One-Way vs. Round-Trip Flights: Which Should You Book?

When round-trip tends to make sense

Full-service carriers often price round-trip itineraries efficiently when both directions are booked together, and a single round-trip booking can simplify changes and cancellations since it's one reservation.

When two one-ways can work in your favor

On routes served by multiple airlines, pricing out two separate one-way tickets — potentially on different carriers — sometimes beats a round-trip fare, especially on routes with strong low-cost-carrier competition.

What to check either way

Compare the total cost including any fees for your specific needs (bags, seat selection) rather than comparing base fares alone, since a cheaper one-way total can be offset by add-on costs.