Anyone else noticed?

[Lizziejane]

It's about $50 per person cheaper to book two one-way tickets, than to book a return flight? what's with that or am I looking at it wrong?

The only reason I even costed the difference out at all is that our flights down are in January - which are on sale with both AC and Westjet. But the return flight is in February, which is not on sale. So I'm deciding on whether or not to book the departing flight as one-way and then wait for the sale for the return flight.

And then two of our party are flying aeroplan miles on United - just to complicate it even further!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I noticed the opposite. I've had to go with two one-ways before for a family emergency in FLA and it costs 1 1/2 times what it would have for a round trip.

And I think you mean Air Miles not Aeroplan points.

 

[minnie56]

No-the OP could mean United. They are in the Star Alliance and often come up when redeeming Aeroplan as they route share with Air Canada..

 

[crashbb]

I have often found that, though occasionally I find the two one-ways to be more expensive.

When I looked carefully, I found that it was mainly due to the taxes/fees, which differ slightly. I *think* (it was been years since I looked) you didn't pay GST on the flight that originated in the US (i.e. the return flight) if booked as a one-way, though you paid GST on both flights if you bought a return ticket. I also believe that it is somehow tied to the currency exchange rate (though I don't remember how/why I think that).

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

No-the OP could mean United. They are in the Star Alliance and often come up when redeeming Aeroplan as they route share with Air Canada..

I guess so? It sounded like she was saying that they booked a flight through United itself on Aeroplan points.

 

[crashbb]

I guess so? It sounded like she was saying that they booked a flight through United itself on Aeroplan points.

She probably did. Air Canada and United are both part of Star Alliance. Aeroplan points can be used to book flights on any Star Alliance partner (and can also be collected by flying any Star Alliance airline). They do not have to be used on code share flights.

For example, I am flying to Vietnam on points. My flights between Tokyo and Vietnam are on ANA and definitely not codeshared with AC. So, the OP"s comment of flying AP miles on United makes total sense.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

Now back to you regularly scheduled thread. My apologies.

 

[minnie56]

 

[crashbb]

OP - I've done exactly what you are thinking of doing (booked the outgoing flight and waited for a sale for the return flight). Or booked one segment and waited to confirm dates for the second segment.

HOWEVER!!!

Only do this if you are sure that you are going to go on the trip. What if there never is a seat sale for your return flight? Will you still go on the trip? What if the price for your return trip goes up? Make sure that you won't be stuck with an outgoing flight ticket that you no longer want to use.

Also, any change/cancellation fees will now be doubled, since you have two bookings (rather than one).