[bigsombrero]

Hello folks,

I have seen a lot on the internet about this, however this forum seems like an okay place to raise this question as well.

I want to purchase a one-way ticket to Guatemala in the near future. I'm definitely going to return to the USA within a month or two, but due to flexibility and an open-ended work schedule, I'm not interested in paying the full round-trip price plus the change-ticket fee (likely an extra $400 or so).

I've tried this once before, and I was told at the O'Hare ticket counter that I needed to purchase a return ticket in order to board the flight (this was to Costa Rica about 3 years ago). I understand why an airline would WANT you to have a return flight, and I also understand why the Guatemalan immigration service would want to see a proof-of-exit. But why does Delta, United, etc get to tell me I cannot leave the country?

I was thinking about purchasing a bus ticket from Guatemala City to Honduras or something - a "proof of exit" purchase to satisfy the Guatemalan authorities. Will that suffice? I am fearful it will not, and I will be forced to purchase a return ticket at the gate in ORD before I'm able to board the flight. I am not checking bags - can I just print my e-boarding pass at a kiosk and go right through? So many scenarios and I want to be prepared!

What can I do? How can I purchase a one-way ticket to Guatemala and not be hassled and overcharged? I am not "fleeing" the USA - I live there and of course I'll come back!