What are the best options for an outward/return ticket when planning a 3-month stay in Thailand without incurring high change fees?

Question

I come to Thailand each year. Next year I want to spend 3 months there in the Australian winter. This year I investigated extending my stay but changed my mind when the cost of changing the date of my return ticket was $AUD680, much more than half the total cost. Next visit I intend to stay 2 months visa free then extend a month. What are the best options for an outward/return ticket? It's obviously financially punitive to change the date and I assume that if I am asked to show an outward flight, a return ticket dated 3 months from arrival would not be accepted. There is always the option to buy a cheap throwaway ticket (if such now exists) to KL or a refundable one. Any thoughts on the best option?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user wants to stay in Thailand for 3 months and is looking for recommendations on the best options for an outward/return ticket, as changing dates on existing tickets is expensive. Responses suggest various options including booking a return ticket with change options, considering one-way tickets for flexibility, purchasing cheap flights to neighboring countries as proof of onward travel, or even using websites for temporary tickets. Some users share their experiences, noting that while they were rarely asked for proof of onward travel, having a ticket ready can be beneficial.

John ********* · Answer

Last year I booked return flight taking into account the 90 days . Didn't have any problems and no questions asked.Qantas.

John ********* · Answer

In my experience, the airline asked for the onward flight. They only asked me once for an onward flight. It was 4 months in the future. They didn’t care about the date, they just wanted to verify I had an onward flight.

Robert ***** · Answer

In 25 years of global travel, business and pleasure, I can't remember ever being asked to show a return ticket...

John *********** · Answer

I had an option to change flights. It's just that the cost was OTT. All three classes of ticket seemed to have the paid change option. Mine could not be cancelled. In the old days I'd have readily booked a throwaway flight to KL or even Siem Reap, but flights have climbed in price since then. Thanks for your thoughts and advice. There's options to explore.

Paul **************** · Answer

If you book with jetstar you can get the package with choose your seats,pick a meal and 20 kg luggage plus 7kg carry on and the option to change flights.

I just changed twice and it depends on your return flight cost. The first change I made cost $90 aud fee but the second cost the $90 fee plus $120 fare cost difference which is still less than what you said

Philip ******* · Answer

Not often asked for onwards ticket however just work out your flights allowing for 90 days in the Kingdom extension of stay for visa exempt is easy

Ralph ******* · Answer

A cheap ticket to another country or even a bus ticket.

Alternatively, get a temporary ticket that is automatically cancelled. These cost about USD16. There are various websites for these.

Wayne *********** · Answer

Might be worth just booking a cheap flight to neighbouring country (Cambodia used to be cheap but Vietnam looks cheapest from my quick checks) as proof of onward travel (throw away or pay the extra for cancellation) about 80AUD but can be less - book yer real flight back to Aus when you want

Todd ********* · Answer

Also consider one way ticket for flexibility. You only need proof of onward travel. Even a bus ticket

Anna ********* · Answer

It does cost a bit more but you can buy a return ticket with date change included rather than being hit with exorbitant date change fees. People do still by cheap bus air fares out of Thailand but I have no details

What are the best options for an outward/return ticket when planning a 3-month stay in Thailand without incurring high change fees?

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