Can I book an onward ticket for 60 days later when flying into Bangkok, or do I need it for within 30 days?

Aug 27, 2022
2 years ago
Marcus ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Flying into Bangkok. If they ask for an onward ticket (airline or immigration), can you book it for 60 days later, as I am allowed to extend my 30 day stamp (Australian passport) after 30 days, or would they need to see the onward ticket within 30 days?

Does anyone have an easier solution to this while traveling around SE Asia to avoid wasting money buying onward flight tickets that I often never end up using? And much of the time they don't even ask to see one. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When flying into Bangkok, airlines typically want to see an onward ticket. It is generally recommended to have a ticket that reflects your travel plans within 30 days of your arrival, especially since you can extend your 30-day stamp but need evidence of onward travel. Some suggestions to avoid unnecessary costs include purchasing refundable tickets, renting onward tickets online, or obtaining bus or train tickets to neighboring countries, as these can sometimes be accepted. It's advised to have a clear exit plan regardless of whether it’s a flight or an alternative mode of transport.
Steve *******
Your airline will want to see onward travel before you get anywhere near Bangkok
Terary **********
'onward travel' - they don't care how you leave, only that you have a plan to leave.

Allow a little extra time checking into your flight. If they question you airline or immigration you can go to back of the line, buy a bus ticket anywhere, get back in line.

I generally skip the headache and buy a bus ticket in advance.
Marcus ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
Thanks. Where do you buy bus tickets?
Terary **********
@Marcus *****
12go.asia
Marcus ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Both can ask IME. Perhaps because my passport has 8 million stamps and they wonder what I'm up to passing through quite often. But yeah, usually it's the airline. I'll figure something out. Somebody suggested a refundable ticket but the few airlines I checked didn't have them without a fee (which would probably end up costing similar to a non-refundable ticket anyway). If only they accepted bus tickets. I've never actually tried, but the 'law' states a flight.
Michael ********
I got asked this week coming from Singapore on Thai airways. New one for me never been asked on short haul flights before.
Brandon ************
You can "rent" some tickets by googling "onward travel ticket." Also sometimes they'll accept a train or bus ticket to a neighboring country which you can find for like $3-$9
Marcus ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
May try my luck on a bus ticket. I guess if immigration asks for a plane ticket I can book one on the spot.
Michael ********
@Marcus *****
its not immigration who ask its the airline when you check in.
Marcus ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Been flying on non-refundable low-cost airline tickets for years - didn't even know (fully) refundable tickets still existed. Will try and find one. Thanks.
Scott *********
@Marcus *****
buy on the way to airport, cancel with 24 hours. The other option is a train or bus to any border. Buy a cheap ticket and that's all they want. Just to know you have plans in place to leave.
Garrett ***********
Airline is the one who normally asks for the onward ticket. Buy a refundable ticket and just cancel it.
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