Job Discussion Forums

jg · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2003 3:25 pm Post subject: Ticketing to and from China

Lo'

I have found what seems a good deat to Shanghai/Beijing, roundtrip from Los Angeles for $641, and one way for $325. I have scoured Chinatown travel agencies, all the internet places, and this seems to be the best for when I am leaving (early July).

Is it difficult to get a cheap ticket out of China to the US? Will the Chinese authorities hassle me for having no onward ticket? I am willing to buy a one-way ticket as my length of stay in China is quite flexible, but I dont want to see the one way fare of $400 I found from Shanghai to LA go up once the summer ends, and I am stuck paying through the nose.

Oh, by the way, I found the $641 fare at www.flychina.com for those who are interested. They are worlds better than the others I have seen, and have specials both one way and rt.

Thanx in advance!

James

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

The Chinese could not care less whether you have ANY ticket when entering their territory. BUt, a year ago, north American countries threw up some hurdles for outbound travellers with one-way tickets, so you had better check with your airport on that.

The cheapest tickets from China are available in Hong Kong. There is some competition from Guangzhou on a few Asian routes. Dunno about trans-Pacific flights. BUt Hong KOng is pretty close by.
For domestic flights, avoid HOng Kong - up to 30% more expensive than flights from or to Shenzhen, 40 kms away!

mathilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 3

Does it matter if your school is reimbursing your ticket? If you haven't made arrangements for them to do so, it would be worth negotiating now.

jg · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2003 1:14 pm Post subject:

Mathilda,

I am coming over for a 6 week camp. My only benefits are salary and housing, which seems fair to me. If they were reimbursing my airfare that would be fantastic, but it doesn't seem likely for such a short stint.

The reason I dont want to buy a rt is because I dont know how long I will spend incountry after camp. I am expecting to like it, so hopefully several weeks!

JG