Originally Posted by
jumpallover
I have another question: I still dunno when I will come back: which is the smartest way to get a return ticket which could be easily changed (I mean, without incurring in too many fees for changing the date)? Thanks a lot!!
There are three basic ways to buy your tickets when you don't know your return:
1) Buy a fully refundable ticket. Advantage: You can change it without penalties. Disadvantage:
Very expensive, maybe 2x or more the cheapest fare.
2) But the cheapest fare ticket for your expected date of return (make your best estimate) and accept that you'll pay a change fee if you change it. These are around $250. And you'll also have to pay the difference in fares; if you rebook your ticket close to the flight date, the price may be much higher. Even so this still may be cheaper than #1.
3) Book a one-way ticket for your outbound now and hold off on booking your homeward trip as a one-way ticket until later. On some airlines it is not more expensive to book two one-ways than to book a return trip; on others the price difference can be 2x.