Flights to US - long period, how to do return?

Ivrytwr3

Son is studying in the US, travelling Aug 24, return May 25. Return flights are much cheaper, but i cannot book a return that far ahead.

Am i able to book a return but with a no change fee? ie book for a return in Feb 25 and then extend it to May 25?

Ty.

bagand96

Tickets are generally on sale between 11-12 months in advance (BA currently selling upto 21/03/2025).  So you could wait until May/June then you should be able to buy the return.  However at that late stage the outbound in August may cost significantly.

Fully flexible tickets will cost significantly more, maybe more than 2 one ways.  That said a quick look at BA Economy Standard and the fare rules say changes are permitted for £150 fee plus any fare difference.  Might be worth investigating further, I'd also check if there's any limits on the date change.

Another option may be Norse Atlantic.  They operate more like easyJet/Ryanair selling one way tickets.  Depends where in the US he is heading though.

Westin

If you are set on purchasing a return ticket then you need to look at booking an open return. These are however not typically sold online and a call to the airline might be necessary.

fifeken

Call the airline and explain what you want and why, and request they add a note to the booking that you will be entitled to one free date change, which you'll make once the flights on the return date open up.

You may incur a phone booking fee, and there may be a fare difference to pay, but you'll have the advantage of booking now and capturing the current price for the outbound.

If the first person you speak to won't do it, hang up and call again.