Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS Plat, AA EP, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 21,413
I wouldn’t do this very often as it’s technically a violation of the fare rules to use a round trip ticket for one-way travel. Doing it once is unlikely going to cause you trouble - people get sick or miss flights for other reasons all the time. But if you do it routinely, the airline may disapprove and take action (e.g., close your account).
Award tickets can be a good way to buy a one way.