Crew Wanted: How to Plan Airfaire Home

[Rucksta]

Round the world open air ticket with multiple stops.
More stops more $
Travel is in one direction, does not have to be continuous and may include domestic legs depending on the carrier and partner arrangements.

3 or 5 stops was always the best deal.

[desertsailor]

"I have an opportunity to help reposition a Cat from Galapagos to Tahiti. The opportunity is very exciting, but I am unsure how other crew plan for airfare home. The flight back to Colorado from Tahiti is spendy....."

Several years ago I helped crew on a sailboat traveling from Panama to San Diego. At that time the advice was to have some proof that you had a means of leaving the country, Panama. I carried the crew list, signed by the skipper, which had our names and passport info. Panamanian customs at the airport allowed me through without asking any information about my departure. But certainly helps to have documentation, just in case.

[El Pinguino]

Yes , helps to have a bit of paper. I've only had to show something once, at Sydney NSW. Offered a spanish language aduana document that he couldn't read anyway.

Island states tend to be fussy about letting you in. Tonga f'rinstance requires a document from the local consulate.

I've never had a problem getting into Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, or Ecuador without a ticket out. In as much as no-one has ever said 'show us your ticket home'.

[Tetepare]

Yes the Pacific islands are those most demanding of an onward ticket, particularly Solomons and Tahiti. AUS has also asked for my ticket. In many cases (except Tahiti) they pretty much target those who look like they may be lax with immigration laws and are short on cash. That is though when arriving by air. I doubt they’d force it for crew since boats move along, crew with them, with no intention of flying anywhere.

It’s unlikely you’ll get a cheap last minute ticket from Papeete to California. Those flights tend to be packed.

The cash bond idea as said you’ll get francs back, which are then pretty much useless unless you intend to spend $2000 in the airport.

Since you KNOW you’ll be returning, and not just spoofing the system, buy the ticket well ahead like I said before. If you have time, fly back through Hawaii.

I love RTW tickets but you have to have a continuous and full circle. Can’t fly to CA and show up in Tahiti.

[nmccubbin]

I have been burned by Jet Blue gate agents refusing boarding, although I had letter from skipper, boat papers etc.
I had to buy a full fare return at 0550 to board the plane, which cost me about $50 because I was in the US and have a Canadian card. Buying and refund generated charges.
I called Jet Blue prior to next similar flight, and they would only say it is at the gate agent's discretion. Bloody unreasonable. I have never flown Jet Blue since, and will avoid if possible.
Most times, no issue. However a fully refundable ticket is a safe tool. When you want to fly, book best deal available and get the refund, if appropriate

[desertsailor]

Wow. Never thought that airline gate agents would be enforcing a country's entry requirements. Always thought that was the responsibility of the customs/border agent of the country you wish to enter. Lesson learned.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by desertsailor

Wow. Never thought that airline gate agents would be enforcing a country's entry requirements. Always thought that was the responsibility of the customs/border agent of the country you wish to enter. Lesson learned.

If you are refused entry by immigration at your destination it is the airline's responsibility to take you back whence you came and if that country doesn't let you back in the airline is stuck with you.

So the airlines are an unwilling partner in the checking of your paperwork.

Try flying from one country via the US to a third country that has strict entry rules in place due to covid. Especially when you have some forms on your phone, others on your laptop and a couple more bits of paper in your backpack..