One Way vs Return to USA
 

Hi All

I need a one way flight to Miami from the UK as in sailing back.

The prices are so high for any form of one way ticket with a return being 1/2 the cost.

Is there any cost effective way to book a one way (excluding points as I don’t have any to spend)

Also, can you book a return and just take the outbound leg?

Thanks

Yes, just book a return ticket if cheaper and skip the return flight(s); no problem.

If you book the return date far out there is chance that there will be a cancellation or schedule change that will allow you to cancel and ask for a full refund for return flights - then you really hit the jackpot!

Thanks! Didn’t know if booking a return could lead to some immigration nightmares or penalties by the airline

Only if you do it on a regular basis the airline may penalise it. A one off, no issue.

It is not your fault that you got sick and couldn't use the return flight - or overslept, missed the bus/train going to the airport etc...I think you get it ;)

Potential immigration issues would depend on your passport and the country involved. Check the rules carefully and also look at TIMATIC for your situation to see the rules that airline agents will see when you check in. However, IME with a USA passport, I can't recall that an immigration officer ever looked at or asked about my return transportation and I don't know of any country's rules that would require a RT plane ticket rather than just proof of a ticket (for travel before your visa or entry permit expires) using some mode of transportation to some country that you're eligible to enter.

Have you checked with the cruise line to find out what one-way airfares they are offering to passengers on your cruise?

Even though you do not currently have frequent-flyer miles to redeem, that does not mean that you cannot acquire some quickly. If you are credit-worthy, you can apply for a Barclays AAdvantage credit card. For a $99 annual fee and one purchase of any amount (you could buy two stamps at the post office for $1.16), you would be awarded 60,000 AA miles. You should double-check redemption rates on aa.com for LON-MIA on your intended date of travel, but if you are planning on traveling in Economy, you should be able to find a one-way for 30,000 miles (or less) plus government taxes/fees. If you're interested, here's a link to the Barclays credit-card offer:

https://www.applyaviator.com/

(Note that occasionally -- but not currently -- Barclays waives the $99 fee for the first year.)

If you decide to purchase a roundtrip (cash) ticket, consider making the return for some time next year. If you enjoy your eastbound trans-Atllantic cruise, you might decide to take an westbound cruise next year! And you don't necessarily have to book the return flight back to LON. You might find, for example, that an open-jaw ticket (LON-MIA-BCN/FCO) costs less than a LON-MIA-LON roundtrip. 😉

Both Barcelona and Rome are popular origins/destinations for trans-Atllantic cruises, in case you are thinking of doing an westbound cruise next year, and want to book an open-jaw airline ticket.