What is an 'open-dated ticket'? And how to buy one?

How an open-dated ticket works

An open-dated ticket allows you to purchase it in advance and then choose the desired departure date after purchase. Once you decide on your return time, you need to contact the airline and inform them of your planned departure date. It is advisable to specify the exact date two to three days before departure, as there may not be available flights on your desired date. Such is life.

What are the disadvantages of such a great option? The first is the cost. The fare for a single ticket is more expensive than a round-trip purchase, but it is often cheaper than two one-way bookings. The second is that a flight ticket can only be purchased at airline offices. Moreover, not every airline sells them.

Where to buy open-dated tickets

Currently, the following airlines sell open-dated tickets:

– Aeroflot,

– UTair,

– Ural Airlines,

– S7. 

Please note that you will need to call the airlines or visit their offices. Unfortunately, this type of booking is not available online. 

How long can you postpone your return

Now let's talk about the validity period of a return ticket with an open date. Each airline sets its own term, but on average, it "lives" from one month to one year. This means that within this period after arrival, you can book your return flight. 

We have already mentioned that you need to notify the airline of the specific day and month of your return. If there are no seats available on your desired flight, the nearest available one is usually offered. If the airline cannot fulfill your request, the validity period is extended. 

For example, your booking is valid until June 1, 2026. You contacted the airline and asked to book a seat for May 25. Unfortunately, there were no seats available, and the next available flight is only on June 10. In this case, you won't have to wait in line for this flight: the airline extends the ticket's validity until the next available flight, i.e., until June 10.

When to consider buying an open-dated ticket

Maybe you don't need it. Or maybe you definitely do. We'll tell you when it makes perfect sense to buy an open-dated ticket.

1. When the cost of two separate one-way bookings is higher.

2. When the cost of a round-trip booking with the option to change the day and month (and considering the penalty for such a change) is higher than the cost of such a ticket.

Important: some countries prohibit entry if you do not have a valid return ticket with a fixed day and month. In such a case, your option is to buy a round-trip ticket with the possibility to change the date. We wish you great trips!

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