Thank UA and NW for their nonsense rate structures on 1-way fares. I picked some dates at random and -- if it helps you at all to know this -- you can find a nonstop round trip for like $100 less than the one way n/s, and throw away the 2nd leg. I take no responsibility for any jack booted airline tactics ruining your day if this plan is discovered....

On the other hand if you book it all as a circle trip or whatever the proper term is (multi city itinerary in Kayak/ITA) -- they may price each leg as 1/2 of the round trip fare and save you money that way, give it a try.

/pbz