Is a One-Way Flight Cheaper?

Quick answer

It depends on the airline and the route. Many domestic fares are priced per direction, so two one-ways cost about the same as a round trip; others still price round trips as a single fare unit. The only way to know for your route is to compare both, which is exactly what a live search does.

Why there is no universal answer

Airline pricing systems differ. On routes where carriers compete heavily, one-way fares are often competitive. On routes dominated by one carrier, the round-trip fare unit can still linger. Fares also change constantly, so a pattern that held last month may not hold this month.

When one-way tickets clearly make sense

• One-way road trips or cruises where you fly back differently
• Relocations and open-ended stays
• Mixed-airline returns, pairing the best outbound with the best return

How to compare fairly

Price the same trip both ways — two one-ways versus one round trip — on the same dates. An agent can run that comparison live and flag the fare rules attached to each option before you choose.

Continue reading

• How to Book a Flight by Phone

  A step-by-step look at what happens when you call Travofiy for booking assistance, and what to have ready before you dial.

• Can I Book a Flight by Phone?

  The short answer to whether you can book a domestic flight by phone, and what a call covers.