Do I need to purchase a return ticket before departure?
Mar 8, 2012, 9:06 am
#1
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Do I need to purchase a return ticket before departure?
I 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,
Mar 8, 2012, 9:23 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2010
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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.
Last edited by smith80678; Mar 8, 2012 at 9:31 am
Mar 8, 2012, 10:51 am
#3
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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
Mar 8, 2012, 1:56 pm
#7
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Mar 8, 2012, 2:22 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
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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.
Mar 8, 2012, 2:24 pm
#9
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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.
Mar 8, 2012, 2:30 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2011
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Fair point. That sounds simple enough. I worked for US who obviously doesn't do TPAC, so I never thought about that.
Mar 8, 2012, 3:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2009
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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.
Mar 8, 2012, 9:39 pm
#13
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For further discussion, I'll move this to the Travel->China forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
Mar 8, 2012, 10:02 pm
#14
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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).
Mar 8, 2012, 10:47 pm
#15
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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.