What is a round-trip flight?

When looking for a flight to book, the number of options can feel dizzying. If it's your first time booking flights on your own, you may be wondering whether it's better to book two one-way flights or a round-trip flight.

Here, we break down the basics of what you need to know about booking round-trip flights.

What is a round-trip flight?

A round-trip flight is an itinerary from one destination to another, with a flight back to the original destination.

Is a round-trip flight different from 2 one-way flights?

No, in terms of your itinerary.

A round-trip flight has both a departure and a return to the same departure city. A one-way flight is a single trip from one airport to another, with no return booked. However, if you book two one-way flights, you could create the same itinerary as a round-trip flight.

In the U.S., fares on two one-way flights typically cost the same as a round-trip flight on the same itinerary. However, on a small number of routes, airlines charge a premium for one-way bookings compared to the price they charge for a round trip. This is more common internationally, where round-trip flights can be a better value than two one-way trips. Budget carriers are a notable exception, typically offering one-way fares at the same price as a round-trip ticket.

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That means that if you book separate one-way flights, you'd most likely end up paying the same as, or even more than, a round-trip fare, depending on the route. Booking two separate one-way flights tends to be more expensive for international travel.

Can I book a round-trip flight to 1 city and then return home from another?

Yes, these flights are called open-jaw flights and show up as multicity itineraries on airlines' websites. An open-jaw flight could look like a flight from New York City to Paris and then another flight from Berlin back to New York City.

Typically, if you book such an itinerary as a round-trip flight rather than a set of one-way flights for each route, the round-trip itinerary ends up being the cheaper option.

Can I buy a round-trip flight with an open return?

No, not exactly. Instead, you can pick a date that's far enough out, book with an airline or cabin class that doesn't charge change fees, and reschedule your return once your plans are set. Alternatively, you can book a "flexible" fare, which is more expensive but generally allows easier changes.

Make sure you're familiar with an airline's change fee policy before booking an open return round-trip flight. For example, most airlines won't let you cancel or change basic economy tickets.

Should I book mileage or award tickets as 2 one-ways or a round trip?

It largely depends on the route. In some cases, you'll get better award availability if you book two one-way flights. In others, the taxes for two one-way award flights could end up being higher than what you'd pay for a round-trip itinerary.

However, in most cases nowadays, award tickets for two one-way flights and a round-trip flight tend to add up to the same number of miles. Just be sure to check both on an airline's website to ensure you're getting the best possible award availability.

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