Holiday travelers save by booking separate one-way tickets
With holiday airfares reaching high levels, booking two separate one-way tickets can sometimes cost less than a traditional round-trip itinerary. This strategy, known as "hacker fares," allows travelers to potentially save significant money by combining different airlines or routes.
What happened
Travel experts suggest that the common assumption that round-trip tickets are always the best deal may no longer hold true for the upcoming holiday season. KAYAK identifies these savings opportunities as "hacker fares," which occur when the combined price of two one-way tickets is lower than the price of a single round-trip booking. This method can involve using different airlines for the outbound and return journeys, or even utilizing different airports in larger cities.
For example, the average one-way fare to Washington, D.C., is reported at $153, making two separate tickets cost approximately $306. In contrast, the average round-trip fare for the same route is $428, resulting in a difference of $122. Kayla DeLoache, a travel trends expert with KAYAK, noted that savings of up to 30% are possible on certain routes, such as trips to St. Maarten, Costa Rica, and Aruba.
this approach comes with potential complications. Travelers may need to manage separate reservations, airline applications, and baggage policies for each ticket. If one flight is delayed or canceled, the lack of a single ticket covering the entire journey can create additional logistical challenges, especially when the flights are operated by different carriers.
What it means for travelers
Consumers facing high airfare should compare the cost of two one-way fares against round-trip prices before finalizing their purchases. DeLoache recommends playing around with flexibility regarding travel dates and booking methods to find the best deal. Alongside checking one-way fares, travelers can set airfare alerts and avoid the busiest holiday travel days to secure lower prices.
The bottom line is that a few extra minutes spent on comparison shopping could leave more money in a traveler’s pocket. By rethinking basic booking assumptions, passengers can mitigate the impact of sky-high costs, with some flights costing $500 or more, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods.
Key details
- Hacker fares occur when two one-way tickets are cheaper than a round-trip itinerary
- Savings of up to 30% are possible on routes to St. Maarten, Costa Rica, and Aruba
- Average one-way fare to Washington, D.C. is $153, while round-trip averages $428
- Separate tickets may involve different airlines, airports, and baggage policies
- Travelers should check airfare alerts and remain flexible with dates to save money
