guys

didn't know of this rule but after booking 1-way EWR-CDG, they told me that at EWR, if i cannot furnish a return receipt or e-ticket with United or any other airlines, I would be denied boarding without a visa. Is this true and are they strict about it?

I cannot buy a 1-way because I'm waiting for a CDG-EWR award ticket to open up which seems to be opening up only few days before departure. What are my options here?

1) Simply book a fully refundable cash ticket and cancel it once I'm in italy

2) Use one of the old PDF e-tickets i have from AA and simply modify the dates (easy to do) and make a print out

what do you guys think?