One-Way vs Round-Trip Award Tickets: Which Should You Book? (2026)

Should you book award tickets one-way or round-trip?

Book award tickets one-way in almost every case because the mileage cost is usually the same and the flexibility is better. As a rule across major programs, one direction costs half a round-trip, so separate awards let you choose a different program, cabin, or date for each direction without paying extra miles. Use our award calculator to price the outbound and return separately before deciding.

Even ANA, long the main exception, began allowing one-way awards on ANA and Star Alliance partners from June 24, 2025 at half the round-trip price (LoyaltyLobby; Thrifty Traveler). Korean Air SKYPASS reportedly still charges the full round-trip price for a one-way partner award, making Korean Air the practical exception to check before booking.

Which programs price one-ways at half?

American, Aeroplan, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic partner awards, Alaska, and ANA price one-way awards at half the round-trip rate as a rule across these programs. Korean Air reportedly breaks that pattern for partner awards, while Emirates allows one-ways but reportedly may charge near or above half the round-trip rate.

Why are one-ways the award traveler's default?

One-way awards give travelers more control over each half of a trip without usually increasing the mileage price. The main advantages come from treating the outbound and return as separate decisions.

• Mix programs by direction. The best outbound price and the best return price often come from different programs, especially when comparing the best miles for Europe.
• Mix cabins. Business class outbound and economy on the return can work better than waiting for matching seats; our mixed-cabin award guide explains the tradeoffs.
• Book each direction when its schedule opens. The outbound can be secured first, followed by the return when its own window opens; check the usual award-seat release windows.
• Build an open-jaw or add a separate connection. A flexible gateway can make scarce awards easier to use; our guide to positioning flights covers the risks.
• Change or cancel one direction without touching the other. Separate records isolate the leg being changed, subject to each program's award cancellation rules.

When does a round-trip award still make sense?

A round-trip award still makes sense when the loyalty program or offer gives the complete itinerary a real advantage. Simplicity alone can also matter when both directions are already available through the same program.

• Use a round-trip when a program penalizes one-ways. Korean Air SKYPASS reportedly charges the full round-trip price for a one-way partner award.
• Use a round-trip when a promotion applies only to round-trip awards. Read the offer terms before moving points or buying miles.
• Use a round-trip when one program already holds exactly the required amount and has suitable space in both directions.
• Use a round-trip when seeing taxes for both directions on one booking makes the itinerary easier to review and manage.

What changed with ANA one-way awards?

ANA changed its international and partner award rules to permit one-way bookings, reopening one of the lowest-priced Star Alliance charts for travelers who need only one direction or want to combine ANA with another program.

• Before June 24, 2025, ANA required round-trip bookings for international and partner awards (LoyaltyLobby; Thrifty Traveler).
• From June 24, 2025, ANA began allowing one-way awards on ANA and Star Alliance partners at half the round-trip chart price (LoyaltyLobby; Thrifty Traveler).
• ANA also discontinued its Round-the-World award as part of the rule change (LoyaltyLobby; Thrifty Traveler).

How should you plan two one-way awards?

Plan two one-way awards by confirming the price and bookable space for each direction before obtaining any miles. A direction-by-direction search prevents a strong outbound option from forcing a weak return.

• Price the outbound and return independently in the award calculator.
• Find bookable award space for each direction, including different dates, cabins, airlines, and programs where useful.
• Buy only the program and amount needed for the direction with confirmed space. Compare today's miles prices before purchasing.
• Send both legs to our booking desk when you want our team to manage the search and booking. Our booking desk charges $0 to submit a request and confirms the exact all-in cash total within 24 hours. The total includes miles, a 5% service fee, and airline taxes at cost. You receive a full refund if we can't deliver your booking as described.

What is the bottom line on one-way vs round-trip awards?

The takeaway is simple: book each direction separately unless a verified round-trip rule or promotion is better, and price each direction in miles before choosing a program.