Why does one way tickets cost more than return tickets?

Question

I think its more but in some cases its not but its way more expensive to get 2 oneway than return

Answer 1

Booking round trip is always cheaper. Markets are set based on the idea that everyone goes round trip. Airlines make money on the last minute walk ups and one ways. Theoretically it should be cheaper one way, but thats not how it works. Most people book a round trip, so one way's is a way to gain extra revenue. Even if you dont plan on coming back, always book round trip. For one its cheaper and two it gives you the option to return if necessary with a year of purchase. You can also redeem any unused portion for travel plus or minus the difference of the fare and applicable change fee if it applies.

So, yes...always book round trip. When I had passengers come to buy a one way, Id always try to sell round trip because it was cheaper and they had a back up incase they needed to fly again with in a year.

If you are flying International, you can not leave the country with a one way ticket. You have to have a round trip. My cousin didnt know that and was going to New Zealand, he was detained in Los Angelos and had to buy a return before he could leave.

Answer 2

One ways generally cost more because airline routes are based on round trips. A flight crew may be based in an airline hub like Phoenix and all of their trips start and end in that city. So the airlines want to fill all of the seats BOTH WAYS. IN addition, most passengers want round trip tickets.

Answer 3

One way tickets do not always cost more than return tickets--it depends which routes and airlines you are considering.

Answer 4

That is the 60K Question. It never mad sense to me