When it comes to booking flights, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Should I book a round-trip ticket or two one-way flights?” The answer isn’t always simple. Sometimes round-trip fares are cheaper, but other times booking one-way tickets — even with different airlines — can save you money.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between round-trip and one-way tickets, when each option makes sense, and how you can decide what’s best for your budget and travel plans.
What Is a Round-Trip Ticket?
A round-trip ticket means you’re buying both your departure flight and your return flight at the same time, on the same booking, and usually with the same airline.
Example:
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Outbound: London to Paris (June 10)
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Return: Paris to London (June 20)
This option is popular with holidaymakers and business travelers because it’s convenient and often comes with a discount when both flights are booked together.
What Is a One-Way Ticket?
A one-way ticket is just what it sounds like — a ticket that only gets you to your destination, with no return flight included.
Example:
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One-way: London to Paris (June 10)
If you want to come back, you’d need to book a second one-way ticket for the return trip.
Which Is Usually Cheaper?
Traditionally, round-trip tickets have been cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. Airlines often offer discounts for booking both legs of the journey with them.
But times have changed. With more low-cost airlines and flexible travel platforms, one-way tickets can sometimes offer better value, especially if you’re:
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Flying with different airlines
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Traveling to multiple cities
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Looking for greater flexibility
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Taking a longer or open-ended trip
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.
Pros of Round-Trip Tickets
1. Lower Cost (Usually)
Many full-service airlines offer round-trip discounts. The overall fare is often cheaper than two one-way tickets, especially on international routes.
2. Easier Booking Process
Booking a round-trip flight means less work — it’s all on one itinerary, with one confirmation number.
3. Better for Visa and Travel Requirements
Some countries require proof of a return ticket for entry. A round-trip ticket makes that simple.
Cons of Round-Trip Tickets
1. Less Flexibility
Changing your return date or time can be expensive. If your plans aren’t fixed, this might cost you later.
2. Locked to One Airline
You’re tied to one carrier for both legs, even if a different airline offers a cheaper or better-timed return flight.
Pros of One-Way Tickets
1. More Flexibility
You can mix and match airlines, travel dates, and even departure/arrival airports. Perfect for trips that aren’t set in stone.
2. Great for Multi-City Trips
If you’re traveling to more than one destination, booking several one-way flights can save time and money.
Example:
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London to Rome
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Rome to Athens
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Athens to London
Trying to book that as a round-trip would be difficult or expensive.
3. Better Deals on Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air often sell one-way tickets at super low prices — with no need for round-trip bookings.
Cons of One-Way Tickets
1. Can Be More Expensive (on Major Airlines)
Some international airlines still price one-way tickets at nearly the same cost as round-trips.
2. Extra Planning Needed
You’ll have to do more research, manage multiple bookings, and keep track of more flight details.
3. Visa Issues
If you’re traveling abroad, some countries may want to see proof you’re leaving. Without a return ticket, they may ask for extra documentation or deny entry.
Real-Life Example: Which Saves More?
Let’s say you’re flying from London to Barcelona.
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Round-trip with British Airways: £120
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One-way to Barcelona with Ryanair: £35
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One-way back to London with Vueling: £40
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Total for two one-way flights: £75
In this case, two one-way flights save you £45 and let you choose flight times that suit you better.
But on a long-haul flight like London to New York, it might look like this:
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Round-trip with Virgin Atlantic: £450
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One-way to New York: £400
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One-way back to London: £420
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Total for one-way tickets: £820
Here, the round-trip is clearly the smarter choice.
Tips to Save No Matter What You Choose
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Compare both options before booking. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner.
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Look at different airlines for outbound and return.
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Use price alerts to catch deals early.
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Fly midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper.
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Consider nearby airports – flying out of or into a different airport might save you more.
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Use trusted booking platforms – like Easyfares.uk – to find low fares without hidden fees.
Final Thoughts
So, which is better: round-trip or one-way?
It depends on your destination, travel plans, and flexibility. If you’re going on a short trip with fixed dates, round-trip is often simpler and cheaper. But if you’re planning a multi-stop adventure or want to choose different airlines for better prices or times, one-way tickets can give you the edge.
The key is to compare both options every time you book. What worked last month might not work next time — and that’s the secret to smart, budget-friendly travel.
Happy flying!
