Advantage One-way vs. Round trip ???

[VogelFamily]

Thanks in advance for your help. I am needing airfare from IND to MCO October 13- 20th or 21st. Would prefer fly home on Sunday but price difference significant. Most likely will use SWA. I have been watching the fares closely and last night the Sunday fare dropped but the outgoing flight on Saturday was now "unavailable". If I am lucky enough to catch the prices down again, is there any disadvantage to booking them seperately as a one-way? I would be happy to do this but as we really have very little experience with airfare, I need some input. I just don't think I can hold out for a DING. Patience is not my strongest virtue and waiting has really been a test for me. I don't mind paying a little more to go ahead and schedule for peace of mind but the fares have been all over the place. And the sales lately! More than the non-sale price the day before...................heather

 

[CarolA]

On Southwest there is no disadvantage and it makes it easier to change if you find a flight you like better.

On more trandational airlines (AA, Delta, NW, USAir etc) there generally is a signficant "price" discrepancy with one flights costing more then roundtrip.

 

[seashoreCM]

(Only?) Advantages of round trip booking:

1. When cheaper than one ways,

2. All or none, not being forced to book on a different airline at a higher fare because the desired return flight was unavailable after you booked the outgoing,

3. Only having to pay one change fee if you need to change both outgoing and return.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[I'mNoPrince]

SW is the only one that it's easier to change the One-ways then the roundtrips. SW flights are all One-ways but linked through a common confirm number to make it a RT.

If you have your a RT booked and you arrival flight goes down you may not be able to get that savings because now the departing flight might be higher or even not Avail. With the One-ways you just change what you need to.