In the high-paced world of business, business owners must constantly adapt to changing schedules and unexpected opportunities.
As such, one-way tickets can be a game-changer for busy business owners needing to make quick, unscheduled trips.
According to travel app Hopper, airlines often reduce the prices of one-way tickets by up to 30% to fill up empty seats on imminent flights. So, even if you have a clear idea of when you’ll be returning, it may be more cost-effective for you to book two one-way tickets instead of a round trip.
Let’s delve deeper into why this approach can be beneficial for busy millennial and Gen X business owners, who are often juggling multiple responsibilities and limited time to organize travel.
Firstly, one-way tickets offer flexibility. A report by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) revealed that 45% of business trips are extended for leisure purposes. With a one-way ticket, you have the freedom to extend your business trip without worrying about changing your return flight.
Secondly, the competitive nature of the airline industry works in favor of the consumer. To maximize revenue, airlines often lower the prices of one-way tickets to sell off remaining seats on fast-approaching flights.
According to a 2019 report by Expedia, the average domestic one-way ticket can be up to 74% cheaper than round-trip tickets when purchased at the last minute.
For instance, let’s consider a hypothetical situation. You’re a business owner based in Chicago and receive an unexpected invitation to a networking event in New York.
The event will end in three days, but you might want to stay longer to explore potential business opportunities. In this scenario, buying a one-way ticket to New York gives you the option to extend your stay without incurring change fees for your return flight. Plus, if you book at the last minute, you might snag a one-way ticket for a fraction of the cost of a round-trip ticket.
Lastly, many airlines are now offering more competitive one-way fares. According to a 2017 study by CheapAir.com, the premium charged by airlines for one-way tickets over round-trip tickets has decreased by 25% in recent years. This downward trend makes it worth considering one-way tickets as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to round-trip tickets.
4 simple tips to leverage the benefits of one-way bookings:
Set Up Price Alerts: This way, you’ll be notified when one-way deals pop up.
Consider Budget Airlines: Budget carriers are more likely to offer significant discounts on one-way tickets to fill empty seats.
Be Flexible: Be open to adjusting your travel dates and times to snag the best deals.
Track Return Flight Prices: After securing your outbound flight, keep an eye on return ticket prices. Book your return flight well in advance if you see a good deal to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Conclusion
One-way tickets can be a lifesaver for busy business owners, especially when it comes to making last-minute trips. By offering flexibility and potential cost savings, one-way tickets can accommodate the dynamic and unpredictable nature of business travel.
So, the next time you need to fly out at the drop of a hat, consider booking a one-way ticket. You may save time, money, and gain the flexibility to seize unexpected opportunities.
