Can anyone here explain why one way trans Atlantic flights are so much more expensive than return tickets?.

Whats to stop me buying a return ticket but not showing up for the return flight...and therefore saving ŁŁ's?.

Airfares defy all logic.


Nothing.



And welcome to FT!

And welcome to FT![/QUOTE]


Thanks, its nice to be here!

Have been back and forwards accross the 'pond' several times in recent years..twice this year, both by BA and by Virgin. I am due to move out to the USA and was horrified by the prices quoted for a one way trip...

This is known as throwaway ticketing and there is nothing to stop you from doing it, I've done it myself. HOWEVER, I have read that some airlines will close a passenger's frequent flier account and confiscate all previously earned mileage for engaging in this practice, so if you're going to do it, make sure you don't give them your frequent flier number if you have one or you may be hearing some bad news from them at a future date.

I think that's slightly overstating it, and you should actually collect those miles.

I have several times had to throw away return legs for any number of valid reasons (and some not so valid ) and no one has ever looked twice. I think airlines do have inventory control programs that might see patterns if you did it systematically, but once is not problem.

But here's another thought- if you have enough miles to get a free ticket, this is a good use for it, because award tickets are often much more flexible with very low fees for changes. Eventually, you'll want to go back home, I presume...even if just for a vacation . You could even get a free stopover somwhere on your way, or "on your way home."

(And welcome to the US too...)