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Comments (17)
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Save/ShareThe Rumor: You can save money on flights to Las Vegas by purchasing two separate one-way tickets instead of one roundtrip ticket.
The Investigation: Using Kayak, I searched for one-way and roundtrip flights from six major cities (New York, Chicago, Seattle, Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles) to Las Vegas. I arbitrarily chose September 24 as the departure date and September 27th as the return date.
The Results: A dollar here and a dollar there. The costs of two one-way tickets and one roundtrip ticket to Las Vegas were almost identical for each of the six cities. The largest savings using this two-ticket technique was $3, by booking two one-way tickets from New York City. While there are certainly exceptions to every rule, this is one rule that has proven hard to break.
The Alternatives: For Vegas deals, look directly from airline websites for the cheapest fares. Remember that Southwest's fares don't show up in ticket searches by major travel agencies like Expedia. (Search directly on southwest.com for those.) Being flexible in your travel dates might do the trick, too.
The Shout-out: What are your secrets for getting cheap fares to Vegas?
—Emily Liftman
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I think it is more common for people to believe that an entire round trip can be had for less than a one way ticket.
Posted By Iolaire McFadden on July 20, 2010, 3:09 PM
Is this more likely with international trips?
Posted By Broke Traveler on July 20, 2010, 4:33 PM
I worked in RTW ticket sales for years and was an account manager at STA Travel.
In general, a O/W ticket was approx 60% of the price for the comparable RT ticket. But that is your multi-stop RTW ticket.
Simple journeys stated above are harder to measure.
Depends on booking class available, departure tax etc from the airport / country in question and cost of said airport slot to the airline.
Posted By Oliver - I Wish Gap Year on July 20, 2010, 6:25 PM
What I've found to be true sometimes is that using two one ways gives me more control over departure times - like combining American and Jet Blue flights.
Posted By steph on July 21, 2010, 3:10 AM
Yeah, a back and forth ticket is much cheaper than a one way ticket! the comments are of real help!
Thanks for the post!
Posted By Vacation Ideas on July 22, 2010, 4:26 AM
I worked for the airlines for years and now i am constantly searching for airfares for myself, family and friends. i think there is no sure formula for which is better. there are so many factors involved in pricing that change hourly (airlines have computer programs that monitor every route) - supply and demand, group travel, tour operators, consolidator pricing, competition, among some of the factors.i have on occasion booked separate 1 way fares and have saved a ton but it is more the exception than the general rule.
Posted By toobusy2 on July 22, 2010, 10:36 AM
It also helps to book a hotel with it(flight/hotel package). I have found this SUBSTANTIALLY reduces the cost of a trip to Vegas. Especially during the summer.
Posted By Linda on July 22, 2010, 1:58 PM
I just saved 300 dollars by booking 2 one way tickets to Europe -- flying to Croatia and back from Poland. I was getting anxiety about having to fly to one country and return from another.. by doing it myself and booking the exact dates I wanted, it turned out better and cheaper than an agent could get me.
Posted By jana on July 22, 2010, 3:00 PM
I frequently use 2 one ways instead of a round trip. Usually it is to obtain better arrival/departure times. Generally the cost difference is minimal, well worth the $5-$10 to get better flights.
Posted By Terry Harmon on July 22, 2010, 5:13 PM
I fly out of the nearest airport (South Bend) with Allegiant flights to Las Vegas. The prices are much cheaper than any others.
Posted By Susan Mellott on July 22, 2010, 6:49 PM
Beware of using 2 different carriers! If you need to cancel/reschedule, you will incur TWO penalties for changing fares. If your trip is round trip on one carrier & you need to cancel, you incur only ONE change penalty.
Posted By BeachBlum on July 22, 2010, 9:17 PM
Upon my experience working for a vacations department for a major airline, I have done my fair share of searching for airline tickets one way vs. round trip and airline tickets with hotel and I can say that looking at the option to book with a hotel included is the way to go. Look directly at the airlines' vacation packages when shopping around. Most of these vacation departments can save you significantly by booking both (airline/hotel) together as they have directly negotiated special rates with the hotels. Some hotels will offer perks that are exclusive to booking with that airline, too. Even though I am no longer employed with that airline, I still regularly look at what specials they're offering for Vegas.
Another tip ... ask what first class vs. coach is. Sometimes it's only a few dollars more and when you don't have to pay bag fees in first class it can save you even more in the long run!
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