One-way tickets are also handy for “open-jaw” style trips, when you fly into one city and home from another. For example, you might fly into London and home from Paris after taking the train between them. Low-cost airlines usually price each direction separately, so one-way tickets on them work just like halves of a return. On some long-haul routes, though, full-service airlines may price one-way tickets higher. Always compare a return ticket, two one-ways and a multi-city booking for the same dates before you decide.
About one-way flights
Flying just one direction can suit moving abroad, open-ended trips, or combining different airlines for each leg.
Tips
- Compare a one-way fare with a round trip; on some routes a return can cost similar to a one-way.
- Some countries ask for proof of onward travel on arrival; check entry rules.
- Two one-way tickets on different airlines give flexibility but no protection if one is delayed.
How to search well
Use the search form above and select the trip type that matches your plans. Try nearby airports and flexible dates, then sort and filter the results by stops, times and airlines. When you find a good option, check the full fare details before booking, including baggage, seat selection and changes, so there are no surprises later.
How to compare fares fairly
The first price you see is rarely the whole story. Before you choose, add the extras you actually need, such as a checked bag, a seat together if you are travelling as a family, and any change or cancellation flexibility. A fare that looks lower can end up costing more once those are added, while a slightly higher fare that includes a bag may be the better deal. Compare the total for your whole party, and check the connection time and airport on every itinerary, not just the price.
Flexibility is the most reliable money-saver. If your dates can move by a day or two, use the calendar view in the search results to see how prices change across the week. Flying midweek or at less popular times of day often helps. Setting a price alert and booking once a fare falls inside your budget is calmer, and usually smarter, than checking every few hours.
Before you book: documents and rules
Check that your passport is valid for the whole trip (many countries ask for six months beyond your return date), and look up visa or electronic travel authorisation rules on the official government website of every country you will enter, including any you only connect through. Baggage allowances differ by airline and fare type, so read our baggage rules guide and pack using our travel checklist.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee prices?
No. Prices are shown only by our partner’s live search and can change.
Where are searches handled?
By our partner. We do not store your searches.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Flight times and airport details are approximate and for general planning; schedules, airlines and rules change, so always confirm with the airline, airport or official government sites before you travel. Airline and airport names are used only to describe routes; we are not affiliated with them. See all Live Earth & Space tools and our credits page.