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Refundable Fare | Tagged Posts

2014
30
July
Why is the one way ticket back the same cost as the two way ticket?

Question:

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Zeeshan

I really need help understanding something. Maybe someone here can better explain it to me. I am looking for a 1x two way ticket to BNE from YYZ, and 1x one way ticket from BNE to YYZ. When I look online, the two way ticket is coming to $2000 CAD something. And the one way back is coming to $2000 AUD on qantas website. It doesnt make sense to me that the one way ticket back is the same cost as the two way ticket. Can someone explain it better?

Humans say...

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Naushad

When you travel out of country, the airline cannot legally sell you a one way ticket ie. it is the same price as a two way

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Naushad

You can only buy one way for travel with in the country's borders

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Neil

so to simplify, you're looking at a one-way ticket from BNE-YYZ and a return ticket YYZ-BNE? airline tickets are made up of several factors which dictate the overall price; base fare, taxes, surcharges, etc which in this case are all quite high. one of the main misconceptions people tend to have is the thought that a one-way ticket should be a lot cheaper (half price perhaps) than the return ticket, but they often end up being more expensive overall as the airline wants to make as much as possible if they're not getting a return fare. the other thing to consider here is your flights will inevitably connect through either LAX or YVR or both which means there is the chance you'll have multiple base fares in the case of the one-way especially if you're using a mix of carriers.

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Victor

It's because they can. Ticket prices are based on competition only. It's what the market will bear, and is unrelated to perceived cost of value.
If you have frequent flyer points, one way tickets are a great way to use them.

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Ja

look for a local agency in oz that can book the ow ticket from bne-yyz. International one way tickets are expensive when buying directly from the airline as they are usually unrestricted, and fully refundable. You should be able to find a cheaper one from an agent down there who can get one from a consolidator for less.

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Neil

the other option would be to consider a return ticket from BNE-YYZ if its cheaper in the long run, then cancel the return portion when you arrive in YYZ and get a refund, provided its a refundable fare. I had to do this on a trip to NZ as I had a one-way flying in and they insisted I need a return ticket

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Vladimir

The first poster is incorrect. You _can_ buy a one-way ticket abroad.


A.I. says...

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Airfare Pricing Explained

You've raised an excellent question about the pricing of one-way and round-trip airfares, and it's a common source of confusion for many travelers. Let's dive into the details to help you understand the reasoning behind the pricing.

Airline Pricing Strategies

Airlines employ complex pricing strategies that take into account various factors such as demand, competition, and route profitability. The pricing of one-way and round-trip tickets is often based on different algorithms and objectives.

Round-Trip Ticket Pricing

Round-trip tickets are typically priced lower than the sum of two one-way tickets because airlines want to incentivize travelers to book both legs of the journey with them. This pricing strategy helps airlines fill seats on both the outbound and inbound flights, ensuring higher occupancy rates and revenue.

One-Way Ticket Pricing

On the other hand, one-way tickets are generally priced higher than half the cost of a round-trip ticket. There are a few reasons for this:

  1. Airlines assume that one-way travelers are more likely to be business travelers or those with flexible travel plans, who are willing to pay a premium for convenience.
  2. One-way tickets are often purchased closer to the travel date, when demand is higher and prices tend to increase.
  3. Airlines aim to discourage consumers from booking separate one-way tickets instead of a round-trip, as it can lead to lower overall revenue for the airline.

The Case of Your BNE-YYZ Route

In your specific case, the one-way ticket from BNE to YYZ on Qantas for $2000 AUD (approximately $1800 CAD) seems to be priced higher than the round-trip ticket from YYZ to BNE for $2000 CAD. This could be due to several factors:

  1. High demand for one-way travel on that particular route and date.
  2. Limited competition or availability on that specific flight.
  3. Qantas' pricing strategy for that route, which may prioritize revenue maximization over competitive pricing for one-way tickets.

It's essential to keep in mind that airfare pricing is dynamic and can fluctuate based on various factors. It's always recommended to compare prices across multiple airlines, dates, and booking platforms to find the best deal for your specific travel needs.

Final Thoughts

While the pricing discrepancy between one-way and round-trip tickets may seem counterintuitive, it's a common practice in the airline industry. Airlines employ complex algorithms and strategies to maximize revenue and fill seats, often leading to pricing variations that may not align with our expectations. By understanding the underlying factors, you can make more informed decisions when booking your travel.



   










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