Job Discussion Forums

[sistaray]

Obligatory apology if this has been covered elsewhere---I searched but haven't (yet) found a mention of this precise issue.

My yearlong Chinese university contract (starting Feb 2014) states that I'll be provided 12,000 RMB as a plane ticket allowance.

What I'm struggling with is the logistics of buying a round-trip versus a one-way ticket. I simply don't know yet what my plans will be at the conclusion of my contract, or during July/August break. Which is to say, I would really rather not select a "return" date for a round-trip ticket, when I don't know if/when that return flight would occur.

The price is only about 25-30% more for a round-trip ticket versus a one-way ticket, so I'd like to get the whole round-trip paid for by the University...but again, I don't know when that return trip would be.

Any guidance on this is much appreciated!

[LarssonCrew]

I flew with BA and they have a policy of allowing name changes or date changes for 1200 RMB.

When I knew the time I wanted to go back I simply paid the 1200 and a further 400 rmb[difference in price from original to new ticket].

[Non Sequitur]

I think you need to be a little more specific about the 12000.
Accept you may not have probed more deeply yet.
Is the 12000 a refund up to a maximum of 12K? ie show us the ticket or invoice.
or
Do you get the 12K, no matter what you paid for the ticket?
Other factors are whether even if the airline allows changes (for fee or not), the return travel must be undertaken by a latest date.
From my home which isn't on a high traffic route, the airlines insist on return travel inside one year.
As a general comment make sure you don't book your return for the day after classes are finished. There are always last minute issues and schools can sometimes get cute if they know you are under time pressure.

[Bud Powell]

[johntpartee]

[Non Sequitur]

The 12000 figure has been in contracts since 2009 and maybe earlier.
The gradually strengthening RMB against other currencies makes it worth more year by year.

[JoeThePlumber]

Buy a one-way ticket at the front end and buy your other one-way ticket at the back end. The difference will be negligible so long as you book your back end ticket at least three weeks in advance and you won't need to stress about it all year.

[Songbird]

If you book online, look VERY CAREFULLY at the fare conditions. Most standard fares (read: not promotional, cheapo, saver etc etc fares) have a clause where you can change your return date within the 12 month period ONCE, for free. If not free, a minimal charge. For a flexible fare like this, you WILL pay a little more. Still, worth it because as a teacher here, who knows when you are ready to fly back again??

I usually check out the sites equivalent to Expedia (like Zuji, Best Flights in Australia etc), but actually don't be afraid to check out airline websites directly. They may surprise you with fares, and you're guaranteed to see the fine print (fare conditions) clearly. Again, do NOT lock yourself into a flight WITHOUT checking these conditions! They will also have excellent customer service if you're not sure, and pretty much most airlines will have an office in some city in China so you can call them towards the end of your contract to change your fare.

If you're REALLY nervous about going it alone, then that's why travel agents were invented . Don't be afraid to use them, and ensure that you can stay in touch with them by email at least when over here if you go down this path.

I always get the 12 month open ended ticket, knowing I'm out within 11 months or so, always easy to change the return flight, just have to track the airline office down.

[Non Sequitur]