Getting a one-way ticket can seem like an appealing option when you’re looking to travel on a budget or with an open-ended itinerary. However, there are some important factors to consider before committing to a one-way flight.
Why do people get one-way tickets?
There are a few common reasons travelers choose one-way tickets:
- Lower cost – One-way tickets are almost always cheaper than roundtrip tickets for the same route.
- Flexible travel plans – A one-way ticket allows you to stay as long as you want at your destination or travel onward to other places more easily.
- Long-term relocation – If you’re moving to a new city or country, a one-way ticket is logical for your initial trip.
- Open-ended adventures – Some travelers choose one-way tickets as part of long backpacking journeys or to have the freedom to modify their itineraries as they go.
What are the risks of one-way tickets?
While one-way tickets can enable certain types of travel, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of:
- Higher risk of cancellation – Airlines are more likely to cancel one-way tickets if flights are overbooked or changed, since roundtrip ticket holders are given priority.
- No flexibility for return trip – You will have to book a separate return ticket, which may end up being more expensive than a roundtrip booked in advance.
- Suspicion of illegal immigration – Some countries may suspect you are attempting to illegally immigrate if you arrive on a one-way ticket and have no proof of onward travel plans.
- Denied boarding – Airlines and immigration officials in certain destinations can deny you boarding if you cannot demonstrate you have funds and plans to leave the country again.
Countries and airlines that are wary of one-way tickets
If you are planning travel to certain destinations, you may encounter extra scrutiny or restrictions when booking one-way tickets. Here are some examples:
- United States – The U.S. sometimes denies entry to foreign visitors arriving on one-way tickets, unless they provide evidence they intend to leave such as return tickets or sufficient funds.
- Thailand – Travelers have reported airlines denying them boarding on one-way tickets bound for Thailand without proof of plans to exit the country.
- China – Foreigners with one-way tickets may go through lengthier immigration procedures and need to provide detailed travel plans.
- UAE – Visitors must have return or onward tickets to receive a tourist visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates.
- Budget airlines – Low-cost carriers like RyanAir often refuse to sell one-way tickets to prevent illegal immigration issues.
Some other countries like India, Australia, and New Zealand also have stricter policies for entry on one-way tickets. Always check visa and airline rules before traveling.
Tips for booking one-way tickets
If you do opt to book a one-way ticket, here are some tips to avoid problems:
- Reserve a fully refundable return ticket – You can always cancel it later if you extend your travel dates.
- Provide proof of onward travel – Have documentation of any long-term visas, connecting flights, or travel bookings leaving the country.
- Carry extra funds – Have some emergency cash in case you need to book last-minute onward travel to show immigration officers.
- Book with full-service airlines – Flag carrier airlines are less likely to scrutinize one-way tickets than budget operators.
- Fly into tourist-friendly countries – Countries reliant on tourism revenue tend to be more lax about one-way ticket entry requirements.
One-way ticket costs comparison
To demonstrate the potential savings, here’s a comparison of one-way versus roundtrip fares on 3 hypothetical routes:
Route | One-way cost | Roundtrip cost | Savings |
---|---|---|---|
New York > London | $500 | $850 | $350 (41%) |
Los Angeles > Tokyo | $650 | $1,200 | $550 (46%) |
Chicago > Paris | $600 | $1,000 | $400 (40%) |
As you can see, one-way tickets typically cost 40-50% less than roundtrip fares on many routes, generating substantial savings.
When are one-way tickets a good idea?
Here are some situations where booking a one-way ticket could be your best option:
- You’re permanently relocating – One-way tickets are logical choices for moves to a new home abroad.
- You have the right visa – If you have long-term visas for your destinations, one-way tickets don’t pose an immigration problem.
- You have an open timeline – For long backpacking journeys or nomadic lifestyles, one-way provides flexibility.
- You book fully refundable flights – Refundable one-way tickets give you leeway to adjust unfixed plans.
- You’re traveling regionally – One-way tickets within regions like Europe or Southeast Asia are often hassle-free.
When are one-way tickets risky?
Here are some situations where one-way tickets could create complications:
- You’re on a short tourist trip – Most countries will expect tourists to have booked return tickets.
- You lack funds and travel plans – With no proof of intention to leave, you may struggle to enter some nations.
- You fly with low-cost carriers – Budget airlines often decline one-way ticket bookings.
- You enter countries with strict visa rules – Trying to enter places like the U.S. or Canada on a one-way ticket can cause problems.
- You have important onward travel – One-way tickets increase the odds of disruption if flights are overbooked or changed.
Questions to ask before buying a one-way ticket
To decide if a one-way ticket makes sense for your situation, ask yourself:
- What are the entry and visa rules for my destination country?
- What airline am I booking with – are they likely to sell one-way fares?
- Do I have firm plans for exiting my destination country within the allowed period?
- Am I prepared to book – and potentially lose – a refundable return ticket to satisfy immigration?
- Do I have enough funds to pay for unexpected expenses like last-minute flight bookings?
- Am I traveling with checked luggage that could be lost if my one-way ticket is canceled?
If you can answer these questions confidently, a one-way ticket may work well for your trip. But if you have any doubts, playing it safe with a roundtrip may be wise.
Conclusion
One-way tickets allow travelers great flexibility and enable certain types of long-term and open-ended travel itineraries. However, they also come with financial, logistical, and immigration risks to weigh. Do thorough research ahead of time on the specific countries you plan to visit, airlines you’ll fly with, and your personal travel style and risk tolerance. For many short vacations, booking a roundtrip is still the simplest option. But for some adventurers, one-way tickets are the perfect tool for unique trips that defy traditional planning.