Airfare Decoded: One-Way vs Round-Trip vs Multi-City—and When Each Actually Saves You Money

Booking airfare isn’t always as simple as clicking the cheapest price online. Depending on your trip, a one-way ticket, round-trip fare, or multi-city itinerary might be the smarter (and cheaper) choice. Add in factors like non-stop flights versus connections, and the right choice isn’t always obvious.

Here’s how to break it down — and when each option can save you serious money on your next trip.

New to the basics? Start with our short primer on airfare types, then come back to this playbook. 

The quick answer (cheat sheet)

• Choose One-Way when: your dates are flexible, you want to mix in miles or points for one leg, you’re relocating or not sure of your return, or you’re pairing a cheap low-cost carrier for part of the trip.
• Opt for Round-Trip when: you’re flying in and out of the same city with fixed dates, you want the convenience of through-checked bags and one ticket protection, and the RT price clearly beats two one-ways.
• Go Multi-City/Open-Jaw when: you’ll arrive in one city and depart from another (e.g., Nairobi in, Zanzibar out), you’d benefit from a built-in stopover, or covering the ground leg is cheaper than backtracking. On many international routes, open-jaw tickets can undercut round-trips and save you both time and money.

One-Way Airfare: When Does It Make Sense?

A one-way ticket can look appealing, but it isn’t always the best deal. Airlines often price one-way fares higher than half of a round-trip, especially for international routes. Still, one-way flights can be the right choice if you’re:

• Moving abroad and don’t know your return date.
• Booking with different airlines to maximize savings.
• Planning open-jaw travel (fly into one city, leave from another).

Insider tip: Call an agent to check consolidator fares. ASAP Tickets often has discounted one-ways not shown online, especially for international travel to Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Round-Trip Airfare: The Reliable Saver

Most travelers stick with round-trip airfare — and for good reason. Airlines price round-trips more competitively because they want your entire journey.

You’ll usually save with a round-trip ticket when:

• You’re traveling on popular U.S.–international routes.
• You’re booking during major holidays like Christmas or summer.
• You need flexibility: round-trips often allow cheaper date changes than two one-ways.

Insider tip: Round-trips can include free stopovers in hub cities, which means you could add an extra mini-vacation at no additional cost.

Multi-City Airfare: The Hidden Gem for Smart Travelers

A multi-city ticket isn’t just for globe-trotters. It can actually save money when:

• You want to see two destinations in one trip (e.g., New York → Rome → Paris → New York).
• You’re visiting family in different countries.
• You’re booking long layovers as stopovers instead of wasting time at the airport.

Insider tip: Multi-city bookings can look expensive online. But travel agents can access consolidated multi-city fares that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than booking separate flights.

Learn How to Book Multi-City Trips. ASAP Tickets’ agents can also combine unpublished fares with multi-city for bigger savings.

Non-Stop vs Connecting Flights: What’s Really Cheaper?

The eternal question: should you fly non-stop or connect?

• Non-stop: Saves time and stress, but usually costs more. Great if you’re short on vacation days.
• Connecting flights: Often much cheaper — especially when using secondary hubs in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.

Insider tip: A connecting flight can unlock free hotel nights or city tours with certain airlines (like Qatar Airways in Doha or Turkish Airlines in Istanbul). That means more value for your airfare.

How to Choose the Right Airfare

Finding the cheapest flight isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By knowing how to compare options, use stopovers wisely, and take advantage of unpublished fares, you can save big while keeping your trip stress-free.

• Compare all three options. Check one-way, round-trip, and multi-city before booking—each can win depending on the route.
• Try an open-jaw. Flying into one city and out of another can beat RT and cut ground costs.
• Check nearby gateways. Big hubs may be cheaper, then add a short hop if needed.
• Use a stopover smartly. On routes to Africa and Asia, this can lower the fare and give you a bonus vacation.
• Ask about unpublished fares. Many of the lowest international tickets never appear online.
• Call an agent. Live experts can combine fares across airlines to unlock hidden deals.
• Book early—or very late. For peak seasons, lock in seats early. If you’re flexible, last-minute deals can work in your favor, but don’t rely on them.
• Keep it protected. A single ticket is safer than piecing together separate ones, especially for baggage and rebooking.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a stopover and a layover?

A layover is usually under 12 hours; a stopover is longer and may include hotels or tours on some airlines. 

Is multi-city the same as booking two one-ways?

No. Multi-city keeps your trip on one ticket for protection and baggage; two one-ways do not. 

Why do agents sometimes beat online prices?

They can access unpublished fares and combine routes/tools that the public can’t. 

Ready to Save on Airfare?

There’s no single “best” airfare type—it depends on your route, travel style, and flexibility. One-way tickets suit uncertain plans, round-trips are safest for fixed dates, and multi-city fares unlock hidden savings while letting you see more.

But the real secret? Don’t only rely on online searches. A live travel agent can access unpublished fares, creative open-jaws, and stopover deals you’ll never see on your own. That’s how you can fly without overpaying.

Call ASAP Tickets at 844-300-7983 to request a free quote. Let’s book the airfare that saves you money—and fits the way you travel.