I will never, ever, understand the US airlines pricing structure. Conventional wisdom (dangerous concept, really) has held that two one-way tickets are more expensive. (SWest is the exception). Needed to be in Vancouver this summer and have been following the prices -- high to very high. Since I was under 60 days, thought I need to get serious before the price went even higher. Playing with various options and wanting a direct flight - United was my only choice. Current fares were hanging around $550 for early June. On a whim I priced one-way tickets in on a Sunday and home on a Tues ten days later, I suddenly saw one-way fares for just under $200. So I booked them. Saved a bit over $150/person with two one-ways. The exact same schedule as a RT tickets with $559. Go figure !!!
Posted by
Lockport, IL
121 posts
Good to know - thanks for sharing!
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Airline math -- they always keep you guessing and there is no right answer.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7889 posts
I don't know the situation today, but in the years just after 9/11, a one-way ticket was often a trigger for additional security screening. As long as you have left extra time for long lines anyway, that shouldn't be a problem. Please report after your trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
Is that on Alaska Airlines? They were having a sale, but that shouldn’t have made one-ways less than RT for the same flights.
Posted by
OP
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
That is true but often that additional security was at the gate prior to boarding. I haven't seen that in years. It was silly. Supposedly the 9/11 folks all have one way business class tickets but once that info was out, no self-respecting hijacker would purchase a one way ticket. Another supposedly tip off was no or very little luggage and not checking anything.
No, Lola, it was United.