Where to buy tickets, one way travel

[Pauldo]

I'm sure I've read something on this before, but now I can't find it.

Well, assuming all goes to plan, I will (begrudgingly) have to fly to the warm and sunny Philippines in the near future to collect my mum in law, to bring back to the UK. I shall buy a return ticket for myself, UK/MNL/UK, but what is the best way to buy her ticket MNL/UK?

If I try to buy hers once I have arrived in the PI, then there is always the chance I can't get her a seat on the same plane I will be booked on. So, can I book and buy her ticket, one way from MNL, from the same place I buy mine in England? Is it possible? Legal? Practical?

Or should I just take the chance and see what is available when I get there.

Thanks, Paul

[Admin]

As far as I know, as long as the credit card holder is present, it's OK. Probably best to call the airline though, they're usually as helpful as a brick.....

[deepete]

Ive once sent the money over for a relative to buy their own ticket in the P.I. but it was expensive, also it was a return. On all other occasions I`ve done all the work from this end through a bucket shop ( you will have to ring around) or Crystal Travel. Then the ticket is either picked up at the airline desk or a travel agent in Manila they have a link with.

Once brought my daughter back from Africa on a single ticket with the above arrangement.(Blantyre not Manila)

If you buy your ticket from the same place I suppose you could take her ticket with you.

We probably have the best prices here in London for tickets.

If there is a problem then buy an open return and book hers in Manila on a date you to suit both of you, it may be as expensive plus some than yours though.

Regards
Peter

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by deepete@Oct 28 2005, 12:48 PM
Ive once sent the money over for a relative to buy their own ticket in the P.I. but it was expensive, also it was a return. On all other occasions I`ve done all the work from this end through a bucket shop ( you will have to ring around) or Crystal Travel. Then the ticket is either picked up at the airline desk or a travel agent in Manila they have a link with.

Once brought my daughter back from Africa on a single ticket with the above arrangement.(Blantyre not Manila)

If you buy your ticket from the same place I suppose you could take her ticket with you.

We probably have the best prices here in London for tickets.

If there is a problem then buy an open return and book hers in Manila on a date you to suit both of you, it may be as expensive plus some than yours though.

Regards
Peter
Quoted post


Whoops, I usually get back to posts I've made enquires on. Common courtesy, thanks etc. Must have been in an ignorant mood that day :huh: :D

Anyways, I've been looking into tickets from Travelocity, to get to the PI and back, with mom in law in tow, late December, early January. Seems the only thing available is Emirates, for £630.

That leaves UK on New Years eve. I'd like to have gone a day earlier so I could experience the annual start of world war three firework show in the PI :D Only been there a couple of time on New Year, and it was pretty awesome.

Flying any earlier bumps the prices to £1000+ !!

Should be coming back on the 7th, so we'll be back in time for the wife starting University on the 9th.

Just called the wife to get her to make enquiries at Travelocity about getting the one way ticket from Manila.

I'm stuck mid-atlantic at the moment, weather is abysmal, knocking us about all over the show. We should be in the Bahamas by Sunday, if we don't sink beforehand.

Travelocity web page tell me I can make a reservation on line, so I did do, but it only last for 2 1/2 hours, then it is cancelled :o :huh:

[walesrob]

Originally posted by Pauldo@Oct 27 2005, 11:45 PM
I'm sure I've read something on this before, but now I can't find it.

Well, assuming all goes to plan, I will (begrudgingly) have to fly to the warm and sunny Philippines in the near future to collect my mum in law, to bring back to the UK. I shall buy a return ticket for myself, UK/MNL/UK, but what is the best way to buy her ticket MNL/UK?

If I try to buy hers once I have arrived in the PI, then there is always the chance I can't get her a seat on the same plane I will be booked on. So, can I book and buy her ticket, one way from MNL, from the same place I buy mine in England? Is it possible? Legal? Practical?

Or should I just take the chance and see what is available when I get there.

Thanks, Paul
Quoted post


Let me tell you what I did when Elsa got a one-way to HOng Kong from Manila in February. This will only work if your either near to a major international airport - ie Heathrow, Gatwick Manchester or near a Cathay Pacific office.

I bought her the e-ticket on-line at cathaypacific.com (make sure its issued in Manila to avoid that extra tax). They charged my credit card, but warned me that so she can travel, I must be present with her at the airport to show my credit card.

I spoke to a very kind person at Cathay HQ in HongKong (cost me a few £s) and she said that as long as your credit card is shown to staff at Cathay customer service desk in Heathrow T3 (or any Cathay office in UK), they can then message Manila Airport that the flight is confirmed, ID has been shown and confirmed, and the passenger can board without any more ID checks or security checks for the e-ticket.

All I had to do was email a copy of the eticket to Elsa, she printed it out, and there she was sometime later in Hong Kong. Try that Paul, but get confirmation first, as this may have changed.

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by walesrob@Nov 30 2005, 11:51 PM
Let me tell you what I did when Elsa got a one-way to HOng Kong from Manila in February. This will only work if your either near to a major international airport - ie Heathrow, Gatwick Manchester or near a Cathay Pacific office.

I bought her the e-ticket on-line at cathaypacific.com (make sure its issued in Manila to avoid that extra tax). They charged my credit card, but warned me that so she can travel, I must be present with her at the airport to show my credit card.

I spoke to a very kind person at Cathay HQ in HongKong (cost me a few £s) and she said that as long as your credit card is shown to staff at Cathay customer service desk in Heathrow T3 (or any Cathay office in UK), they can then message Manila Airport that the flight is confirmed, ID has been shown and confirmed, and the passenger can board without any more ID checks or security checks for the e-ticket.

All I had to do was email a copy of the eticket to Elsa, she printed it out, and there she was sometime later in Hong Kong. Try that Paul, but get confirmation first, as this may have changed.
Quoted post


Rob,
Strange, but I've only ever had to show my credit card with E tickets when I'm trying to do that auto-check-in thing with BA. Usually the airline just want a passport to prove ID. I shall be travelling back with her anyway, so I hope there won't be any problems.

All will be revealed in the morning, when the wife calls Travelocity. Just got to hope somebody else doesn't snaffle the last few available seats overnight, else the price just gets higher and higher :( :(

[deepete]

Just had this response for a fare enquiry buying a return ticket in Manila,

As per your request, please find the following details:

Route: MANILA/LONDON/MANILA
EMIRATES AIRLINES (EK)
Airfare : US$985.00 (6 months valid)
Country Tax : US$80.00
War Risk Tax : US$100.00

Philippine Travel Tax: PHP1620.00

LUFTHANSA AIRLINES (LH)
Airfare : US$1035.00 (6 months valid)
Country Tax : US$88.00
War Risk Tax : US$145.00

Philippine Travel Tax: PHP1620.00

GULF AIR (GF)
Airfare : US$839.00 (1 year valid)
Country Tax : US$61.00
War Risk Tax : US$60.00

Philippine Travel Tax: PHP1620.00

BRITISH AIRWAYS (BA)
Airfare : US$885.00 (6 Months Valid: Effective 31MAR06 departure)
Country Tax : US$70.00
War Risk Tax : US$182.00

Philippine Travel Tax: PHP1620.00

CATHAY PACIFIC (CX)
Airfare : US$935.00 1 Year Valid: until 30 JUNE 2006)
Country Tax : US$ 70.00
War Risk Tax : US$133.00
Phil. Travel Tax : PHP1,620.00

Philippine peso conversion against U.S. dollar will be based on the prevailing airline exchange rate on the day booking is finalized. Airline rate today is US$1.00 = PHP52.25. All rates are subject to change without prior notice.

If you have any questions, please let us know.


Didnt know about the war risk tax but strange that BA has the dearest tax and Gulf air the cheapest. It seems the europeans have more risk than the middle eastern airlines. Not bad fares though.

Peter

[walesrob]

Jeez, a War Risk Tax?? - never heard of that one - maybe it only applies to Americans?

I just did a quick search on lastminute.com using a sample date of 11/03 till 12/06:

Price: £476.04 per adult inc. tax & fees
Outbound 11/03/2006
QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR AIRWAYS From: HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) Depart: 20:30 11/03/2006
Economy To: MANILA INTERNATIONAL (MNL) Arrive: 04:30 13/03/2006
Flight no: QR2/QR644 Indirect flight 1 STOP - click for details

Inbound 12/06/2006
QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR AIRWAYS From: MANILA INTERNATIONAL (MNL) Depart: 06:30 12/06/2006
Economy To: HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) Arrive: 17:55 12/06/2006
Flight no: QR645/QR1 Indirect flight 1 STOP - click for details

I would highly recommend Qatar. The same flight is £473 on expedia.co.uk
Singapore airlines as well have a special over at Expedia - more expensive but you do connect in what is one of the best airports in the world - Changi

£558.90 Expedia Special Fare
18:15 Depart London (LHR)
Arrive Manila (MNL) 20:35 tip+1 day Fri 10-Mar
Duration: 18hr 20min
Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines 319 / 76
Connect in Singapore (Changi)

08:20 Depart Manila (MNL)
Arrive London (LHR) 19:10 Thu 8-Jun
Duration: 17hr 50min
Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines 71 / 320
Connect in Singapore (Changi)

HTH

[deepete]

Did last minute give you a quote for Mnl-Lon-Mnl as i have had trouble getting quotes off the big sites for flying that direction

Just did last minute.com, cheapest was £834 on your dates. my dates of 23-3-06 for six months was £956

I dont mind who he flies with, but i cant find the Qatar price you quoted

[Eljohno]

Another option to look at is KLM which flys from from Manila to Amsterdam. I was looking a quote from them in case my wife had to travel alone i could meet her in Amsterdam and fly back using Easyjet.

I think for the return trip they were looking around £570..

I had the idea of bringing my wife back that way and flying on to Dublin which was over £700 and maybe i can miss having to take my wife through London..


John

[walesrob]

Originally posted by deepete@Feb 23 2006, 01:48 PM
Did last minute give you a quote for Mnl-Lon-Mnl as i have had trouble getting quotes off the big sites for flying that direction

Just did last minute.com, cheapest was £834 on your dates. my dates of 23-3-06 for six months was £956

I dont mind who he flies with, but i cant find the Qatar price you quoted
Quoted post


Ah sorry, I didnt realise it was MNL-LON-MNL :Doh:

A quick check on Expedia again (lastminute.com, wont allow departing destinations outside UK?) comes up with this little gem:

£485.40
15:50 Depart Manila (MNL)
Arrive London (LGW) 05:55 +1 day Sat 11-Mar
Duration: 22hr 5min Etihad Airways 428 / 307
Connect in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Intl.)

11:00 Depart London (LGW)
Arrive Manila (MNL) 14:05 +1 day Thu 15-Jun
Duration: 19hr 5min Etihad Airways 308 / 427
Connect in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Intl.)


Then next on the list:

£874.10
10:00 Depart Manila (MNL)
Arrive London (LHR) 19:15 Sat 11-Mar
Duration: 17hr 15min KLM 804 / 1027
Connect in Amsterdam (AMS)

09:55 Depart London (LHR)
Arrive Manila (MNL) 08:45 +1 day Thu 15-Jun
Duration: 14hr 50min KLM 1008 / 803
Connect in Amsterdam (AMS)

If I were you, I'd got for the first one before it sells out!

[deepete]

Rob

My B-I-L takes an exam on 20th March so cant fly until after that. Checked out that site, the price shoots up to £953, wasnt a good connection though with a long stopover.

thanks for your suggestions.

Will have a look at KLM John as I may be able to get him to fly into London City airport, that would be great, wonder what the immigration controls are like there.

The best choice maybe booking using the Manila agency though as their prices work out to about £560 with Gulf air

Thanks

Peter