return trip what does it mean

What is the difference between round trip and return trip?

What Is The Difference Between Round Trip and Return Trip?

When it comes to traveling, the terms “round trip” and “return trip” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. A round trip refers to a journey in which a traveler departs from one location and returns to the same location, while a return trip specifically refers to the journey back to the original departure point. In other words, a round trip includes both the outward and inward journey, whereas a return trip only refers to the journey back.

For example, if you were to book a round trip flight from New York to Los Angeles, you would fly from New York to Los Angeles and then back to New York. On the other hand, if you were to book a one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles and then a separate one-way flight from Los Angeles back to New York, the second leg of the journey would be considered a return trip.

FAQs about Round Trip and Return Trip

1. can i change my return date on a round trip ticket, 2. can i book a one-way ticket for a round trip journey, 3. is a return trip the same as a round trip, 4. how far in advance should i book a round trip ticket, 5. what is the difference in cost between a round trip and a return trip, 6. can i make a multi-city trip as a round trip, 7. are there any restrictions on round trip tickets, 8. what is the benefit of booking a round trip ticket, 9. can i upgrade my seat on a round trip flight, 10. are there any differences in baggage allowances for round trip and return trip flights, 11. can i add a stopover on a round trip journey, 12. what should i do if i need to change my return trip on a round trip ticket.

Yes, most airlines allow passengers to change their return date for a fee. It’s important to check the airline’s policy regarding change fees and any restrictions on date changes before booking your ticket.

Yes, you can book two separate one-way tickets for a round trip journey. However, it’s important to consider the cost and convenience of booking a round trip ticket compared to two separate one-way tickets.

No, a return trip specifically refers to the journey back to the original departure point, while a round trip includes both the outward and inward journey.

It’s generally recommended to book a round trip ticket at least 30 days in advance to take advantage of lower fares and better availability.

The cost difference between a round trip and a return trip can vary depending on the airline, route, and travel dates. In some cases, booking a round trip ticket may offer a better value compared to booking two separate one-way tickets.

Yes, some airlines offer the option to book a round trip ticket with multiple destination stops. This type of itinerary is often referred to as a multi-city round trip.

Round trip tickets may have certain restrictions, such as minimum stay requirements, maximum stay limits, and blackout dates. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your ticket before booking.

The main benefit of booking a round trip ticket is the convenience of having both the outward and inward journey on a single itinerary. It can also be more cost-effective than booking two separate one-way tickets.

Yes, many airlines offer the option to upgrade your seat on a round trip flight for an additional fee. This may include upgrading to premium economy, business class, or first class.

Baggage allowances can vary between airlines and ticket types, so it’s important to check the specific baggage policy for your round trip or return trip ticket.

Some airlines allow passengers to add a stopover on a round trip journey, usually for an additional fee. This can be a great way to explore another destination on your way to or from your main destination.

If you need to change your return trip on a round trip ticket, it’s best to contact the airline or your travel agent as soon as possible to discuss your options. Keep in mind that there may be change fees and restrictions associated with altering your return date.

This type of travel covers a wide range of possible alterations and distinctions, and when planning a trip, it is important to understand the differences between round trips and return trips.

About The Author

Nathalie Hayes

Definition of 'return trip'

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What Is a Return Ticket?

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A return ticket or a one-way ticket?

A return ticket is an airline ticket that includes both outbound and inbound flights. In simpler terms, it’s a round-trip ticket that allows you to go to your destination and come back home (to the city of departure) on the same ticket. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at return tickets, and why they’re an excellent option for more and more travelers.

Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online .

1. What Is a Return Ticket?

A return ticket, as mentioned earlier, is a round-trip ticket.

It comprises two flights – the outbound flight from one country to your destination and the inbound flight from your destination back to this first country, oftentimes your home country. This ticket is booked and paid for at the same time. The return ticket can be valid from a few days to several months, depending on your travel itinerary and airline policies.

These may also be two connecting flights , each consisting of two or more flights (legs), bringing the total number of flights up to four, six or more flights.

1.1 Most Travelers Buy a Return Ticket

This is the most common option, most people buy return tickets.

Way less people are traveling with a one-way ticket . Partly due to the fact that this is how we mostly travel – we are going somewhere, and then we come back in a few days or few weeks. Partly due to the fact that there are some possible problems when traveling internationally with a one-way ticket .

There are situations, when you may be denied boarding if you don’t have an onward ticket (return ticket or ticket to some other country).

1.2 Return Ticket or Round-Trip Ticket?

That’s the same thing.

A round-trip ticket is a return ticket. Because it includes both the ticket to your destination and back to from where you are starting the journey.

2. Are Round-Trip Flights Cheaper?

Very often, yes – round-trip flights are cheaper.

Here we are comparing price of a single round-trip vs two one-way flights.

But, of course, it isn’t true in all situations and with all airlines. It is true in a lot of situations with full-service airlines , like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines which are also 5-star airlines . At the same time, when at least one flight is with a low-cost airline , it makes a lot of sense to check the actual prices – it may be cheaper to buy separate flights.

Are return flights cheaper? Very often they are, but, of course, it isn’t the same in all situations and with all airlines. Like with everything, it’s a good idea to compare the prices before making a booking.

So, often yes, but – check the prices to get the best deal. Especially, if you have a very flexible schedule and can fly from anywhere at any time, and you are traveling with a carry-on bag only.

2.1 Why Are Return Flights Cheaper Than One-Way Flights?

Return flights are cheaper because it’s easier for airlines. It just makes sense business-wise. It is easier to sell two tickets to one person and fill seats on two planes, all with one purchase. And it’s working.

Because we – travelers, like to see cheap flights.

200 dollars for a one-way flight and 250 for a return – easy choice, right?

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3. Why Are Return Tickets Popular?

Return tickets are popular with travelers for various reasons.

The primary reason is convenience. You don’t have to worry about booking another flight back home because you already have a ticket. It saves time, money, and the hassle of searching for another flight that might be expensive, especially when you’re traveling during peak seasons.

The second reason is cost-effectiveness. Usually, when you buy a return ticket, it’s cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. Airlines offer discounts and promotions for return tickets to encourage travelers to opt for them. 200 dollars for a one-way flight and 250 for a return, this kind of promotions.

Last but not least, they are better for visa purposes. With more and more countries asking for a proof of onward travel , it’s also the only 100% safe option when traveling internationally.

Rent an onward ticket online. Get it in 2 minutes. See our onwardticket.com review , learn more about this service, and travel hassle-free.

4. How to Book a Return Ticket?

Booking a return ticket is easy and straightforward.

You can either book directly on the airline’s website or use a flight booking website. Alternatively, you can also book with a travel agency. When booking directly on an airline’s website or a flight booking website, select “round-trip” instead of “one-way.” You’ll be required to enter your departure date, return date, and the number of passengers.

4.1 It Can Be a Connecting Flight Consisting of Several Flights, or Only Two Flights

How to book.

Airline website (directly).

This is the easiest way to book a connecting flight. It’s also the safest way to book a connection. You make a single booking, have a single reservation code and the booking includes several flights. Sometimes they are all with one airline, other times – two or more. Anyway, in this case, you can be 100% sure that you have a proper connecting flight .

Other Option

Flight booking websites.

Few examples: skyscanner.net , expedia.com , momondo.com .

Pay attention to the details. Because some of these sites are only search engines, and sellers are other websites. Apart from that, they often sell both airline-protected connecting flights and self-transfer flights . If it’s a self-transfer, know that it comes with its own risks, and there are things you should take into account. Self-transfer is not the same thing as airline-protected transfer.

For extra protection, buy also a travel insurance covering flight disruptions, or book with sites like kiwi.com , who offer extra protection.

With kiwi.com you are more protected than normally.

Read more: How to Book Connecting Flights?

4.2 It Can Also Be Something More Complicated

These can also be multi-city flights.

Or, open jaw flights.

What Are Multi-City Flights?
How to Book Open Jaw Flights?
Multi-City Flights vs Connecting Flights
Are Multi-City Flights Worth It?

5. Return Tickets: FAQ

5.1 what happens if i miss my return flight.

If you miss your return flight, most airlines will consider your ticket void, and you’ll have to buy a new ticket to travel back home.

Depending on the airline and your ticket, you may also be allowed to change the date or time of your flight, and fly on a later flight. Mostly, though, you’ll have to pay a fee for that. The best you can do is go to the airline desk and explain your situation. You won’t be able to get flight compensation for this.

You won’t have a right to care from the airline when that happens. As long as it’s your, not airline’s fault.

5.2 What is the Maximum “Validity Period for a Return Ticket”?

In other words – can you travel somewhere now and return 3, 6, 12 months later? It depends from the airline policies and how long in advance they are selling flights from the destination you are planning to visit.

Most airlines allow passengers to book flights as far as 12 months ahead of the travel date . That means, if you are booking a flight that departs after 6 months, often you’ll be able to choose a return date some 12 months from now (giving you 6 months in the destination).

This applies to both domestic and international flights.

5.3 Do I Need a Return Ticket for International Travel?

It’s a good idea to have a return ticket for international travel.

More and more countries are asking for a return or onward ticket, anything proving that you are going to leave the country at some point. It’s important to check the entry requirements of your destination country before you travel.

5.4 Can I Change the Return Date on My Ticket?

Most airlines allow changes to the return date, but it may involve a change fee and potential fare difference. The specifics depend on the fare conditions of your ticket. Contact your airline to learn more of the options that you have.

Do a little home-work for the best outcome:

Be prepared to pay for that.
Check the flight options with the same airline before (choose a few options that fit your new travel plans better).
Check the visa conditions. Can you stay longer in the country that you are right now/are planning to be? If it means staying longer than initially allowed, check the visa extension rules and procedure.

5.5 Is It Possible to Get a Refund on My Return Ticket If I Decide Not to Travel?

Whether or not you can get a refund on your return ticket if you decide not to travel depends on the terms and conditions of the ticket you purchased .

Generally, if your ticket is non-refundable, you will not be able to get a refund unless certain conditions apply. For instance, if the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a refund regardless of the reason. If the airline changes the flight schedule significantly, you might also be able to request a refund.

If you have a refundable ticket, you should be able to get a refund if you decide not to use it. However, this often comes with higher costs upfront.

Some airlines offer a 24-hour grace period after booking where you can cancel for a full refund. This typically applies as long as you’ve booked this flight at least 2 days prior to departure. And mostly only if you have booked directly from the airline. For some it’s the main reason to book directly.

Read more: UK/EU Flight Compensation Guide

What is your experience with return tickets? Have you ever compared price of return tickets to two or more one-way tickets?

About the author:

Kaspars Misins

Kaspars is a digital nomad and travel blogger who’s been traveling the world extensively since 2013. Since 2017, Kaspars has been writing about the less-known aspects of air travel, things like air passenger rights laws and regulations. He’s really good at simplifying complex concepts and making them easily understandable. Kaspars favorite airlines are Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.

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Travel Tips: What Does A Return Ticket Mean?

If you’ve done any amount of travelling, you’ve probably come across the concept of a return ticket. There are various kinds of tickets you can buy for trips; some are one-way, some are return, and there are other kinds you can get as well depending on what sort of trip you’re looking to take. A return ticket is one of the most common ways you can travel, but what does “return ticket” mean? That’s what we’re here to tell you today. Here’s what websites and travel agents mean when they say “return ticket”. We’ll also discuss whether or not this option is for you.

What does return ticket mean?

First, let’s define our terms. A return ticket essentially refers to a ticket that you can use both to travel to your destination and to travel back. This is distinct from a one-way ticket, which will only send you “one way”, as the name would imply. Using a return ticket, you can travel to your destination, then use the second component of your ticket to “return” to where you came from. It’s a pretty simple concept, but it can still flummox some people!

When should you buy a return ticket?

In order to fully answer the “what does return ticket mean” question, we’ll need to discuss the situations in which you may want to purchase one as well. A return ticket is perfect for when you know you’ll be returning to your destination and you won’t be staying where you’re travelling to for very long. If you’re enjoying an extended stay at your destination, then it should stand to reason that a return ticket wouldn’t be an appropriate purchase for you.

What is an “open return”?

An open return is a type of return ticket with special conditions. If you buy an open return, then your outgoing ticket is usually for a specific time, but your return ticket can be used anytime after that. For this reason, open return tickets can often be more expensive than their regular counterparts. Sometimes, though, you will find open return tickets at a lower price, especially if you’re intending to take your return trip during peak travel hours (usually mornings and early evenings).

Why wouldn’t you buy a return ticket?

You might be thinking that a return ticket is pretty much the only kind of ticket you would want to buy for travelling, and you wouldn’t be wrong in most instances. There are very few reasons to buy single tickets; if you’re intending to return, then the answer to “what does return ticket mean” is “it means the ticket you should always buy”. However, if you’re not returning to your destination within a month (when travelling by train) or you’re staying for an indefinite period of time, then a return ticket may not be a good idea.

Would a single ticket be a better idea?

If you’re looking to get the cheapest possible deal on train travel, then it would make sense that you’d want to avoid a return ticket and pick up a single instead. After all, single tickets are invariably cheaper than returns (usually, anyway; UK train travel can be a little different in this regard). In addition, if you’re going somewhere to live and you know you won’t be coming back anytime soon, then there’s no point at all in buying a return ticket and you should buy a single.

Could booking separately save money?

Sometimes, booking flights separately – that is, booking your first flight, then booking your second later on – can actually save you money . Estimates suggest that it’s possible to save up to a fifth on the cost of your flight if you book separately. This does not, however, mean you should book one later than the other. It means you should book them both at the same time, but book them as separate flights so that they’re not part of the same purchase.

Tips on getting cheap tickets

If you want to get a return ticket, you’ll probably want to get the cheapest deal you possibly can, especially since train travel can be so prohibitively expensive (in the UK, at least). We’ve got some tips for you to book the cheapest return tickets you can across any travel method.

Book as early as you can – return tickets tend to be cheaper the earlier you manage to book, so try to make sure that you book early to avoid potentially expensive tickets
Don’t fixate on a single time – if possible, try to get a ticket at a different time than the one you need, because if you’re travelling at peak times, you’ll find that trains are much more expensive
Don’t travel at the weekend – you might not be able to help when you travel, but if you can, try to avoid travelling at the weekend, as this is when travel volumes go up and you won’t get tickets as cheaply
Buy a railcard if you can – railcards often lower prices for travel, so if you’re in a position to purchase a railcard, try to make sure that you do this (although the criteria can be quite specific, so make sure to look this information up in your area of residence)

We hope this guide on return tickets has been helpful, and has helped you to make a decision regarding your travel plans. When you purchase ahead of time, stay flexible, and keep your options open, you can keep your travel costs down significantly!

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What is a round-trip flight?

Editor's Note

It's one of the first decisions we make when booking a flight: Should I book a round-trip or a one-way flight?

It's typically something you'll think about before you ever click "search" to find flights and airfare.

At face value, it seems like a pretty straightforward choice. Book a one-way flight if you're only flying in one direction, and book a round-trip flight if you'll be returning home ... right?

Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. Thanks to airline pricing trends and our own personal scheduling quirks, there's a bit more to consider.

There may be cases where you wonder if you're better off booking two one-way flights to save money. You may have uncertain plans that make it difficult to commit to a return flight. In some cases, when visiting a few different cities, you may be better off with something different entirely: a multicity itinerary.

There are also plenty of additional considerations if you're booking an award flight using frequent flyer miles or flying internationally.

Here, we break down the basics of what you need to know about booking round-trip flights.

A round-trip flight is an itinerary from one destination to another, with a flight back to the original destination.

In most cases, this is what you probably book when going on vacation or visiting a family member for a holiday weekend.

Let's say I live in Charlotte and want to fly to Arizona for a spring break trip. I book an itinerary with an outbound flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and a return trip to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) aboard American Airlines.

The two flights, booked together on a single itinerary, constitute a round trip.

What is the difference between a round-trip flight and a one-way flight?

When you book a round-trip flight, your itinerary includes an outbound flight and a return trip.

A one-way flight only takes you one direction — say, from Charlotte to Phoenix — with no return flight scheduled.

Is a round-trip flight different from 2 one-way flights?

Yes, in terms of how you book your trip. No, in terms of your travel plans themselves.

Again, a round-trip itinerary includes both an outbound flight and a return trip to the city of origin. A one-way flight is a single trip from one airport to another, with no return booked.

Booking 2 one-way flights

However, if you book two one-way flights, you can, in essence, create your own version of a round trip. This could be on the same airline or on two entirely different airlines.

For the purposes of your travel experience, it's effectively a round trip.

But, know that in the airline computer system(s), you'd technically be traveling on two separate reservations. So, you'd receive different trip confirmation numbers for the outbound and return flights.

Is booking 2 one-ways cheaper than a round-trip flight?

In the U.S., splitting a round trip up into two one-way flights on the same airline and travel dates typically makes no difference in terms of price.

However, on a small number of routes, airlines do charge a premium for one-way bookings compared to the price they charge for a round trip. This is more common internationally, where round-trip flights can be a better value than two one-way trips. Booking two separate one-way flights tends to be more expensive for international travel.

Also, budget carriers frequently offer one-way fares at the same price as a round-trip ticket.

That means if you booked separate one-way flights, you'd most likely end up paying the same as, or even more than, a round-trip fare, depending on the route.

Booking 2 one-way flights on different airlines

On the other hand, there are cases where, thanks to a tool like Google Flights , you might discover that you can save money by booking an outbound, one-way flight on one airline and a one-way return flight on a different airline.

For example, last year, TPG contributor Sean Cudahy needed to travel to North Texas for the weekend. Round-trip flights on a single airline from the Washington, D.C., region to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) were coming in at more than $600 that particular weekend.

However, he saved a couple hundred dollars by mixing and matching: He booked a one-way, outbound flight to DFW aboard Delta Air Lines and a separate, one-way return flight on American Airlines.

Just keep in mind this can be risky. If your flight on one airline gets significantly delayed — to the point that you miss your return flight — your second airline won't automatically rebook you. The airline staff may not have much sympathy for your situation since your troubles happened aboard a different carrier.

Can I book a round-trip flight to 1 city and then return home from another?

Yes. These flights are known as open-jaw or multicity itineraries. Many airlines offer this booking option.

Let's say I want to fly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). I'm going to visit Walt Disney World for a few days. Then, I'm going to take a Brightline train to South Florida and spend a few days at the beach before flying back to New York.

Since these are airports heavily served by JetBlue, I'll use that carrier as an example. On JetBlue's website, I'll select "Multi-city" instead of searching "Roundtrip" or "One-way" flights.

I'll need to separately enter each leg of the trip. Let's do a Saturday departure from Newark to Orlando, and then a Thursday return from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Newark.

You'll end up booked on a single itinerary, with the outbound and return flights linked, but with the different city combinations.

Can I buy a round-trip flight with an open return?

No, not exactly. When you book a round-trip flight, you'll generally have to specify a return leg and date.

If your plans are likely to change, though, what you'll want to do instead is pick a date that's far enough out. You'll need to book with an airline or in a cabin class that doesn't charge change fees. Then, reschedule your return trip once your plans are set. Alternatively, you can book a "flexible" fare, which is more expensive but generally allows easier changes.

Make sure you're familiar with an airline's change-fee policy before booking an open-return round-trip flight. For example, most airlines won't let you cancel or change basic economy tickets.

Should I book mileage or award tickets as 2 one-ways or a round trip?

It largely depends on the route. In some cases, you'll get better award availability if you book two one-way flights. In others, the taxes for two one-way award flights could end up being higher than what you'd pay for a round-trip itinerary.

However, in most cases nowadays, award tickets for two one-way flights and a round-trip flight tend to add up to the same number of miles. Just be sure to check both on an airline's website to ensure you're getting the best possible award availability .

COMMENTS

What is the difference between round trip and return trip?
A round trip refers to a journey in which a traveler departs from one location and returns to the same location, while a return trip specifically refers to the journey back to the original departure point.
Return vs Round-Trip: 10 Key Differences Every Traveler ...
“Return” refers to a trip that starts at one position and ends at the same position. The word” return” literally means” to go back,” so when you be-speak a” return” ticket, you’re basically...
RETURN TRIP definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
return trip in British English. (rɪˈtɜːn trɪp ) noun. 1. the journey back from a destination. Buy an extra ticket for the return trip. 2. a two-way journey. a return trip of about 70km.
Return vs Round-Trip: 10 Key Differences Every Traveler ...
“Return” refers to a trip that starts at one position and ends at the same position. The word” return” literally means” to go back,” so when you be-speak a” return” ticket, you’re...
What Is a Return Ticket? - Connecting Flights Guide
A return ticket is an airline ticket that includes both outbound and inbound flights. In simpler terms, it’s a round-trip ticket that allows you to go to your destination and come back home (to the city of departure) on the same ticket.
Travel Tips: What Does A Return Ticket Mean?
A return ticket essentially refers to a ticket that you can use both to travel to your destination and to travel back. This is distinct from a one-way ticket, which will only send you “one way”, as the name would imply.
Is It More Economical to Buy a Round-Trip Ticket or Two One ...
A round-trip ticket is also known as a “circle ticket” or a “return air ticket” because you depart from your original location which is “A,” and travel to your destination where you may stay for a few days or more which is “B.”.
air travel - What's the opposite of a "return" flight ...
No, a "departing flight" is a flight that's currently departing (i.e., leaving an airport). For some passengers, that will be an outbound flight, for some it will be a returning flight and, for some, it might be a one-way trip. – David Richerby. Sep 20, 2017 at 15:06.
What is a round-trip flight? - The Points Guy
When you book a round-trip flight, your itinerary includes an outbound flight and a return trip. A one-way flight only takes you one direction — say, from Charlotte to Phoenix — with no return flight scheduled.
Round trip vs two one-way tickets? - Travel Stack Exchange
Leaving aside the question of round trip versus one-way fares, there are some potential disadvantages to booking your outbound and return flights on separate one-way tickets as opposed to a single round-trip (aka return) ticket— unless all tickets happen to be fully flexible, fully refundable, full-fare tickets, which you won't be buying if you ...