Can I cancel or change my return ticket to a different date after entering the US?

Can I cancel or change my return ticket to a different date after entering the US? - Colorful glossy different shaped balloons in studio

When entering the US, you are required to show forth a return ticket in order to enter. As a rather spontaneous person, I hate making plans, and would like to leave the US and go home when I feel like (within a couple of weeks of course), instead of having to stick to a ticket ordered weeks in advance.

To overcome this problem, I'm thinking this: I will instead purchase a "flex-ticket" home, which is a little more expensive, but also fully refundable. Which I can show in the airport upon arrival, and then cancel afterwards, giving me the option to purchase a new ticket home when I feel like it.

Is this hacking the system, or would it be OK - I'm in doubt because it seems almost too easy.



Best Answer

Given that the flight doesn't even need to be a flight - I've used a bus ticket in the past, as evidence I'll leave the USA (Seattle to Vancouver), and then changed to a flight. All it is, is a means to confirm you have both intention to leave, and the capability and cash to leave - ie have afforded a ticket before spending your tourist dollars on Blackjack in Vegas ;)

Once you're in the country, there's nothing against you changing your plans, as long as you follow the terms of your visa (eg don't overstay, don't break the law etc).




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Can you change date of return ticket?

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel a flight. However, you may need to pay a change or cancellation fee depending on the airline you booked with and the fare class of your ticket. Luckily during Covid-19, many airlines have reduced change fees or waived them altogether.

How can I change my flight date for free?

6 ways to avoid paying an airline's ticket change fee
  • Do it within 24 hours. ...
  • Do it 60 days ahead of time. ...
  • Buy a flexible fare or opt for the add-on. ...
  • Change for a flight on the same day if you can. ...
  • Look for any schedule changes. ...
  • Plead your case. ...
  • Elite status helps.


  • Can you cancel flights due to Covid?

    If you booked the flight yourself you have no automatic right to re-routing or a refund. However, if you have to cancel because of COVID-19, you should contact the airline. Some airlines may be willing to offer you other alternatives like a voucher or credit note, or allow you to rebook your flight for a later date.

    Can you change flights on American Airlines for free?

    American Airlines doesn't charge a fee for changing most American Airlines flights, and most flights outside basic economy and Web Special award flights are able to be changed.



    How to change flight ticket date ? How much does it cost to change my flight is cancelled ?




    More answers regarding can I cancel or change my return ticket to a different date after entering the US?

    Answer 2

    The return flight ticket is only to show them that you won't overstay in the US. My recommendation is to book the round trip ticket and just pay some extra money to change the returning ticket after you enter the US.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Polina Tankilevitch, Felicity Tai, cottonbro, John Diez