#1
Dec 30, 2022I purchased a one way ticket DEN-PEK for next week. I do not know my exact return date yet or even which city I will fly home from. The UAL agent told me that I will need to purchase the return ticket before I depart next week. Does anyone know if this is true? Would I be denied boarding or not allowed to enter China? I would like to wait until I have all my meetings scheduled and confirmed before I purchase the return. That may not happen until I am already in China. Thanks,
#2
smith80678 , Mar 8, 2012 9:23 am
Yes. It is true. When you go through customs they will not let you in the country without seeing your return flight. The original gate agent is also supposed to make sure you have a return flight and even a visa. (if a visa is needed ahead of time).
Their way of making sure you are not staying there permanently.
Their way of making sure you are not staying there permanently.
#3
There's plenty of discussion, such as this following thread, over China Forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...e-transit.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...e-transit.html
#7
Quote:
Most Likely, you would not get to China, they won't let you board.Originally Posted by gmitchs
Would I be denied boarding or not allowed to enter China? ,
#8
How would this work for a non-rev? There is no return ticket to show to immigration in China, however your airline will know you are listed for a flight back. Would some kind of printout showing being listed standy suffice? I'm not a non-rev anymore, but I would certainly like to get out of this office and back to airline work.
#9
Quote:
I presume that carriers have appropriate paperwork for their employees which they have worked out with local authorities. Keeping up with employee immigration issues worldwide is a big deal.Originally Posted by gwar69
How would this work for a non-rev? There is no return ticket to show to immigration in China, however your airline will know you are listed for a flight back. Would some kind of printout showing being listed standy suffice? I'm not a non-rev anymore, but I would certainly like to get out of this office and back to airline work.
#10
Quote:
Fair point. That sounds simple enough. I worked for US who obviously doesn't do TPAC, so I never thought about that.Originally Posted by Often1
I presume that carriers have appropriate paperwork for their employees which they have worked out with local authorities. Keeping up with employee immigration issues worldwide is a big deal.
#11
pushmyredbutton , Mar 8, 2012 3:06 pm
I've traveled to both PEK and PVG many times on one-way awards and never have been asked to show proof either at check-in or when going through immigration.
Spotty enforcement of the rules. I've always been prepared to book a return on my phone using miles if need be.
Spotty enforcement of the rules. I've always been prepared to book a return on my phone using miles if need be.
#14
In dozens of entries into China, no one has ever asked to see proof of a return ticket. Indeed, for many common entry scenarios, it would be impossible to show one. Crossing the land border with HK is perhaps the best example of this - what, should I show them my Octopus card to prove I can take the MTR back? 
Based on my experience, I wouldn't worry about any problems from Chinese immigration. If the airline gives you trouble at departure, as others have suggested, offer to buy a refundable ticket on the spot and simply cancel it as soon as you land. I wouldn't worry about preparing this in advance, though, as I've never been asked by an airline either (this assumes a valid visa, of course).
Based on my experience, I wouldn't worry about any problems from Chinese immigration. If the airline gives you trouble at departure, as others have suggested, offer to buy a refundable ticket on the spot and simply cancel it as soon as you land. I wouldn't worry about preparing this in advance, though, as I've never been asked by an airline either (this assumes a valid visa, of course).
#15
anacapamalibu , Mar 8, 2012 10:47 pm
Ambassador: China
If you have a China visa no need for proof of return ticket. You could make a land crossing to exit China.
If making a transit without visa, need a ticket exiting China to a third country within
the time limit Shanghai 48 hrs.. Beijing and others 24 hours.
If making a transit without visa, need a ticket exiting China to a third country within
the time limit Shanghai 48 hrs.. Beijing and others 24 hours.