Originally Posted by
JettaTurbo
I was asked by a friend to help her book an open-ended ticket to Australia, since I'm knowledgeable about such things. Turns out, I'm not knowledgeable, just resourceful. Hence, my post.
So, she's looking to go in Jan. I think for 3-5 weeks, but she wants the option to return whenever she wants.
-Is this even possible? (I assume so... but you know what happens...)
-Bookable online?
-Possible fare buckets?
-Would it just be a changeable ticket; pick a random late return date; and then move the date when you know you want to leave?
-She said one person told her a round-the-world trip would be as cheap? Is this BS?
Thanks!
Open returns are certainly possible, but they get more expensive, for sure. I'd check with a consolidator or, if applicable, student fare office, as they often are the places to find cheap open returns (especially if she doesn't care about miles).
Bookable online? HAH. No.
You could certainly buy the ticket with a random date in the future, instead of buying a bona fide OPEN ticket. This might be the best strategy, depending on change fees, which is where the fare bucket part comes in. Buy a bucket with the right rules, and you can make it an open return (but keep in mind high loads on the US-Australia routes!)
A RTW WOULD be as cheap if she were coming from Oz, perhaps, but not going from the US.
Hope that helps some.