Return vs single flight prices

Charisteas

Semi-related to the various airlines price of flights to America (but in my case, South America), does anyone know why it is common to find single flight tickets more expensive than return tickets?

I only reason I can think of is that it is something to do with immigration in the country visiting needing assurances about your intent to return home, thus having already paid for a return ticket, but then again why would the airline care about that.

And what would happen if I bought a return ticket but didn't use the return leg, instead choosing to return at a different date, would the airline charge me?

BuffyBot

Charisteas wrote: »

Semi-related to the various airlines price of flights to America (but in my case, South America), does anyone know why it is common to find single flight tickets more expensive than return tickets?

I only reason I can think of is that it is something to do with immigration in the country visiting needing assurances about your intent to return home, thus having already paid for a return ticket, but then again why would the airline care about that.

And what would happen if I bought a return ticket but didn't use the return leg, instead choosing to return at a different date, would the airline charge me?

Single tickets are generally more expensive than returns, yes. Nothing to do with immigration (but yes, they can care. If they transport you to a country that requires you to have a return ticket etc on a single ticket they can get in trouble/fined).

You can use one way and while in theory it's not allowed, people do it all the time..but you'll still end up having to a buy a one way back, no?

endofrainbow

some countries insist that you have a return ticket but this has nothing to do with single/return trip prices.

In theory, you don't have to use the return portion but it is against the T & C's of the ticket you purchased. Unlikely the airline will chase you but if you are a ff your account may be suspended and you MIGHT be liable for for the walk up fare on the day of the return ticket.

Charisteas

BuffyBot wrote: »

You can use one way and while in theory it's not allowed, people do it all the time..but you'll still end up having to a buy a one way back, no?

Well it's possible to be flying into a new country before flying back, thus only ever needing to purchase single tickets along the way.

Just don't get why one flight is more expensive than two. But my main worry is that the airline/s would charge a no-show fee, has this been known to happen?

athtrasna

it's not just return flights that are cheaper. Dublin-New York-LA (as an example, not an actual fare) can often work out cheaper than say Dublin-New York. (but getting off in New York would be breaking the T&C of your booking)

There's a very precise science in how fares are calculated, and a whole bunch of eager flight lovers over on flyertalk.com who analyse them down to the tiniest detail. Enjoy!