How officious is Etihad airlines at checking passengers return or onward tickets?
As mentioned in another question I hope to fly one way from Istanbul to Seoul on a one way ticket in the next few weeks, then while I'm in Korea decide whether to fly directly home or get a visa for China and come home that way, since there are lots of cheap flights I could use.
I know that officially people must have a return ticket or an onward ticket to be allowed to enter just about any country.
I also know that for many countries this rule is seldom enforced and many people travel around the world on all one-way tickets.
In researching this question I have read that it is up to the airline at the at the airport you board your flight to pre-screen people to make sure they have such return/onward tickets, and that airlines may be fined for any people the destination country rejects.
Personally I have never been asked to show a return or onward ticket in an airport at either departure or arrival (I have been asked for it when extending a visa at the immigration office in Mexico).
What I want to know is "Is Etihad known to strictly enforce this rule?" (At least from Atatürk Aiport in Istanbul if it makes a difference?)
Best Answer
Just for the record, in my case nobody at any stage asked to see my onward ticket or any other evidence I would be legal in Korea.
I had a crappy printout but did not need to produce it.
I can't guarantee it will be like this for all travellers of course.
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What does no return onward ticket held mean?
In the past, travellers would remain in a country supporting themselves by illicit employment. Without an onward ticket, a traveller may be refused entry to these countries and subsequently placed on the next plane for the destination from where he arrived.Do you hold a return onward ticket?
Some airlines are very strict about the proof of onward travel rule. If you can't provide proof, you won't be allowed to board your flight. Or they'll ask you to buy a return ticket from them right then and there \u2014 which can often cost hundreds of dollars more than you want to spend.Do you get your plane ticket after check-in?
What Happens at Check-In. After arriving at the airport, go to the check-in desk and show the agent your passport and eTicket. They'll compare your ticket against the airline's database and issue you a printed boarding pass when everything checks out. This boarding pass is what enables you to get on the plane.Do I need onward travel?
Proof of onward travel is a legal requirement in some countries and it's the responsibility of the airline flying you into said country to check you have onward travel arrangements. You can also be asked for proof of onward travel by the immigration officers at your destination airport.Abu Dhabi to Manila Trip via Etihad Airways + New Requirements/Policy for Returning OFW
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Answer 2
I'm not sure why you would subject yourself to extra scrutiny by not having the proper documentation for travel. All it does is create anxiety for you and potentially get an airline employee/airline in trouble if they forget to check.
The general rule is that if you are not a citizen of a particular country, you must have either a return ticket to your country of origin or a ticket for onward journey to another country or a visa giving you permission to stay in that country. Failure to do so will result in being unable to continue your travel plans and deportation if you arrive in a country without the proper documentation.
Even if the airline fails to ask for such ticket, the Immigration Officer at the arriving country may ask you for said ticket.
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