There I was, all ready to buy my one-way ticket to Mongolia. I called earlier in the week to check on prices and put the ticket on hold. When I called back a few days later I spoke to a bit more knowledgeable agent than I had before and he revealed the wrench in my plans. Apparently, the flight from Chicago to Beijing on United was great–a direct flight arriving around 2:30 in the afternoon. The problem is that there is only one flight out of Beijing to Mongolia that l could connect to. That flight is operated by Mongolia’s national airline (MIAT). MIAT’s computer system isn’t compatible with airline booking systems in the U.S. so, although I can be issued a ticket, I won’t have a confirmation number or be anywhere in their system. I don’t want to take the chance that it will all work out once I arrive in Beijing.

There is a flight to Mongolia on China Air (or is that Air China?) at 9 in the morning. I don’t think Chinese officials will allow me to stay in the international terminal for 18 hours waiting for my flight. If I leave the international terminal or retrieve my luggage I will have to pass through customs and buy a transit visa. If I go through the trouble to get another visa (I will already need a double entry Chinese visa for the rest of my trip) and go into the city I might as well just take the train!

I am looking into the possibility of going through South Korea instead of Beijing. The flights are more expensive but Korea doesn’t require a visa for Americans so staying the night to connect isn’t a big deal. Plus, I’ve never been to Korea! I really would like to fly on United and pick up some frequent flyer miles. I’m as interested as you to find out how I’m going to get to Mongolia…