Anyone Book One Ways for Cheaper Flights?

[jackal]

I'm wondering if anyone has booked one way instead of roundtrip for cheaper flights? Is there something I should know or is it pretty straight forward?

Our SW flight is cheaper going down to Florida, but coming back (even with the bag fee) Airtran is cheaper. So I was going to book SW down and Airtran back.

Any tips??

 

[Donaldswife]

I'm wondering if anyone has booked one way instead of roundtrip for cheaper flights? Is there something I should know or is it pretty straight forward?

Our SW flight is cheaper going down to Florida, but coming back (even with the bag fee) Airtran is cheaper. So I was going to book SW down and Airtran back.

Any tips??

I have done this before and am doing it again in March. Price was pretty close, but the flight times one way were better on Airtran and the other way better on Southwest. It was easy and no extra problems, issues that I had doing it that way.

 

[tink1969]

Yes, I have done the same thing. If it saves me money, why not?

I departed on AirTran out of Buffalo and flew back with SW. No problems at all!

 

[Jestocost]

It's been getting more and more common in recent years. Used to be that discounted fares almost always required a round trip purchase, but that's frequently not the case any more.

The only possible issue with doing it using two different airlines is if there is some kind of problem with the flight getting you to MCO that results in you cancelling your trip. The airline going down may allow you to cancel or reschedule with no charge or penalty, but the airline for your return trip might not do so. If you had booked as a round trip or even both directions with the same airline they likely would work with you on the return trip too (and SWA always allows you to change flights and charges or credits the fare differential without a change fee). This would be a very rare occurrence, however.

 

[jackal]

Thanks for your responses! I knew you guys would know. I was a little hesitant doing it but it can save me quite a bit of money, so I will go for it. I know SW is good about changes, Airtran - not so much. So hopefully, we have no glitches! Thanks again!

 

[Lewisc]

On the news this morning. Some airlines (didn't say which ones) are only giving a credit (less the change fee) if you don't get to your destination and as a result don't take your return flight.

I suspect the issue is with passengers who book a different airline for the return.