world.

US Embassy?

But if you're going to buy a reverse ticket then won't you still be left with having to buy a return from the US on your next visit? Unless you're always going to fly "in reverse" so to speak.

I've changed my plans whilst actually in the States and bought a new return - but only because it was cheaper than buying a single and I used air miles as well. But not sure about changes before you actually go.

You're right in that technically it looks ok but I really would try and get a definitive answer.

Stillwaters Wed 05-Feb-25 18:03:15

Not spaghetti, I totally agree about them being extraordinarily unhelpful .

Yes, the return flight will be with the same airline, just a few days later, and I'd be giving Border Control my revised return date when I enter the country........and having just typed that, it makes sense that it'll be ok (but I'll try to find something official)

And yes, ferry23, I'll be flying in reverse afterwards.

I might consider refundable fares after this 😁

Visgir1 Wed 05-Feb-25 19:37:43

Check with the Airline? They should give you a answer.

Stillwaters Wed 05-Feb-25 20:00:43

Well, I probably didn't need to start this thread - I've just checked one way tickets from Boston to Heathrow on 2nd March - $244, whereas LHR - BOS on 2nd March - £1,800 😳😳😳
Scandalous!

So it's relatively cheap to buy a one way ticket to replace the return leg of my journey.

Thank you for all your comments

NotSpaghetti Wed 05-Feb-25 23:12:10

I do hope it's all super simple.
🤞

ferry23 Thu 06-Feb-25 07:40:37

Wow - well that's sorted that then! Hope it all goes well.