I've made my flight arrangements for Spain. I'll be flying from Phoenix to Philadelphia and then on to Madrid. The ticket is one-way for July 26-27.

British Airlines does fly direct from Phoenix to London but based on what I've read about the prices, the crowding, the radiation on planes, the poor baggage handling, and the fearsome immigration interrogations once there, I decided on leaving from Philly instead.

But in regards to the return/onward ticket requirement, I do know that it apparently isn't checked on for those entering Spain. I'd like SOMEthing, however, to show them just in case I get that one inquisitive agent. This also could happen if I am in Philly getting ready to board the flight for Spain.

Therefore, can someone comment on if it's a good idea to buy a cheap onward ticket? I'm not interested in wasting money on a return flight all the way to the US, and would be worried about buying something for another EU country since the requirement is Schengen-wide, so Morocco seems the best choice. I likely wouldn't actually use the ticket.

Any help is appreciated.

they may request it, but you can always say you will be backpacking into Africa from Spain....that should stun them into stamping you through silence.

Would this be more likely to happen at the airport in the US or in Spain? Do you think that would work in either situation?

Good move going through Philly.

If you are going to go backpacking in Morocco take the time to print out some schedules and other paper documents to show your plans and make them more legitimate in case you are asked. It might help. The one time that I was questioned agressively by an airline, the fact that I had no written evidence of anything that I was saying (which was all 100% legitimate and true) caused great suspicion (they just couldn't believe how incredibly disorganized I was).

So, you're suggesting things like printouts of city maps, brochures, things of that nature? Or something like a hostel reservation confirmation?

quote:

Posted 14 June 2007 00:46 Hide Post
So, you're suggesting things like printouts of city maps, brochures, things of that nature? >

Yes, exactly--phone numbers, ferry schedules, a list of hotels in Morocco--just anything that indicates that you were already planning to do this before you got put on the spot (which you probably won't, tocar madera).

Just me popping my 2 cents worth in here...

I always thought that buying a round trip ticket was way cheaper than buying a one-way ticket. I know it's water under the bridge since instantrejoinder already bought his ticket.. but could someone in the know shed some light on my confusion?

Also, what is the problem with the airports in London?...out of curiosity...

hey...

quote:

I always thought that buying a round trip ticket was way cheaper than buying a one-way ticket

close. buying a rt tick is cheaper than buying TWO one way ticks but not cheaper than buying 1 one way tick.

saludos,
jer...

Chica--
I don't know why, but British Airways is completely incompetent with luggage. If you do a search of the internet, you'll see the horror stories.

Last summer some friends visiting literally had their entire vacation ruined because British Airways left their luggage out on the runway for several days. They gave them a tiny pittance to buy necessities. Then, when the luggage was located, our friends were already in Galicia where they were spending the month with family. Instead of delivering the luggage to them there (like virtually every other airline I ever heard of in this sort of case), they made them come back to Madrid to pick it up at the the freight part of the airport (which is a circle of hell in and of itself). Everything in the suitcases was completely ruined, as it had been rained on and left outside for a week and was covered in mildew (this was during the time when everything had to be checked). They never got reimbursement for any of this.

Aside from that, as a non-schengen country, there is greater scrutiny of passports and such when you pass through immigration to fly on to other European destinations.

The last couple of years, I've been doing only direct flights from Madrid to east coast cities and then getting connections. It's been a lot less of a hassle.

Buying a one way is WAY CHEAPER than a round trip ticket. I am finding this out for my flight for August.

Shawn

quote:

close. buying a rt tick is cheaper than buying TWO one way ticks but not cheaper than buying 1 one way tick.

Yeah, a round-trip ticket would have cost about 50% more than what I paid for the one-way, and it would have been a waste of money to pay for a return and then ditch it - essentially, I would be buying a very overpriced one-way ticket since I plan on staying for a good while.

Chica, I got some perspectives here. Also, this website has airport reviews and London seems to be mediocre at best: http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/Airport_forum/lhr.htm. Going through there with a one-way ticket is just asking for trouble, it seems.

Going to London with a one-way IS asking for trouble. They seem to think that everyone wants to stay or is a terrorist. Strong interrogation there.

Shawn

It used to be that buying a round-trip ticket WAS cheaper than just one one-way ticket--especially for international flights--but those days are over.

Now most airlines give one way travelers access to the same fare sales and deals as the round-trippers--and thanks to online travel sites you can easily book one leg with one airline and the return with a different one if it is cheaper. I'd say this changed some time in the last 5-7 years.

quote:

Originally posted by mariposita:
It used to be that buying a round-trip ticket WAS cheaper than just one one-way ticket--especially for international flights--but those days are over.

Now most airlines give one way travelers access to the same fare sales and deals as the round-trippers--and thanks to online travel sites you can easily book one leg with one airline and the return with a different one if it is cheaper. I'd say this changed some time in the last 5-7 years.

That makes sense. I remember when I was buying my ticket on Air France back in 2001 for the big move over here. At the time, the one way ticket was more than twice as expensive as the round trip ticket. So, I just bought the round trip ticket and discarded the return trip.

I spent six hours in the lockup at Heathrow several years ago as a result of a one-way ticket. Well, that and a couple of poorly conisdered answers to the officer's questions.

I would not make the same mistake again.

Although I did make a hefty profit selling dutyfree cigarettes to the other detainees. Ah, those were the days... smoking in airports, even in the detention room!

The moral of the story... enter London on a one-way ticket, bring your own vaseline.

Cheers,
Steve