Had a ticket voucher on an airline that only flies out west, the closest that airline could get me is to New York. If I booked a plane ticket right now it would be $100, but that ticket would incur very high change fees if I changed the return date. A open ended plane ticket would cost $900. I have looked into Greyhound and Amtrak and the hundred dollar airline fare beats them both hands down. Is planning your return date as simple as looking at your spreadsheet of your mileage and your days adding a week to it then booking your return flight? Since budget is such a huge factor does anyone have any suggestions? Extra zero days are a factor, as well as simply not having to worry about when I have to get back during the hike. How are you planning on making your return from either Springer or Katahdin? The gear is ready the finances are almost set, just have a few more things to do with final planning and then the thru hike will begin. Thanks for the advice.