Do you book one-way?

[alecam]

I need to book for March 3rd to March 6th. Right now the 6th is good for the return flight, but I don't want to book the arriving flight yet.

Has anyone here booked seperately and has anyone used two different airlines for their trip!?

Thanks for any info you might have!!

Alecam

 

[disneyag]

You can certainly do that, but realize that in post 9/11 times, your ticket will be flagged and you'll probably have to go through additional security.

 

[cranbiz]

I do that all the time. Because the low cost carriers sell all flight segments as one way, this type of behavior is common. I have never been flagged for extra security, but I always plan for it and arrive at the airport eaqrly when I do that.

If you purchase your tickets far enough in advance and don't make any last minute changes and belong to the airlines frequent flyer club, you will minimize the risk of additional screening (but not eliminate it)

 

[bavaria]

If you purchase your tickets far enough in advance and don't make any last minute changes and belong to the airlines frequent flyer club, you will minimize the risk of additional screening (but not eliminate it)

I beg to differ - I buy one ways ALL the time for work, and am elite/premier in a few programs. And yes, I do get extra screening pretty much every time, so I wouldn't say that the risk is minimized. (And I understand why and don't mind)

To the OP, yes, go ahead and buy two one-ways if you need to to get the lower fare - just be aware of the potential extra screening that may occur.

 

[cranbiz]

Note that I did not say that you would eliminate it, in fact I pointed it out.

I have told of my experiences and I have flown one ways on different airlines more than 6 times this year alone. Frequently Southwest one way and either jetBlue or Song on the return.

As I said, if you do this, you should plan on extra security screening, and allow time for it, but do not be shocked if you are not selected.

I do agree with you that I understand why the TSA would single out one way fares and yes, I do support the concept and appreciate this. However, this has not been my experience.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

On Aug. 5, the TSA released a document that detailed recommended changes in how the agency screens passengers. One of the recommendations

The memo also calls for a new formula to replace the set of computer-screening rules that select passengers for more scrutiny. Currently, the system commonly flags passengers who book one-way tickets or modify travel plans at the last minute. The new TSA plan would give TSA managers assigned to each major airport the authority to de-select a passenger who has been picked out by a computer system.

You can find more info on these changes in this article from the Washington Post dated 08/13/05. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/12/AR2005081201557.html