- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2019
Portugues 2023
Frances 2024
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Every year for the last many en route to the Camino I've booked return flights and had to pay to change them. For 2024 I've vowed to book 1 way.I walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
Thank you!Easiest travel to Pamplona: I recommend train: ca. 20 departures/day:
Rome2Rio
Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routeswww.rome2rio.com
If you want to walk CF, the best is Barcelona. Depending on TOA, you can take a train the same afternoon to Pamplona and start walking the next day. Or have a night in Barcelona/Pamplona to sleep off jetlag.Thank you!
I love Rome2Rio… This app works well for trip planning AND while sorting out sticky hiccups with travel connections.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
Exactly! 2 times I have bought a return ticket. Both times I had to just throw it away due to change of plans/mishap. Change of flight was more expensive than buying a new one...I also prefer to book one-way flights... For me it’s much better because I’m usually not sure of the exact dates I want go back home. And I always end up leaving from a different city, Because part of the way I choose it is by finding the best price.
True. Check and double check. I had a one way ticket from Australia to France. When I got to Sydney airport I was not allowed to check in because I did not have a return ticket (out of EU). Ended up paying a premium price for a return flight.Technically you may need to have a return ticket or onward travel booked to use the Schengen visa waiver scheme. I have read of someone being refused boarding in the US because they had no such return travel arranged. Coming from the UK this in theory applies to me too but I think it may be enforced more often for travellers from the US.
Sometimes throwing away the return portion is the best solution in the end. But it is probably not the best bet in advance, if you think there is a good chance that you will in fact meet your schedule.2 times I have bought a return ticket. Both times I had to just throw it away due to change of plans/mishap. Change of flight was more expensive than buying a new one...
Agreed. I always find good prices for a one way ticket back home inside Euope- Long hauls may be a different matter. I don't know.I think you should check those prices carefully, as one-way tickets are usually much more expensive, assuming you are booking with a major airline. Keep in mind that if you wait to book the return flight, until you are getting close to Santiago, you will need to pay whatever the price is at that time, and on shorter notice, so you really don't know what it will be. Are you moving into the high season or out of it?
It may make more sense to pay more for a flexible ticket that allows a change with just the fare difference, or even with a change fee. After all, you will be faced with that fare difference anyway! You must consider the following in your bet:
Keep in mind that some of the responses don't take into account that the fare conditions are quite different for travel from different parts of the world. The best strategy for travel from North America may be very different from the best strategy from Europe, Australia, or elsewhere.
- How likely will your initial guess at timing (for your return) be wrong by enough to warrant a change?
- How much will the fares go up/down before you are ready to book the return?
- What is the current difference between a fare that doesn't allow changes, and one that does allow changes?
- How much is the change fee?
Sometimes throwing away the return portion is the best solution in the end. But it is probably not the best bet in advance, if you think there is a good chance that you will in fact meet your schedule.
There way ticket inside Europe. so all is well for me. If outside of the good lands, tke your prece is no right answer!
I was going to say the same thing. But Spain is a comparatively easy country to travel around, so if your return date is fixed it shouldn´t be a big problem to get to your departure point from wherever you happen to wind up.The biggest con for me is price.
Definitely much more difficult to find a good price for a one way ticket to a different continent - especially last minute tickets.Agreed. I always find good prices for a one way ticket back home inside Euope- Long hauls may be a different matter. I don't know.
I've always bought a return flight, and allow myself at least an extra week to complete the Camino and do some other sightseeing.I was going to say the same thing. But Spain is a comparatively easy country to travel around, so if your return date is fixed it shouldn´t be a big problem to get to your departure point from wherever you happen to wind up.
I flew one way from EWR to CDG on United Airlines.Technically you may need to have a return ticket or onward travel booked to use the Schengen visa waiver scheme. I have read of someone being refused boarding in the US because they had no such return travel arranged. Coming from the UK this in theory applies to me too but I think it may be enforced more often for travellers from the US.
The chances of being refused entry for not having a return ticket are slim in the extreme. Border control would need to have a reason for suspicion to even ask and if you have a paid up credit card and look as respectable as I am sure most of us do, they will let you in. And I speak as somebody once refused entry to a Scottish pub.Technically you may need to have a return ticket or onward travel booked to use the Schengen visa waiver scheme.
Definitely much more difficult to find a good price for a one way ticket to a different continent - especially last minute tickets.
I've always bought a return flight, and allow myself at least an extra week to complete the Camino and do some other sightseeing.
i'am doing doing that also for a MayJune Camino in 2024. Going to buy my ticket within the next 2 weeks for a 7 or 8 weeks return ticket to Madrid than figure out where I want to walk in the new year. Maybe I'll put different caminos in a hat and pull out a few and go that way lol. Although I am paying a little bit more for my ticket so I can change my ticket for a small fee just in case I want to stay longer or come home sooner. I hope the coming home sooner doesn't come into play.So I've always booked round trip flights for travel to Spain, but one way flights for within Spain / Portugal. I personally like to fly into Madrid because I often buy my plane ticket before even knowing which route I'm going to walk. MAD is right in the middle, with great transportation options, so I figure out how to get to the start point later.
I probably had to change the return trip on 4 of my visits. The only time it was an issue ($$$) was last time, when I had a medical emergency and had to get home immediately. It turned out it was cheaper for me to cancel my return trip (eating it, sucked) and then getting a one way flight back home. Luckily, I used miles, so the financial consequences weren't too bad.
If once you are there and figure out a more realistic timeline well enough in advance, the change fees aren't so bad. If you have to go home tomorrow because of an emergency (rare!), it sucks. Just my experience.
Often, I search both outbound and return separately with "flexible scheduling." Once I see the date/time/price combinations I like, I clear cookies and search again for a round trip with those dates. Clear cookies because sometimes they change the price when they know you have looked for those destinations.The biggest con for me is price. When you are flying from North America two one way tickets are usually a lot more expensive than a round trip or multi-city ticket (eg. fly to Paris and home from Madrid). And last minute one way tickets can be really expensive.
Interesting that both members who have reported problems through not having return tickets have had problems with the airline, not border control. Sadly, if the airline won´t let you on, there´s not much you can do about it. One dodge might be to buy a cheap e.g. Ryan Air ticket out of Spain. You don´t need a return ticket, just an onward ticket.I had a one way ticket from Australia to France. When I got to Sydney airport I was not allowed to check in because I did not have a return ticket
I am not sure that there is a great appetite for this but I, obviously, cannot resist the temptation. The law in question, the Schengen Border Code, applies in the same way to all the EU countries (all of the EU and not just EU Schengen) and the relevant quote, in its current version, says, that you, the third country nationals, can enter if, among other things,perhaps the Euro experts among us could comment on this?
If traveling on an electronic ticket, a copy of the itinerary must be carried for presentation to U.S. immigration at the port of entry. Note: Travelers with onward tickets terminating in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands must be legal permanent residents of these areas;
The Pros: I have flown from USA to Spain 8 times in the last 8 years, plus 8 other trips to Europe. I always book one way tickets using frequent flyer miles. It always cost the same as 1 RT, or surprisingly it is sometimes cheaper to get two one-ways rather than a round trip. I have had to change European departure city and time numerous times. The flyer miles are always completely reimbursed, so no loss there. Since the plague, there has been no late booking or cancellations fees, at least with American and United. They have never checked to see if I had a return flight in order to let me board in the USA.I walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
I did not have a return flight when I did the Frances this past fall. No problemsTechnically you may need to have a return ticket or onward travel booked to use the Schengen visa waiver scheme. I have read of someone being refused boarding in the US because they had no such return travel arranged. Coming from the UK this in theory applies to me too but I think it may be enforced more often for travellers from the US.
Another pro of separate tickets is that one airline might offer better options/price for a particular leg of your journeyI walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
Many people - probably most - seem to have no problem travelling without return or onward travel reservations. But a few do. The US State department advice to its citizens travelling to Spain is that a return ticket is required while the Spanish government advice is that it may be required. Take your pick!I did not have a return flight when I did the Frances this past fall. No problems
Indeed. And along with the ease of internet booking there has also been a huge expansion in regional air travel with the entry of the budget airlines into the market. I made my way from Scotland to SJPDP by train for my first Camino and also returned to Scotland by train from Santiago. Far cheaper at the time than flying. A situation now completely reversed when I would expect to pay several times the price to travel overland.Fare structures changed, simplified with the internet as the catalyst.
On our 4 trips to Europe we have always picked a date a few weeks beyond our anticipated end date for our caminos. We toured wherever we wanted after our caminos. This last time we booked a transatlantic cruise back to the states from Lisbon so we knew when we needed to begin our journey home. Spent two amazing weeks in Lisbon. We have never been asked for return ticket information on our way out of the country or in immigration. Not to say it doesn't happen.I walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
True. Check and double check. I had a one way ticket from Australia to France. When I got to Sydney airport I was not allowed to check in because I did not have a return ticket (out of EU). Ended up paying a premium price for a return flight.
My advice book a flexible return flight.
PS if you think you can buy discount tickets at an international airport an hour before boarding … I can sell you the Sydney Opera House.
WOW!A word of caution to visitors to the US with a visa or allowed in with the visa waiver program; if you want to avoid buying a round-trip ticket by buying one with onward travel there are a number of countries that cannot be the destination of that ticket, Canada and Mexico included but there are others. You could be refused entry with one of tickets.
Edit: Finally found a reference. This quote is only one detail in entrance requirements:
Pretty much. In your example it's okay if you are a citizen or resident of Canada. Also, if you're not Canadian, the immigration agent might be able to waive this regulation but it is there. You might also be given the chance to buy a ticket that makes things right.So...OK... here I am, a Cosmopolitan Tourist ...
Am I understanding this correct?
Book directly with the airlines instead of through an on-line agency/agency and this will save you money - the airlines have their own booking staff who can offer you the best option without the penalties.Every year for the last many en route to the Camino I've booked return flights and had to pay to change them. For 2024 I've vowed to book 1 way.
FYI Out of Calgary, Canada I've found that direct to Barcelona gives me the most flexibility. BCN airport has great connections to whatever route I choose, is less hassle and strike prone than Paris, and BCN is a great city.
Always good advice. If there are any schedule changes or things start to go sideways it's much better to deal with the airline than a middleman.Book directly with the airlines instead of through an on-line agency/agency and this will save you money - the airlines have their own booking staff who can offer you the best option without the penalties.
I as well. I purchase my round trip far, far in advance. This for me is when I can find the cheapest flights. However, I do take a peek from time to time and if I see a lower fare, I change it to get the higher portion refunded. I book extra time so I can stay a couple nights in Santiago and a couple nights in my return city Paris. I have found two, one way tickets are more expensive than round trip.I've always bought a return flight, and allow myself at least an extra week to complete the Camino and do some other sightseeing.
Yes, I’ve also seen the same shenanigans today. At this point I will likely purchase a RT with a flex return 8 weeks after our arrival.So I just booked my round trip flight to Spain for this spring from Florida. The RT main cabin cost was $940. A one way ticket to Spain on the same flight was $740 and a one way return ticket on the same flight is was $3,683…. Yes that’s right. I go to Spain annually and haven’t been willling to take the risk, I just build in extra time. I did go one year with a friend who had a one way ticket and her return ticket was very expensive and it was stressful for her. I’ll risk the $200 it cost me on the front end. So be sure to price it a two one ways before deciding.
I never understood that either.2 one-way tickets are more than double the price. No idea why this is.
Flights within North America are normally now priced as one-way tickets - there is no difference between two one-ways and theThere was a time when return flights were cheaper than one way. I don't find that to be the case anymore.
That is a good plan. However, the "fare difference" will still be charged if you need to make a change, and it will inevitably be more than you expected! The fare re-calculation can be very complicated. The $100 (or whatever) change fee may be the least of the concerns.I will likely purchase a RT with a flex return
Good point. The word "return" is also used for only the return part, in some contexts, so "round-trip" is a better term to use for clarity.I find the term "return ticket" to be confusing when it means what I would call a "round trip ticket."
I think nowadays, most of the airlines offer tickets without change fees. So you only have to pay the difference in cost between the two tickets.That is a good plan. However, the "fare difference" will still be charged if you need to make a change, and it will inevitably be more than you expected! The fare re-calculation can be very complicated. The $100 (or whatever) change fee may be the least of the concerns.
Not so, in Canada.I think nowadays, most of the airlines offer tickets without change fees.
Yes, last time and at the last minute (2 days before departure), I was shocked when I called Iberia and was quoted $2350 US for the change for my flight back home to USA... I told the agent I had purchased the no change fee option... he said "It isn't the change fee... It's the difference in fare." He also advised me, at this point, I would be better off just cancelling my round-trip return flight and purchasing a new one.I think nowadays, most of the airlines offer tickets without change fees.
Prior to Covid this was unusual. To encourage people to travel again many airlines dropped all change fees, and only charge the difference in fares. I imagine that most will go back to charging change fees.I think nowadays, most of the airlines offer tickets without change fees. So you only have to pay the difference in cost between the two tickets
That happened to me also when I tried to change the ticket a couple of days in advance; not that much but it was like $1000. I guess changing is not a realistic option unless you have a couple of weeks.Yes, last time and at the last minute (2 days before departure), I was shocked when I called Iberia and was quoted $2350 US for the change for my flight back home to USA... I told the agent I had purchased the no change fee option... he said "It isn't the change fee... It's the difference in fare." He also advised me, at this point, I would be better off just cancelling my round-trip return flight and purchasing a new one.
I may be a bit old school, I hate to say it being only 49 years old... but... after that experience I will never again use an aggregator/look for the cheapest fare. I have an established relationship with AA. They, in my experience, have the best partnerships (BA/Iberia) for any trip to Spain. I have their credit card too, and like, I sort of go back there a lot. For example... I booked my one way trip back home with AA and told the agent I had already purchased upgrades from Main Cabin to Main cabin Extra on the return (round) trip that was cancelled. Because I booked the original flight from Iberia but the seat change plans on AA, I at least earned some travel credits that I have applied for my next trip.That happened to me also when I tried to change the ticket a couple of days in advance; not that much but it was like $1000. I guess changing is not a realistic option unless you have a couple of weeks.
'Google Flights" seems to be the best website for finding retail tickets for me. Google just crawls the whole web for offers.
For instance, if I look for one-way flights from Boston to Madrid in the next two weeks, the prices range from $1500 tomorrow to $420 next week Thursday.
I use several of them, but once I find a fare I like, I check the airline to see their price for the same flight. If its's the same or lower, or even if it's slightly higher, I book with the airline. There are a couple of aggregators that I will not book with (due to past rip-offs) but I still check them for prices.I may be a bit old school, I hate to say it being only 49 years old... but... after that experience I will never again use an aggregator/look for the cheapest fare.
That seems like best option, if you've got flex on the return date, why not just build in some extra time for sightseeing? It would take the pressure off trying to finish by a certain date and the stress of trying to find a long-haul ticket at last minute. You can go to a lot of different places in Spain for a few days or just enjoy more time in Santiago.'ve always bought a return flight, and allow myself at least an extra week to complete the Camino and do some other sightseeing.
It might've been that way in the past, but as of now, there are no refund fees at all for travel booked with miles on United Airlines.I always use American Airlines miles and purchase one way tickets.
Free cancellation unlike United Airlines miles which has a penalty if cancelled with less than 30 days usage. With AA miles, you may have to return from A Coruna or Madrid.
and @Damien ReynoldsI use several of them, but once I find a fare I like, I check the airline to see their price for the same flight. If its's the same or lower, or even if it's slightly higher, I book with the airline. There are a couple of aggregators that I will not book with (due to past rip-offs) but I still check them for prices.
Yes. I am "attached" to AA (OneWorld)... they seem to offer the best flights for me traveling from the west coast of USA. And I have their credit card... I think I've flown to Spain/back for "free" like maybe 3 times now.and @Damien Reynolds
The nice thing about Google flights is so far any tickets they showed me that I wanted the booking links sent to the airline websites. I've read enough horror stories about people booking through third parties that I won't do it. Because then your contract is not actually with the airline…
But I agree, once you find a system that works for you, best to stick to it!
Using mileage award tickets is very different from using money to buy tickets. My miles are mostly with United, and I have never had any issues.I always use American Airlines miles and purchase one way tickets.
Free cancellation unlike United Airlines miles which has a penalty if cancelled with less than 30 days usage. With AA miles, you may have to return from A Coruna or Madrid.
Prior to Covid this was unusual. To encourage people to travel again many airlines dropped all change fees, and only charge the difference in fares. I imagine that most will go back to charging change fees.
I just phoned United and you are correct. They couldn't tell me when the policy was changed, but informed me that there is no fee to replace your miles back into your account.It might've been that way in the past, but as of now, there are no refund fees at all for travel booked with miles on United Airlines.
It's good to hear you had a positive experience with AA miles, because I just got some new credit cards and should have 100,000 by the spring…
My son and his wife have a fairly successful travel website and they take advantage of all the available offers on various credit cards; opening and closing them to get the best possible points, etc. Their savings on many flights over the past 5+ years has been remarkable.(It's not cheating, but taking advantage of the system, so we rotate cancelling our credit cards and reapplying for "new" miles.)
I do the same thing. I’m always trying to convince friends of mine to use the system. It’s really no trouble at all. Once I even paid myself through my PayPal account money to qualify. I lost the 2% PayPal fee, but the credit card didn’t blink. And I came out far ahead With free flights.(It's not cheating, but taking advantage of the system, so we rotate cancelling our credit cards and reapplying for "new" miles.)
Have you tried a multi-city ticket? It seems to cost. Much less than 2 one way tickets.I walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
on air Canada the same for a return flight. Just on there website today, and the first leg of the flight to Madrid was half the price as the return leg to Vancouver.When I look at airfares here in Aotearoa New Zealand I also always get a return ticket but the outbound flight (from ANZ) is priced separately from the inbound flight AND the inbound flight is always much more expensive than the outbound flight.
This means that, when comparing one way prices they need to be compared with the expensive return flight cost, not half the total return fare.
Almost every morning, for the past 3 weeks, I’ve been searching for the best least expensive travel combinations: RT, one-ways, leaving from PDX, SFO, to Madrid, return from Barcelona, change flight options, etc etc etc. I was almost ready to give up.Have you tried a multi-city ticket? It seems to cost. Much less than 2 one way tickets.
It goes back to the days when train tickets were either ‘single’ or ‘return’ so the meaning was obvious. When I first heard the expression ‘round trip’ it didn’t make sense to me as I assumed all journeys were linear, I imagined some kind of circular voyage.I know that it's common usage in the UK and Europe, but I find the term "return ticket" to be confusing when it means what I would call a "round trip ticket." To me a "return ticket" is my ticket home only, and doesn't include my outbound ticket. I know I won't convince anyone to change their vocabulary, but hopefully if anyone is confused "return ticket" = "round trip ticket."
Other ticket types are and multi-city (also known as open jaw) and one way.
Yes, purchased a multi-city ticket:Have you tried a multi-city ticket? It seems to cost. Much less than 2 one way tickets.
I did it to/from the US with no problems in 2015. It can cost more however.I walked the Camino Frances in 2019 and the Portuguese in May 2023. I’ve always booked RT flights.
I’m shopping for one-way flights for my husband and I from Portland Oregon to Spain for the Frances in June ‘24. I want to be able to return home from wherever suits us.
What are the pros and cons of this plan?
With All Respect Due (and that goes to almost any topic discussing various costs, arrangements, et al) - IMHO there is absolutely no point of comparing anything "now" with anything "pre-COVID" - "The New Normal" is the new normal. I used to fly to Europe for $300-500 N/S from EWR.... its almost double nowI did it to/from the US with no problems in 2015. It can cost more however.
That happens around any Holiday or otherwise desirable time of the year. Chalk it up to supply & demand and any other applicable explanation of capitalist system making money (to be sure I am NOT grumbling about the system but merely stating the fact of its basicsA note about airfares, I was monitoring Air Canada for flights I’m taking in September. Starting the week before Christmas costs went up by at least $200 ( to take advantage of Christmas gatherings when peo0le might plan travel?), but are now reduced again, and in fact there is a decent sale on until Jan 9.
While I have not challenged to rule, it is my understanding that if you are a US citizen and flying from the US to Europe (Schengen area) they require that you have a return ticket purchased if a tourist staying 90days or less - so they know you won’t be stuck and a financial drain on them. If you plan on staying longer need a different visa - like exchange students, etc - then need to prove you have the financial resources forIf you want to walk CF, the best is Barcelona. Depending on TOA, you can take a train the same afternoon to Pamplona and start walking the next day. Or have a night in Barcelona/Pamplona to sleep off jetlag.
As for one way/return, I think US members of this forum are the most reliable for info. Personally, I always buy one way, but I am Norwegian, so it's not much extra cost (if any).
Edit: And I come from a Schengen country, anyway, so that's not an issue for me.
Edit: The pros of one way are of course several: Freedom, change of plans, sickness, bored, accidents, lost/stolen documents/cards, family problems/death at home, and every other mishap you can think of (but won't happen, hopefully) etc. etc. The only cons I can think of is some extra cost (maybe).
Of all these, I value the freedom aspect highest.
While I have not challenged to rule, it is my understanding that if you are a US citizen and flying from the US to Europe (Schengen area) they require that you have a return ticket purchased if a tourist staying 90days or less - so they know you won’t be stuck and a financial drain on them.
While I have not challenged to rule, it is my understanding that if you are a US citizen and flying from the US to Europe (Schengen area) they require that you have a return ticket purchased if a tourist staying 90days or less
the justification of the purpose and of the conditions of stay in the Schengen State(s) to be visited, including the possession of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin (or for transit to a third country into which they are certain to be admitted, for instance because they have a residence permit issued by that country), or the possibility to acquire such means lawfully;
It is my own speculation that one of the ETIAS checks will be to run a credit check on the applicant.
Yes, I was able to find RT tickets that will allow changes.I never understood that either.
I'm one of those people who accumulates airline miles with the help of credit cards. With airline miles, usually two one-way and round-trip tickets are the same amount of miles. For the last 10 years, I've managed to accumulate enough miles, using promotions mostly, to pay for two one-way trips to Europe and back every other year from the United States.
Worth looking into if you're a person who uses credit cards anyway. United has the best programs. Read the fine print!
Edit: And @Amachant ,if you don’t have miles, I think the most affordable way for most people who want flexibility is to take your best guess, and buy a RT ticket that it’s possible to change (because some of the cheapest ones aren’t). That way you’ll only pay the difference in price of the second ticket if you decide to change it.
The longer in advance you change the ticket, the cheaper it’s going to be. And you can plug in dates and cities until you find a ticket that you’re willing to buy. I can’t guarantee this, but I think in the end it’ll be cheaper than buying two one-way tickets.
Edit, edit: and I see above this is exactly what you’ve decided to do…
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