change flight when return from Europe

[lh]

Potentially, I might need to change return flight time when traveling to Europe.

I can get quite cheap fares from AA. I read the fare rules, which mentioned "$200 + price difference" for changing flight. My question is, how this "price difference" decided? If I book a round-trip today, the difference between two flight back time is about $50. (RT ticket price is around $900.) However, when checked one-way ticket, the return trip costs about $3000! So, am I supposed to pay $200 + ($3000-$900) if change my flight during the trip?

Who knows the answer? Who has the experience of international flight change?

Thanks a lot!
LH

[politicslovr]

If I were in that situation, I would call the airline and ask someone about the fare. Best of luck to you - happy travels.

[wilson49332]

It depends on airline, but AA is one of the better ones at changing. So, I dont think this will be the case no. It will most likely only cost you 200 bucks and thats it. You will be best getting a flight close to the same time as before though and close to the same day of week. They mean that if you change from a Wednesday to Saturday(now peak day), they charge more. Etc. But im sure you wont be charged more then 200.

[lh]

what traveling documents needed when entering Germany or France, I have a Schengen visa. Do they need all the hotel reservations? Train tickets? (I was planning to be flexible for the trip. Don't want to get everything fixed before going.)

Thanks!

[politicslovr]

Travel Documents

That depends on what citizenship(s) you hold and how long you will be there. I know that France only requires a passport if you have a US Passport and will be there for less than 90 days. Germany probably has a similar policy. If you reply with more details, I could help you find specific information for your specific case. If you have a Schengen visa, you should be good for France and Germany as long as your visa is valid.

Hotel Reservations

That depends on WHERE/WHEN in France/Germany you are planning to visit. Some areas are simply busier than others. For example, if you were visiting Avignon, France during July, I would tell you to book your hotel reservations 6 months in advance because they have a world famous festival during that time. Visit any other month and you could reserve a bed with only a week's notice.

Train Tickets

If you value flexibility and plan on taking 3+ round trips on the train, I would suggest in investing in a Rail Pass. You can learn more about those here -> [link] You should choose one that best fits your probable itinerary.

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[wilson49332]

Yes, that really depends on your what nationality you are. Citizens of the US dont even need a visa if under 90 days. But in all honesty, unless your from the middle east etc, you wont need any kind of proof of where your staying etc if there just as a tourist. Now if you plan to go to study or to work, thats a different story.

[lh]

Thank you for the reply. I should be more specific -- I have the tendency to think everybody knows what I know :o

My plan is to tour France and Germany for almost 2 weeks in Fall. I am a Chinese. I got my Schengen visa from German Consulate as I only plan to spend 4 or 5 days in Paris, the rest in Germany. I am going to fly into Paris then fly back from Germany. I am wondering if I need to show French border entry people my train tickets and hotel reservations. (It appears plenty hotels available during the time I plan to travel; so I don't want to fix all the dates.)

Thanks!

[wilson49332]

You may want to have a printed copy of a reservation ready for the airport gaurds in Paris for the 4 to 5 days your there. I dont see any reason however why they would absolutely require it. Other then that, once you are accepted into France with that visa, Germany cannot decline your border crossing. (They wont even check your passport if you are driving, and may not check it if your on a train). The one visa is good from both countries. Hope that helps.

[UA895]