When pricing out any trip, check both the one-way and round-trip ticket prices. Budget airlines such as Southwest tend to sell tickets a la carte, which means that there is no such thing as a true round-trip ticket – it’s simply two one-ways that happen to go in opposite directions, says IndependentTraveler.com. Legacy airlines such as American, as well as foreign-flagged airlines, are more likely to give discounts for round-trip tickets. International flights are especially likely to cost more when booked as one-way segments.
One-way flights provide increased flexibility for travelers who are uncertain of their travel dates. Most airlines charge change fees that range from $50 to $150 per leg, notes FareCompare.com. When comparing the costs of one-way versus round-trip tickets, include the cost of the change fee if you are not sure of your return date. Also note that many airlines allow a maximum 30-day stay when traveling on a round-trip ticket. If you plan on staying longer, one-way tickets might be your only choice. One-way tickets also allow you to shop around between airlines to find the best deal on each segment.
Sometimes promotions or market conditions make a round-trip ticket less expensive than a single one-way ticket. Some travelers take advantage of the discrepancy by buying a round-trip ticket and using only the portion they need. Although this is a common practice, it is strongly discouraged by the airline industry. The fine print in most airlines’ contract of carriage expressly prohibits the practice, says IndependentTraveler.com. Airline repercussions include boarding refusal and making the customer pay at the gate for the more expensive one-way ticket.
If you are traveling internationally, you might be required to present proof of onward travel when crossing the border into certain countries. If you arrive on a one-way ticket and cannot prove that you have a way to leave the country, you risk being denied entry. In some cases, a bus ticket or train ticket to another foreign country will suffice. Check with the embassy or consulate for the places you plan to visit well in advance of your trip. Within the United States, some car rental companies require an airline ticket or other proof of onward travel when renting a car with cash or a debit card rather than a credit card.
