I need to change an existing return flight ticket to an open return.Can I do it since my travel plans changed?

I came over from South Africa on a return flight ticket.I do not plan to return there for about 2-3 years.Will I forfeit the money or can I change it.


Answer 1 :
Not for two years later, No. How much you paid will have a bearing on the conditions - the validity - of the ticket. Cheapest have usually a three month (sometimes 1 month) validity, next up, six months and next up 1 year. 1 year, from the date of the first flight is the best you can hope for. Normally, the only ticket you can get open is what is known as a full economy ticket or what is just under full economy
ticket, which is an expensive toy (and valid for one year). So, if you came over on a three month ticket, then you may be able to change the return, but only within that 3 month period. You should take the ticket to the office of the airline you bought the thing from and get them to verify what you can and cannot do with it. Do not part with the ticket and (please) only go to the airline office.



Answer 2 :
NOT POSSIBLE, airline tickets are valid for a maximum 12 months only on all IATA published fares. all tickets bought exceeding that period are basically the merging of two one way tickets. This is very expensive and you'd be better off buying a new ticket altogether.
Sorry to put a downer on it but I work for a on the ticket desk of a major UK based airline and deal with this stuff on a daily basis, so kinda know what i'm talking about.




Answer 3 :
Depends on the fare restrictions on the ticket, tho i very much doubt that any airline will let you leave it open ended up to 3 years, it would propbably be cheaper in the long run to purchase a new one.




Answer 4 :
You will need to speak to the airline. Different airlines have different policies and the tickets you purchased will also have an influence. However, I have never encountered a return ticket being valid for more than a year i.e. have never encountered an airline that allows return tickets to be used beyond a year. I think you may have lost your money.