Round Trip vs. One Way Airfare?

Ok, so I've never had to buy airline tickets before.  One of my parents works for an airline, and I've always had travel privileges through them (I know, I know, I'm really lucky!)

But I'm trying to plan for the un-pretty possibility that my parents might not be thrilled about my move to the UK, and might not let me book tickets through them, which will mean I will have to buy them on my own for the first time.  I'm noticing that this is a way more complicated experience than I was expecting.  I had no idea that there was such a huge difference in airfare based on what day of the week you were travelling!!! 

So what I'm trying to figure out is this:  Is there any reason I have to buy a one-way ticket?  Since round-trip tickets are so much cheaper, is there any reason that I can't just purchase the round-trip package, and then not use the return tickets?  Why on earth are round-trip tickets cheaper than one-way tickets in the first place??

Please help me out here...I feel really silly for not knowing any of this, but I am totally confused!

I was told by the travel agent that wednesdays were the cheapest day of the week to fly.

Also, many people on the forum (when they finally make the big move) buy 2 way tickets as it's way cheaper than a one way. You don't have to use the other ticket I don't think

nope, you don't have to buy a one way ticket.  If you buy a round trip just make sure that the flight from the US to the UK is the first flight of the round trip and it'll be all good.   I know we've had this conversation before on this board but round trips aren't *always* cheaper, particularly if you buy a student ticket.  My one-way student airfare from Texas to Manchester (leaving on a Thursday, early September) only cost me $332 (including tax)!

when I finally moved across the pond to be with my dh. I bought  a round trip ticket  but didnt use the return ticket. my roundtrip ticket was almost half the price as a 1 way ticket.

I found a great deal on a one-way...roughly $350 (taxes included) from Las Vegas to Edinburgh on Aer Lingus.  The NEXT cheapest one-way, though, was more expensive than a round trip...

If you do look for a round trip and don't care about the return, most fares are typically 30-90 returns to get the best prices, and again, book on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the return because they are the cheapest days.  Typically though the "fare" is determined by your outbound day, so the more flexible you are with that, the better off you are.

And yes, student fares, one-way, tend to be a really good deal, or at least comparable to round trips.

Both times I've gone over, I've bought one-way tickets for far cheaper than a round trip would've cost me, so it just depends on your circumstances (what airport you're using, what time of year you're flying, etc.).  My personal favorite website for finding the absolute best deal is Mobissimo.com, which takes ALL the discount sites (plus the airline websites) and compares them in a giant chart for you to see who's cheapest.

Tues-Thurs are cheapest flights.  Summer is most expensive season, so try flying after 1 Sep, if possible, but before December (depending on your circumstances, obviously).  Never travel within 2-3 days of a holiday.  Also check several area airports, because some end up cheaper than others and it can be worth the little extra drive (esp. if you're flying into London - check Gatwick v. Heathrow prices).

If you are just coming as a visitor, do get a return though.

Vicky

I just booked my ticket to move over, I ended up going with one-way (through STA travel that do "youth" tickets for anyone under 25). There was about a $300-$400 between a one way through STA and a rountrip ticket. But like everyone said it depends on where you fly out of, the day, and time. Unfortunately I fly out of Orlando so I get holiday makers on all my flights  But like Vicky said you are coming over as a visitor you should get a return, because immigration will want to see that as proof that you won't be staying in the country.

Avoiding Holidays isn't always the best way to go. Some of the cheapest flights I've gotten were taken on a holiday. For example: my one-way ticket to the UK leaves on Labor Day and cost me less than 300 with fees and taxes. The best price for my parents to fly to the UK this christmas was either christmas day or boxing day. =)

I bought  a round trip ticket  but didnt use the return ticket.

one of the reasons why airlines overbook flights. overbooked flights can work to your advantage too if you are really flexible!

I just booked my ticket to move over, I ended up going with one-way (through STA travel that do "youth" tickets for anyone under 25). There was about a $300-$400 between a one way through STA and a rountrip ticket. But like everyone said it depends on where you fly out of, the day, and time. Unfortunately I fly out of Orlando so I get holiday makers on all my flights  But like Vicky said you are coming over as a visitor you should get a return, because immigration will want to see that as proof that you won't be staying in the country.

ok, so with a BUNAC work permit they'll let you in the country with a one way ticket right?

I guess people who have come in on BUNAC's may have a better idea, but I would recommend a return with the date coming back within the six months. 


Vicky

I did BUNAC and am doing it again, I would get a round trip ticket.  To do Bunac you must be a student, go to studentuniverse.com They have round trips for about 500.00 (at least from the east coast) and if you pick a Virgin flight you can change your return date once for free.

They don't have to let you in if they don't want to.  I assume you don't have a job waiting for you on your return, so having a return ticket gives them piece of mind.

I love Virgin Atlantic, but don't book them through their web site, book through Cheaptickets.com, or Expedia. We got one way tickets for half the price Round trip would have been. We are in Maryland, but will be flying out of Boston (it would have also been the same from Dulles) For 2 adults, one child (2 years old) and one infant on a lap, the total price including taxes and fees was about 940 dollars! It is the most fantastic prices that I have ever found. They even have saftey seats for my 2 year old so we don't have to drag a car seat onto the plane! I spent lots of time on all different web sites researching it and that is the best!