student

I will be studying abroad this upcoming academic year in Germany. I intend to fly out of the Washington area in September and then return (once the second semester is done) in the end of July (2010). Is there any possibility that I could still book a round trip flight for a trip with such a long gap between departure and return flights? I would be prefer not to have to pay extra in paying for two one-way flights.

dfr4848

You should be able to. Our daughter studied in Greece last year (though only for fall semester). She went in Aug and since we knew when semester ended in Dec, got a return date with no problems.

In your situation, if you're not sure when you want to return you may be able to get an "open return" which for some airlines means it would have to be used within a year of purchase. Her initial tickets were on CO, but when they changed the return schedule it didn't work for her so we got full refund and she ended up on BA for both legs.

If you call the airlines should be able to answer your specific questions.

GoSox

End of July 2010 flights will not be available for purchase until early to mid August, depending on the date. You can purchase the round trip with a return that you will change, knowing it will cost you about $250 plus any fare difference. This may end up costing more than two one ways but before you go you need to know if the country you are entering requires proof - like an itinerary - that you have a ticket to return home. Try STA Travel - they specialize in student travel and have excellent rates.

clevelandbrown

Take a look at
http://www.statravel.com/

I've not used them, but they seem to be oriented toward your situation.

I would also contact the office at your parent school; they have certainly had to deal with this. I know my son got valuable information on travel and housing from his parent school.

Seamus

Maximum stay depends on the fare class you purchase. Some airlines may not let you book those dates online because they post future flights only about 11 months out; you would have to call to reserve. If that is the case and they want to charge you a phone booking fee, tell them that you would be willing to book online but their site does not allow it and they should waive the fee.
Another possibility is to see if you can book a round trip ticket with the return date open (again, probably not possible to do this online and may not be available in all fare classes.)
Keep in mind that if you buy now with a return flight booked it could change if the airline modifies their schedule. If that does happen and the new schedule does not work for you most airlines will allow a change with no penalty.

kybourbon

Most students use STA because they offer a very low price for changing your return flight date. You have to buy the ISIC card to book with them. When my daughter spent a semester in Madrid in 2006 I think the cost to change the return flight was $25.