|
17 Jun 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Round Trip Ticket to Russia Required??
In attempting to book a one way airline ticket from Los Angeles to Vladivostok as part of my RTW ride this summer, I was told by the ticketing agent that without a round trip or onward ticket from Russia I might be denied boarding, either in LA or Seoul. She said this wasn't definite, but a possibiity. Apparently the airline can be heavily fined if someone arrives in a foreign country, is denied entry, and doesn't have a ticket to leave the country.
Obviously, I would prefer to avoid the cost of a round trip ticket that I would only half use. Has anyone heard of such a thing happening to anyone? Any comments/advice on how to deal with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
------------------
Mike
__________________
Mike
|
18 Jun 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Seattle, WA - USA / Oltenita, ROMANIA
Posts: 97
|
|
a round trip ticket might not be more expensive than the one-way. It actually cheaper most of the time. Makes a lot of sense, I know...
------------------
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
__________________
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
|
18 Jun 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Unfortunately, in this specific situation a round trip ticket is anywhere from about $400 to over $1K more than a one way ticket, depending on the time and departure city.
A good thought, though. Thanks.
------------------
Mike
__________________
Mike
|
21 Jun 2005
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 655
|
|
a bit strange from this tecketing agent, since you have your beautiful russian visa, your bike there or travelling with your bike through russia etc ...
explain one more time with all the documents which prove all mentioned above and more ... or try an other ticketing agent, hope you ll be more lucky :-)
|
17 Jul 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
After a couple of tries and about 2-3 weeks of waiting, I finally received the reply below from Korean Air on this issue of the requirement of a round trip ticket.
"Dear Customer:
In regards to your inquiry of Korean Air’s policy, please be advised that boarding will be denied without proof of a return ticket.
Best Regards,
US Customer Relations
Korean Air"
My solution was to buy a one way return ticket from Vladivostok to LA that is fully refundable, at a cost of about $1800. Although I shall presumably get the money back when I submit the ticket for a refund, it's still irritating to have to lay out that sort of money for no good reason, even if it is temporary.
Hope this information will be of help to someone if the future. It's odd that I've never heard of this actually happening to someone (being denied boarding, that is), but I can't afford the risk of this occurring.
------------------
Mike
[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 17 July 2005).]
[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 17 July 2005).]
__________________
Mike
|
11 Aug 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
I'm now in Vladivostok and wanted to give a quick update on this situation.
At no point on my flights from Twin Falls, Idaho to Vladivostok was I asked if I had a return ticket from Russia. It's possible that at the Korean Air counter in Los Angeles they could tell from their computers that I did, but I doubt this as they had enough trouble just finding me in the list for the flight I was taking on that day.
I don't know what to advise anyone who might be in this situation in the future, but if I had it to do over again I think I would not spend the $1800 US for a refundable return ticket but rather buy one there at the airport counter if I was told I must have one. I presume I'll eventually get that $1800 but it's still been a royal pita.
Hope this helps someone in the future.
Btw, I've posted some new comments on the trip so far in the Trip Journal page of my website, www.rtwrider.net.
------------------
Mike
[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 11 August 2005).]
__________________
Mike
|
11 Aug 2005
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 356
|
|
I missed this thread earlier but FYI.
This issue happens frequently, and not just for motorcyclists. This issue is that you need to show proof of real intent to leave the country you are entering and obviously a return ticket is a major factor and the norm. Airline employees do not know or are afraid to permit people to board without a return ticket. Keep in mind it is not up to the airline to decide whether you can enter a country only whether you can board their plane. A well documented case showing your plans to leave the country and persistance in finding the right person will get you one the plane with a one way ticket, although sometimes it may be easier at minimal cost to buy a round trip ticket.
[This message has been edited by JSherm (edited 11 August 2005).]
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|