round trip means there and back

What is a round-trip flight?

Editor's Note

It's one of the first decisions we make when booking a flight: Should I book a round-trip or a one-way flight?

It's typically something you'll think about before you ever click "search" to find flights and airfare.

At face value, it seems like a pretty straightforward choice. Book a one-way flight if you're only flying in one direction, and book a round-trip flight if you'll be returning home ... right?

Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. Thanks to airline pricing trends and our own personal scheduling quirks, there's a bit more to consider.

There may be cases where you wonder if you're better off booking two one-way flights to save money. You may have uncertain plans that make it difficult to commit to a return flight. In some cases, when visiting a few different cities, you may be better off with something different entirely: a multicity itinerary.

There are also plenty of additional considerations if you're booking an award flight using frequent flyer miles or flying internationally.

Here, we break down the basics of what you need to know about booking round-trip flights.

A round-trip flight is an itinerary from one destination to another, with a flight back to the original destination.

In most cases, this is what you probably book when going on vacation or visiting a family member for a holiday weekend.

Let's say I live in Charlotte and want to fly to Arizona for a spring break trip. I book an itinerary with an outbound flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and a return trip to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) aboard American Airlines.

The two flights, booked together on a single itinerary, constitute a round trip.

What is the difference between a round-trip flight and a one-way flight?

When you book a round-trip flight, your itinerary includes an outbound flight and a return trip.

A one-way flight only takes you one direction — say, from Charlotte to Phoenix — with no return flight scheduled.

Is a round-trip flight different from 2 one-way flights?

Yes, in terms of how you book your trip. No, in terms of your travel plans themselves.

Again, a round-trip itinerary includes both an outbound flight and a return trip to the city of origin. A one-way flight is a single trip from one airport to another, with no return booked.

Booking 2 one-way flights

However, if you book two one-way flights, you can, in essence, create your own version of a round trip. This could be on the same airline or on two entirely different airlines.

For the purposes of your travel experience, it's effectively a round trip.

But, know that in the airline computer system(s), you'd technically be traveling on two separate reservations. So, you'd receive different trip confirmation numbers for the outbound and return flights.

Is booking 2 one-ways cheaper than a round-trip flight?

In the U.S., splitting a round trip up into two one-way flights on the same airline and travel dates typically makes no difference in terms of price.

However, on a small number of routes, airlines do charge a premium for one-way bookings compared to the price they charge for a round trip. This is more common internationally, where round-trip flights can be a better value than two one-way trips. Booking two separate one-way flights tends to be more expensive for international travel.

Also, budget carriers frequently offer one-way fares at the same price as a round-trip ticket.

That means if you booked separate one-way flights, you'd most likely end up paying the same as, or even more than, a round-trip fare, depending on the route.

Booking 2 one-way flights on different airlines

On the other hand, there are cases where, thanks to a tool like Google Flights , you might discover that you can save money by booking an outbound, one-way flight on one airline and a one-way return flight on a different airline.

For example, last year, TPG contributor Sean Cudahy needed to travel to North Texas for the weekend. Round-trip flights on a single airline from the Washington, D.C., region to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) were coming in at more than $600 that particular weekend.

However, he saved a couple hundred dollars by mixing and matching: He booked a one-way, outbound flight to DFW aboard Delta Air Lines and a separate, one-way return flight on American Airlines.

Just keep in mind this can be risky. If your flight on one airline gets significantly delayed — to the point that you miss your return flight — your second airline won't automatically rebook you. The airline staff may not have much sympathy for your situation since your troubles happened aboard a different carrier.

Can I book a round-trip flight to 1 city and then return home from another?

Yes. These flights are known as open-jaw or multicity itineraries. Many airlines offer this booking option.

Let's say I want to fly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). I'm going to visit Walt Disney World for a few days. Then, I'm going to take a Brightline train to South Florida and spend a few days at the beach before flying back to New York.

Since these are airports heavily served by JetBlue, I'll use that carrier as an example. On JetBlue's website, I'll select "Multi-city" instead of searching "Roundtrip" or "One-way" flights.

I'll need to separately enter each leg of the trip. Let's do a Saturday departure from Newark to Orlando, and then a Thursday return from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Newark.

You'll end up booked on a single itinerary, with the outbound and return flights linked, but with the different city combinations.

Can I buy a round-trip flight with an open return?

No, not exactly. When you book a round-trip flight, you'll generally have to specify a return leg and date.

If your plans are likely to change, though, what you'll want to do instead is pick a date that's far enough out. You'll need to book with an airline or in a cabin class that doesn't charge change fees. Then, reschedule your return trip once your plans are set. Alternatively, you can book a "flexible" fare, which is more expensive but generally allows easier changes.

Make sure you're familiar with an airline's change-fee policy before booking an open-return round-trip flight. For example, most airlines won't let you cancel or change basic economy tickets.

Should I book mileage or award tickets as 2 one-ways or a round trip?

It largely depends on the route. In some cases, you'll get better award availability if you book two one-way flights. In others, the taxes for two one-way award flights could end up being higher than what you'd pay for a round-trip itinerary.

However, in most cases nowadays, award tickets for two one-way flights and a round-trip flight tend to add up to the same number of miles. Just be sure to check both on an airline's website to ensure you're getting the best possible award availability .

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• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
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Definition of round trip

Examples of round trip in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'round trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1837, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near round trip

round-trip ticket

Cite this Entry

“Round trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/round%20trip. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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What is a Round Trip Flight? (Everything You Should Know)

A round-trip flight is when you fly from somewhere and then return to that original location.

When you book a round-trip flight, you receive a single ticket that covers both the outbound and inbound legs of the journey.

Round-trip flights are usually cheaper than booking multiple one-way flights, especially for international destinations. But you sacrifice flexibility and have to pay more upfront for a round-trip ticket.

Rescheduling round-trip flights can also be both difficult and expensive. 

Round-trip flights can include layovers and connecting flights . But as long as the start and end points are the same, it’s a round-trip flight. 

Table of Contents

• 1 How Round Trip Flights Work
• 2 Round Trip Flights Are Cheaper than One Way Flights
• 3 You Don’t Have to Fly Both Legs
• 4 How Long You Can Stay on a Round Trip Ticket
• 5.1 1. Lower Costs
• 5.2 2. Lower Taxes
• 5.3 3. Fewer Cancellation Fees
• 5.4 4. Vouchers
• 6.1 1. Changing the date can be more expensive
• 6.2 2. Expensive domestic flights
• 6.3 3. High Upfront Costs
• 6.4 4. Automatic Itinerary Cancellations
• 6.5 5. Decreased Flexibility
• 7 One-Way and Open-Jaw Flights

How Round Trip Flights Work

A round-trip flight includes a flight from your original location, let’s call ‘A,’ to your destination, let’s call ‘B,’ as well as a flight from B back to A. 

With a round-trip ticket, you get a flight to B, where you’ll stay for as long as you like before going back to A. 

Round-trip flights are the most popular flights for travelers who are flying for a vacation.

Round Trip Flights Are Cheaper than One Way Flights

Round trips are almost always cheaper than one-way flights when booking with the same airline, with most airlines incentivizing round trips, especially for leisure travel, and especially to international destinations. 

For example:

• A round trip from London to New York may cost $1,000.
• A one-way trip to New York City from London might cost $600, and a one-way trip from London to New York City may also cost $600.
• In this example, you’d save $200 by choosing a round trip with the same airline rather than booking two separate flights. 

But it could be cheaper for you to fly with two different airlines.

Let’s say you find a British Airways flight from London to New York City for $600. But you also find a Delta Air Lines flight from New York City to London for only $300. 

In that case, you’d save $100 by buying two one-way flights from different airlines. 

You Don’t Have to Fly Both Legs

You’re not technically obligated to fly both legs of a round-trip flight.

If you fly the first leg from your location to the destination, you could stay there longer and miss the return flight if you wanted to.

But airlines dislike this behavior and may penalize your flying privileges if you do this repeatedly. 

If you miss the first leg of your round-trip flight, the airline will most likely automatically cancel the return flight, too. 

How Long You Can Stay on a Round Trip Ticket

You can stay on a round-trip flight for as little as one day to as long as a year.

The exact duration you can stay depends on the airline’s booking policies and flight availability. 

Pros of Round Trip Flights

1. lower costs.

Round trips from the same airlines are almost always cheaper than booking two one-way flights.

Round trips for international flights are especially cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets from the same airline. 

2. Lower Taxes

You only have to pay sales tax once with a round-trip flight.

That’s because you only have to pay for one ticket, which includes both your flights. 

3. Fewer Cancellation Fees

You’ll only be charged a single cancellation fee if you cancel a round-trip flight.

But if you cancel two one-way flights, you’ll pay cancellation fees for both flights. 

4. Vouchers

You can save a lot of money on round-trip flights if you have a voucher, like a companion voucher from a credit card.

You’ll save more when booking round-trip flights, since an individual round-trip flight costs more than an individual one-way flight.

And vouchers can only be used once and are usually a percentage discount. 

Cons of Round Trip Flights

1. changing the date can be more expensive.

Changing the dates for a round-trip flight costs between $0 to $400.

In some cases, it could be so expensive that you’d be better off missing a flight and booking a new one-way flight instead. 

2. Expensive domestic flights

Round-trip domestic flights with the same airline could be more expensive than booking multiple one-way domestic flights with different airlines.

Most airlines are more price competitive for domestic routes rather than international ones. 

3. High Upfront Costs

You have to pay more up-front for a round-trip flight than when booking a one way flight.

4. Automatic Itinerary Cancellations

If you miss the first leg of your round trip, the airline may also cancel your return trip, and you will lose your money.

5. Decreased Flexibility

You have to meet the scheduled flight date and times for a round trip flight.

Whereas with multiple one-way trips, you could just book your return flight whenever you want while at your destination. 

You can technically change your return flight for a round-trip, but it’s often expensive and difficult. 

One-Way and Open-Jaw Flights

A one-way flight is a flight from one destination to another destination that doesn’t include a return flight.

An open-jaw flight i s when you travel from your location to a first destination.

Then you travel to a different subsequent destination(s) and return to your original location from one of the subsequent destinations. 

For example, you could fly from New York to Paris. Then drive from Paris to Berlin and fly from Berlin back to New York.

In conclusion:

• A round-trip flight is when you fly from your location to another destination, and then fly back to your original location.
• With a round-trip flight, you purchase one ticket, which gives you an inbound and outbound flight.
• Round-trip flights are most popular among tourists.
• Booking a round-trip flight has many advantages over booking multiple one-way flights.
• Most importantly, round-trip flights are almost always cheaper than multiple one-way flights, especially for international destinations.
• Round trip flights are also more convenient for people who are only traveling a short time, such as for a vacation.
• But round trip flights are less flexible and more expensive to alter. 

See Also: A Complete Guide to Airline Operations

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).

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What Does Round Trip Mean? | 5 Types of Fares You Should Know About

What does round trip mean? A round trip, as the name suggests, means traveling from one point to another and then returning back to the same starting point, usually via the same route.

This is considered to be a better way of booking tickets, if you have a fixed schedule, rather than booking two separate one-way tickets. And a round trip ticket generally costs a little less than two one-way tickets.

This works for both domestic and international travel. Airlines provide an option to book a round trip ticket for international flights, and may also give certain discounts or special offers on such bookings.

All you have to do is select the starting point of the journey and the destination.

Next is to fill in the date for the travel to the destination, and then fill in the date when you want to return from the destination.

Some airlines also provide an option to select a particular flight if there are multiple flights at different timings for the same destination.

Once done, you will have booked the tickets both to and from your destination.

While this can be one of the ways to travel , there are few other options which can make your travel convenient, fun, and maybe even cheaper.

Let’s have a look at them.

One way Trip

One of the most preferred ways of traveling is the one-way trip.

It is the easiest to book, and many find it convenient.

A one-way trip simply means that you travel from a starting point straight to the destination.

This is obviously the only way to travel if you are planning on staying at the destination place for an indefinite amount of time, or are moving from one city/country to another.

For shorter distances, a one-way ticket can be one of the cheaper options. But for longer travels or international travels, it may not be the best.

Apart from that, it does provide a little flexibility to the traveler.

If you have traveled to a place, on a one-way ticket, for a scheduled amount of days and wish to extend your trip or cut it short, you have the option to book another one-way ticket from your destination back to your home.

This is one of the advantages of booking a one way trip ticket.

Open Jaw Trip

Open jaw trips are one of the less used ways to travel but are really a very convenient and possibly cheap travel option when you are traveling to more than two different places which are relatively closer to each other, and then have to return back to your home. The traveling pattern usually looks like its name.

An open jaw or a triangular pattern to be precise. For example, you want to travel to Italy and visit a few cities on your trip before returning back.

One way of booking tickets for the trip would be a round trip ticket. But the problem here is, you will have to choose a destination, let’s say Venice, and then wherever you are in Italy, you’ll need to come back to Venice to catch your flight back home. This can be a little cumbersome.

To avoid this, you can book an open jaw ticket.

Which means you travel from your home airport to Venice. And whichever city you are supposed to be on the last day of your trip, book a flight back home from that city. In this case, after landing in Venice, you can catch a flight back from Rome.

This allows you to have a flexible trip and save you the money and the efforts to go back to Venice from Rome.

An open jaw ticket can be easily booked using the multi city booking option on any of the flight booking platforms.

Round the World (RTW) Trip

If you want to travel from one place to another with multiple stops and then back home, a Round the World trip is just what you need.

RTW trips are very beneficial when it comes to long haul trips covering multiple cities or countries.

These types of flights allow you to travel to several different places on a single ticket.

You can book a ticket for a trip to Australia from Europe with a few stops along the trip, or you can choose to travel to 3 or 4 different continents before returning back home.

These flights provide stopovers and no layovers.

This means that at a particular stop, you can go out of the airport and explore the city in the time you have left until your flight out. RTW tickets are known to be cheaper when compared to round trips or multi city tickets.

That’s because your ticket will also include a return back to your home airport.

Many alliances offer such kinds of ticket packages, which also includes a specific plan for every city you have a stop at.

Round Robin Trip

Round robin trips are basically the same as open jaw trips or round the world trips.

They allow you to book multi-stop itineraries on a single booking.

You can choose to travel from your point of origin to one destination and then take a flight back home from another destination.

This is similar to the open jaw booking. You can also choose to Travel to a destination with multiple stops along the trip. But unlike round the world trips, you have the option to choose how many stopovers you want and where.

This way round robin bookings provides a little more flexibility over round the world trips.

They can also save you some money by letting you travel to multiple places on a single ticket.

The trip starts from your point of origin and ends on the same place. Which means you don’t have to book a separate flight back home.

The only issue is that if you wish to extend or cut a trip short, you cannot do that with round robin bookings.

In such a case, you will have to make separate bookings according to your plans.

Multi city Trip

Multi city trips are what covers all the three- open jaw, round the world, and round-robin trips. As the name suggests, multi city trips include stops at multiple cities between your point of origin and your destination.

You can add multiple stops along your trip if you wish to visit those cities, just like you do in around the world booking.

You can also plan to travel to a destination, and return to your home from a different airport, just like an open-jaw trip.

Multi city trips allow stopovers, which are usually longer than 24 hours, where you can go out of the airport and explore.

But it also allows creating layovers, which can be as short as 30 minutes to as long as 23 hours.

Majority of the time, you are not allowed to leave the airport considering the short amount of time. You can book such flights directly via airlines or any agencies.

Depending on the destination and the number of stops or layovers, the prices may vary. Multi city flights can be advantageous if you are planning to take a long trip and want to visit more places with little flexibility.

They also allow you to set your itinerary according to your plan, unlike the planned packages provided on round the world trips by alliances.

Essentially, round the world, open jaw, and round robin trip are very similar to each other and branch out of the multi-city trip system.

All of them, in one way or another, allow you to travel to more than one place on a single booking, and also bring you back to your point of origin.

What kind of trip to choose majorly depends on what kind of trip you have planned.

If you have a limited number of places to visit that are a little closer to each other, an open-jaw trip is perfect for you. But if you want to travel to multiple cities or continents, and be able to spend some time exploring, round-robin or multi-city trips would be the best choice.

In such cases, round the world trips can also be given preference, but if you go with a certain package deal, then it limits your choice in terms of the places you can go to.

If you are not very good at planning a trip or are uncertain of the places to visit and the things to experience once you visit them, then around the world trip is the best choice.

You will not have to worry about selecting the number of places to visit, and the things to do over there.

And lastly, depending on your budget and plans, you can also choose from either a round trip or a one-way trip.

The former allows you to book a trip from your origin point to the destination and back, without having to worry about booking a separate ticket.

Whereas, a one-way ticket is the best when you are uncertain about your return plans.

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Two One-Way Flights or One Round-Trip: Which Is Better?

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Booking a flight involves navigating a maze of decisions. Is it better to fly with a budget airline or full-service one? How about basic economy versus regular economy ? And would you prefer pretzels or a cookie? 

Choosing between a single round-trip or two one-way tickets is the most basic decision and — you might be surprised to learn — one of the more nuanced. 

The cost between the two is usually the same for domestic flights but can vary significantly for international routes (assuming you're booking with cash rather than points and miles ).

Given that airfare was 26% more expensive in January 2023 than January 2022, according to the latest consumer price index data, budget travelers need to save every penny they can. 

In general, it can be more convenient to book a round-trip flight for a trip with specific start and end dates, but other considerations, such as cancellation policies and pricing, could make booking one-ways more appealing in some cases. And everything works differently for flights booked with miles. 

Let’s break it down.

Domestic flights

For flights within the United States on the same airline, round-trip tickets almost always cost the same as two one-ways.

There’s one caveat here: Booking two one-way tickets between separate destination or arrival airports can, in some cases, save money (or cost more). 

“Fares don’t have to be booked as returns,” says Laura Lindsay, travel trends expert at SkyScanner, a travel booking platform. “Look at flying out with one airline and back with another, or out of one airport and back into another to save money.”

Many online travel tools will automatically compare prices for these mismatched airline or airport itineraries and automatically include them in search results.

But it might be worth checking manually, especially for plans that involve different local airports or for airlines that don’t appear in search results , such as Southwest.

All that said, for domestic flights, the difference is almost always a wash. 

International flights

For international tickets, the logic changes completely. Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than one-ways, sometimes significantly so.

NerdWallet compared fares across multiple international routes and found that, typically, buying two one-way tickets costs 20% more than a single roundtrip. 

To determine these differences, we compared routes between four U.S. airports and two airports in each destination region.

The effect is more pronounced when flying to some regions, such as Africa and Asia. That said, for flights between the U.S. and every region we looked at, it costs more to book two one-ways than a single round-trip. 

In some circumstances, such as open-ended trips where you don’t know when you’ll be returning, one-way flights might still make the most sense. But for most international travel, round-trip fares are the clear winner. 

Are round-trip or one-way flights cheaper if booking with points?

What about the cost difference between one-way and round-trip fares when using points or miles ?

Generally, airlines break these fares into one-way sections, meaning there is no meaningful difference between the two, in terms of cost. Yet a few caveats apply: 

Taxes on award flights can be higher when booking two one-ways. Delta Air Lines, for example, tends to charge more fees for flights originating in Europe.

Some airlines, such as ANA, do not allow one-way award flights, period. 

Flights booked with credit card points using a travel portal (i.e. not transferred to an airline partner) follow the same rules as cash fares. 

Other considerations

It’s also worth considering the impact of changes and cancellations on the two options.

Most airlines have eliminated change fees , making it easier to change and cancel both kinds of tickets. But canceling one leg of a round-trip ticket can sometimes be more complicated than canceling a one-way ticket.

In some cases, you might need to call customer service, instead of canceling online, to make sure the change doesn’t cancel your other flight segments as well.

And finally, there’s the question of simplicity.

Is the simplicity of having a single itinerary, managed by one round-trip confirmation code, worth these other trade-offs? This simplicity, paired with the fact that round-trip tickets are almost never more expensive than two one-ways, means that these fares make sense for most travelers.

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What are Roundtrip Flights?

A roundtrip flight is an itinerary with one flight to a destination and another flight back from that destination.

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When flying internationally, are roundtrip flights cheaper than two one-way flights?

When flying domestically (within the same country), the cost of a roundtrip ticket is often equal to the sum of two one-ways. But, when you’re traveling internationally, roundtrip tickets are often the better deal and, depending on the airline, can cost significantly less than the sum of two one-way tickets .

Why are international roundtrips cheaper than two one-ways?

Blame business travelers. This group of travelers (a) is not price-sensitive and (b) often needs to book at the last minute. Since they don’t know their plans, they often have to book one-ways. Leisure travelers, on the other hand, are very price sensitive and tend to know their plans farther in advance.

By keeping one-way flights more expensive, airlines are able to get extra revenue out of the business travelers who can't book their return flights as far in advance and are willing to pay more for that flexibility.

As more international low-cost carriers have popped up, this has begun to change to some extent, but generally you’re still better off booking a roundtrip.

Can I buy a roundtrip ticket for a one-way trip?

Technically, you can buy a roundtrip ticket and only use it to go one-way, but airlines frown upon this. And, you can only skip the return flight. If you miss a segment of your trip, the airline may cancel the rest of your ticket without giving you a refund. Which means if you buy a roundtrip ticket planning to use it only one way, make sure the leg you plan to ditch is the last leg of the trip.

Can I buy a roundtrip ticket to one city and home from another?

A “roundtrip” that arrives in one airport and departs from another (e.g. NYC to London, Paris to NYC) is called an open-jaw flight (often referred to as a multi-city itinerary in flight searches). While not a traditional roundtrip, it’s booked as one ticket, typically making it cheaper than two one-ways.

How long can you stay on a roundtrip ticket? Can you buy a roundtrip ticket with an open return date?

In most cases, your best bet is to pick a date that is far enough out, purchase a flexible fare or go with an airline that doesn’t charge change fees, and then just change your flight when you figure out when you’re going home. Even if the airline charges a change fee, it can be worth paying the extra money if you need the flexibility.

>> Join Going and get cheap flights and travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Last updated Jan 11, 2024

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Fares for round trips often have a discount.

• a transportation ticket for such a trip.
• Pinochle. roundhouse ( def 4 ) .
• a trip to a place and back again, esp returning by a different route

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Other words from.

• round-trip adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of round trip 1

Idioms and Phrases

Example sentences.

Finding the shortest round trip on a given shape might seem as simple as picking a direction and walking in a straight line.

Unfortunately, our existing processors are a bad match for the sort of algorithms that many of these techniques are based on, in part because they require frequent round trips between the processor and memory.

Computer scientists also triumphed this year in dealing with the famous traveling salesperson problem, which concerns how to find the shortest round trip for any collection of cities.

At some point in the next several years she will conclude her round trip back to Diego Garcia and begin the entire process again.

Christofides’ algorithm uses this tree as the backbone for a round-trip tour, adding extra edges to convert it into a round trip.

A 64-year-old animal trainer, he makes the six-hour round-trip every two weeks to submit to her and explore his sexuality.

She was making the round trip for the second time since the fighting began.

He blamed the Ukrainians for letting it get run down, and he cut the round-trip air fare from Moscow almost in half.

He searches patiently through his briefcase and produces a round-trip ticket for the seat in question.

It took me 1.5 hours (3 hours round trip) to get to school every day.

The round trip covers a distance of about seventy-five miles and occupies eight or ten hours.

The Pennsylvania made a round trip in about thirty-five days, with a day or two of idle time at either end.

The next day we left our pony, and made a flying round trip of thirty miles to the settlement.

In less than two weeks, Motor Matt, we could make a round trip to the Bahamas in your air ship.

They saddled up and left at once, in order to complete the round trip before dark.

[ ak -s uh -lot-l ]

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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• Travel Tips

How Does A Round Trip Ticket Work

Published: December 4, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Jillane Bye

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Traveling is an exhilarating experience that allows us to explore new destinations, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and create lifelong memories. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long vacation, one of the key aspects to consider is transportation. When it comes to air travel, round trip tickets are a popular and convenient option for many travelers. In this article, we will delve into the world of round trip tickets, exploring what they are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.

A round trip ticket, also known as a return ticket, is a type of airfare that allows travelers to book both their outbound and inbound flights at the same time. Unlike one-way tickets, which only cover travel from one destination to another, round trip tickets are designed for travelers who plan to return to their original departure point.

Round trip tickets are widely used for various reasons. They offer a sense of security, as travelers have their return flight already booked, eliminating the need for last-minute bookings or potential price increases. Additionally, they often come at a discounted price compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets.

What is a round trip ticket?

A round trip ticket, also known as a return ticket, is a type of airfare that allows travelers to book both the outbound and inbound flights of their journey at the same time. It provides a convenient way to plan and organize travel arrangements, as it covers the entire journey from departure to return.

When you purchase a round trip ticket, you are essentially reserving a seat on both the outbound and inbound flights. This means that you have a pre-determined departure date and time for your initial flight, as well as a pre-determined return date and time for your flight back to your original departure point.

Round trip tickets are commonly used for vacations, business trips, or any travel scenario where the intention is to return to the starting point. They offer the peace of mind of having the return flight already booked, eliminating the need to search for and book separate tickets for the return journey.

One of the main advantages of a round trip ticket is that it is often more cost-effective compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. Airlines offer discounted fares for round trip bookings, as it ensures that both flights are filled to capacity. This can result in significant savings, especially for travelers who have flexible travel dates.

Another benefit of a round trip ticket is the convenience it provides. By booking both flights at once, you can avoid the hassle of coordinating separate bookings for your outbound and inbound journeys. It gives you the peace of mind of knowing that all aspects of your travel are taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Benefits of Purchasing a Round Trip Ticket

When it comes to air travel, purchasing a round trip ticket offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for many travelers. Let’s take a closer look at some of these advantages:

• Cost savings: One of the primary benefits of purchasing a round trip ticket is the potential cost savings. Airlines often offer discounted fares for round trip bookings compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. This can result in significant savings, especially for travelers on a budget.
• Convenience: Booking a round trip ticket provides a high level of convenience. By reserving both the outbound and inbound flights at the same time, you eliminate the need to search for and book separate tickets for your return journey. This saves you time and effort, allowing for a smoother and more streamlined travel experience.
• Fixed travel dates: Round trip tickets come with pre-determined departure and return dates, providing a clear schedule for your trip. This can be beneficial for travelers who have specific commitments or time constraints. Having fixed travel dates also helps in planning accommodations and activities at your destination.
• Peace of mind: With a round trip ticket, you have the assurance of a booked return flight. This eliminates the risk of last-minute price increases or unavailability of flights during peak travel times. It provides peace of mind, knowing that your return journey is secured and you can focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest.
• Ease of rebooking: In case of any unexpected changes or disruptions to your travel plans, having a round trip ticket can make rebooking easier. If your outbound flight gets delayed or canceled, most airlines will work with you to make alternative arrangements for your return flight. This flexibility can save you from potential headaches and additional expenses.

Overall, purchasing a round trip ticket offers cost savings, convenience, peace of mind, and flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances. It is a popular choice for travelers who prefer a hassle-free travel experience and want to make the most of their time and budget.

How Does a Round Trip Ticket Work?

Understanding how a round trip ticket works is key to effectively utilizing this type of airfare. Let’s explore the process and components involved:

1. Booking the flights: When purchasing a round trip ticket, you will typically start by selecting your departure and return dates. This involves entering the desired destinations and specifying the desired travel dates. It’s important to note that round trip tickets are designed for travelers who plan to return to their original departure point.

2. Flight details: Once you have selected your travel dates, the airline or travel agency will provide you with the flight details for both the outbound and inbound journeys. This includes the airline, flight numbers, departure times, and arrival times for each leg of your trip.

3. Seat reservation: Along with the flight details, you will be given the option to choose your seats for both the outbound and inbound flights. Depending on the airline, this may be included in the ticket price or require an additional fee. Selecting your preferred seats ensures you have comfortable seating arrangements for both legs of your journey.

4. Checking in: When it’s time to travel, you will need to check in for each flight separately. This can usually be done online or at the airline counter at the airport. It’s important to check the check-in requirements and timelines for each flight, as they may have different guidelines.

5. Baggage allowance: Each airline has specific baggage allowances, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules for your round trip ticket. Be aware of the maximum weight and size limits for both checked luggage and carry-on items, as well as any additional fees for exceeding the allowed limits.

6. Boarding and travel: On the day of your outbound flight, proceed to the designated gate and board the aircraft according to the boarding instructions. Enjoy your journey to your destination and make the most of your time there. When it’s time to return, follow the same process for checking in, boarding, and traveling back to your original departure point.

7. Flight changes: It’s important to note that changes to round trip tickets, such as altering travel dates or canceling the return leg, may incur fees or result in fare adjustments. If you need to make any modifications to your round trip ticket, contact the airline or travel agency in advance to understand the options available and any associated costs.

By understanding the process of booking, checking in, and traveling with a round trip ticket, you can make the most of this convenient and cost-effective airfare option. Always ensure to review the terms and conditions associated with your round trip ticket to avoid any unexpected surprises during your journey.

Key Features and Limitations of Round Trip Tickets

Round trip tickets offer several key features that make them a popular choice among travelers. However, it is also important to be aware of their limitations. Let’s explore the key features and limitations of round trip tickets:

Key Features:

• Economical: Round trip tickets often come at a discounted price compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. This makes them a cost-effective option for travelers.
• Convenience: Booking both the outbound and inbound flights at once provides convenience and saves time. You won’t have to search for and book separate tickets for your return journey.
• Schedule: Round trip tickets come with fixed departure and return dates, allowing you to plan your travel itinerary more effectively.
• Peace of mind: Having a round trip ticket assures you of a booked return flight, eliminating the need to worry about unavailability or price fluctuations.
• Flexibility: Round trip tickets often offer more flexibility in terms of rebooking or making changes to your travel plans compared to one-way tickets.

Limitations:

• Restricted route: Round trip tickets are designed for travelers who intend to return to their original departure point. If you plan to explore different destinations or have multiple stopovers, one-way or multi-city tickets may be more suitable.
• Rigid travel dates: Unlike open-ended tickets, round trip tickets come with fixed departure and return dates. This means you need to adhere to the specified travel dates and may not have the flexibility to extend or shorten your stay.
• Restrictions on changes: Modifying travel dates, canceling the return leg, or making other changes to round trip tickets may incur fees or result in fare adjustments. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket before making any modifications.
• No refunds for unused portion: In most cases, if you decide not to use the return portion of your round trip ticket, you will not be eligible for any refunds. It’s important to assess your travel plans carefully before purchasing a round trip ticket to avoid any potential waste.
• Limited availability: Round trip tickets are subject to availability, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s recommended to book your round trip ticket well in advance to secure your desired travel dates and avoid any disappointments.

Understanding the key features and limitations of round trip tickets can help you make an informed decision when planning your travels. Consider your specific needs, travel preferences, and budget to determine if a round trip ticket is the right choice for your journey.

Tips for Booking Round Trip Tickets

Booking round trip tickets requires careful consideration and planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when booking your round trip tickets:

• Research and compare: Take the time to research and compare prices, airlines, and routes. Look for the best deals and discounts to maximize your savings.
• Be flexible with travel dates: If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying during the off-peak seasons or on weekdays. This can often result in lower fares and better offers.
• Use price comparison tools: Take advantage of online price comparison tools and travel websites to compare prices and find the best deals on round trip tickets.
• Consider alternative airports: Check if there are alternative airports near your destination. Sometimes flying into a nearby airport and then taking ground transportation can be more cost-effective.
• Sign up for airline newsletters: Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on social media to stay updated on exclusive deals and promotions.
• Book in advance: Round trip tickets tend to get more expensive the closer it gets to the travel date. Try to book your tickets well in advance to secure the best prices.
• Check baggage policies: Familiarize yourself with the baggage policies of the airlines you plan to fly with. Ensure that your baggage is within the allowed weight and size limits to avoid any additional fees.
• Consider travel insurance: It’s always a good idea to consider purchasing travel insurance when booking your round trip tickets. This can provide coverage for unexpected events and give you peace of mind.
• Check for hidden fees: Be aware of any additional fees that may be associated with your round trip ticket, such as seat selection fees, change fees, or baggage fees. Read the terms and conditions carefully before making your purchase.
• Double-check the details: Before completing your booking, double-check all the details, including the travel dates, flight times, and passenger information. Any mistakes can lead to unnecessary inconvenience or charges.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals, securing convenient travel dates, and enjoying a stress-free journey with your round trip tickets. Remember to plan ahead, compare options, and stay informed to make the most of your travel experience.

Round trip tickets offer a convenient and cost-effective way to plan and book your air travel. They provide peace of mind, as you have both your outbound and inbound flights already reserved. Through this article, we have explored the benefits of purchasing round trip tickets, how they work, their key features, limitations, and tips for booking them.

By choosing round trip tickets, you can take advantage of potential cost savings, the convenience of booking both flights at once, and the assurance of having a return flight secured. It eliminates the need for last-minute bookings and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.

It is important to be aware of the limitations of round trip tickets, such as restricted routes, fixed travel dates, and potential fees for changes. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions before making your purchase.

When booking round trip tickets, consider researching and comparing prices, being flexible with travel dates, utilizing price comparison tools, and signing up for airline newsletters. Additionally, check baggage policies, consider travel insurance, and double-check all the details before finalizing your booking.

Overall, round trip tickets are a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience, savings, and peace of mind. By understanding how they work and following the tips provided, you can make informed decisions and enjoy a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

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Definition of 'round trip'

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relating to the scientific study of animals, especially their structure

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What Does Out and Back Trail Mean in Hiking? [Defining a Confusing Term]

Hiking is truly one of the best ways to get out into nature and experience the beauty that our world has to offer.

But it’s crucial for your safety to have planned out your hike and ensure that you know what’s going on and what to expect.

And when you’re looking at the trail reports or information about it, you might find yourself wondering, what does out and back trail mean?!

There are tons of terms out there that can be confusing for first-time hikers, including the different types of traiks that you’ll find.

So in this post, I’m going to walk you through what an out-and-back trail is, what to expect on them, and the benefits and negatives of them.

What Does Out and Back Trail Mean in Hiking?

There are a few different types of trails that you might see when doing research for hikes that you’re looking to do.

Out and back is one of them, and happens to be one of the most popular types of trails.

In the simplest terms, an out-and-back trail is a type of trail that starts and ends in the same place.

The starting and ending point is some sort of trailhead or parking lot that you’ll park your car in, complete the hike, and then return to.

Usually, the turnaround point is a viewpoint or attraction such as a waterfall, lake, mountain view, etc.

After you’ve seen the view, you’ll turn back and follow the same path that you took to reach the viewpoint and head back to the trailhead.

Examples of Out and Back Trails

Below I’ve listed a few examples of out-and-back trails to help give you a better idea of what to expect when hiking one.

• A 5-Mile Out and Back Trail: Hike out on the trail for 2.5 miles before reaching the attraction, then turn around and hike 2.5 miles back to the trailhead on the same trail.
• Angels Landing Trail: Hike 2.2 miles to the top of Angels Landing , then turn around and head back to the shuttle stop on the same trail.
• Colchuck Lake Trail: Hike 4.05 miles to Colchuck Lake before retracing your steps back to where your car is parked.

Pros of an Out and Back Trail

There are a lot of awesome benefits that come with out-and-back hikes that make them some of the most popular.

Let’s go over some of the most significant pros of this type of hiking trail.

Easy Navigation

One of the best parts of an out-and-back trail is that they are fairly easy to navigate , compared to others where you have to turn.

You’ll basically just have to head out straight on the trail until you reach that mid-point where you’re going to turn around.

Sometimes there may be turns , but you’ll be able to pretty easily navigate those using an app such as All Trails or another navigation device.

You also might find it easier to find your way back to the car because you’ll pass landmarks two times.

There’s really just less of a chance of getting lost because when in doubt, just go back the same way that you came.

But, although it may seem easier, you still should plan to follow navigation for your safety and to ensure you don’t get lost.

Awesome Mid-Point

Out-and-back trails are great because they typically have a pretty epic spot to hang out at in the middle before turning around.

You’ll know exactly where that mountain viewpoint, waterfall, lake, or otherwise will be because it’s typically the turn-around spot.

I always love to stop and eat some lunch or a snack at the mid-point because it allows me some time to take in the beautiful views!

Some other types of trails, such as loops, might have views along the trail, but they usually don’t have one place that you’re trying to get to.

This also gives you better motivation to keep going, because you’ll know what’s waiting for you at the top!

Familiarity

Another pro of hiking this type of trail is that you’ll be familiar with the trail on your way back to the trailhead.

After you’ve passed a funky-looking tree, a beautiful viewpoint, or a patch of wildflowers, you’ll remember that and about how far into the hike you are.

So once you’re headed back to the car, you might see that same tree and think, ‘hey, I remember this! We’re only about 1 mile from the car.’

This also makes it easier and faster to hike back , as you won’t need to rely as heavily on navigation.

Hiking in the dark can also become easier , as you may remember spots that are easy to trip on, where to turn, etc.

Easy to Turn Around

It’s much easier to turn around on an out-and-back trail than others just because of their familiarity.

If someone in your group started to get a blister and needed to head back, it’ll be easier for them to go alone , since they’ll know the way.

You’ll also know exactly how far you have to hike before you get back to your car.

Elevation Might Be Easier

One of my favorite parts of out-and-back trails is that it can sometimes make heading back to the car a breeze!

Many trails, especially in the mountains or hilly regions, require that you climb a bit to reach the viewpoint.

This means that on your way back to the trailhead, you’ll get to hike downhill for pretty much the entire way!

I always find myself out of breath on uphill hikes and then saying, “well at least it’s all downhill on the way back!” 😆

Again, this gives a little more motivation , knowing that you won’t have to make that same climb on the way back.

Easy to Know Location

Lastly, out-and-back trails make it a lot easier to know where you’re at on the trail and how far you have to get back to the car.

However far along you are on the trail is how far you have left to get back to the trailhead.

For example, if I’ve hikes 3 miles out, I have 3 miles to get back to the car.

You can also do some pretty simple math to determine how much total distance you have left.

For example, if I’m hiking a trail that is 4.5 miles long, and I’m 2 miles into the trail, I’ll know that I have 0.25 miles to the turn around and 2.5 miles back to my car.

This is because a 4.5 mile trail will equal out to be 2.25 miles out and 2.25 miles back.

Testing New Gear

Some people enjoy testing out and breaking in new boots or bags on out and back trails before bringing them on other hikes.

This is because it’s so easy to turn around that they can head back to the trailhead if anything were to go wrong with that gear.

Cons of an Out and Back Trail

Although there are tons of pros when it comes to hiking this type of trail, there are also a few cons to consider.

But let’s be honest here, the pros totally outweigh the cons, which is why they are one of the most popular trail types.

Same Views Both Ways

Something that I don’t love about out-and-back trails is the fact that you aren’t going to get any chance of scenery on the way back to the trailhead.

Because you’re just retracing your steps, you’re going to have views of the same things that you had on the way out.

This can be totally fine if those views are epic and you could stare at them all day long.

But if you’re just hiking through the woods, it may get a bit boring to stare at the same thing both directions.

Might Feel Longer Than Other Types

Another potential con of these trails is that it might feel longer when you’re hiking them, compared to loops or other types.

This is because you have to hike the whole distance out, and then remind yourself that you still have that whole distance back.

Especially on long trails, this can be a total bummer.

For example, after I’ve already hiked 5 miles to reach the viewpoint, I remember that I still have 5 more miles to go before I get to the car.

Why Should I Choose an Out and Back Trail?

Sometimes there isn’t really a choice as to what type of trail you embark on, especially if you have your heart set on a certain one.

What I mean by this is that there is typically only one way to get to a location, so if you want to see it, you’ll need to take that route.

But if you’re just looking for a reason to get outside and are choosing which type of trail to take, you may want to choose an out and back!

Now you already read the pros of them up above, so I won’t delve too deep into why you should choose one here.

One of the best reasons to take an out-and-back trail is the simplicity of them.

You don’t have to pay a ton of attention to your navigation , as you’re simply heading straight out on a trail and then straight back.

They also are easy to turn back early if need be, as you simply need to head back the same way.

I also love them because I know when I’m getting close to the car because I’m already familiar with the area.

How is Distance Measured on an Out and Back Trail?

All hiking trails vary in distance, and are measured in different ways, depending on the type of trail.

When it comes to what out and back trail means, the definition of how it’s measured is pretty much in the name!

Out-and-back trails are measured by adding the distance from the trailhead out to the destination with the distance from the destination back to the trailhead.

This measurement is typically called ’roundtrip,’ which just means the total distance of the entire trail.

For example, if the distance from the trailhead to the destination is 3 miles, and from the destination back to the trailhead is 3 miles, the roundtrip distance is 6 miles.

An easier way to measure this is by just seeing how far it is from the trailhead to the destination and then multiplying that number by 2.

Most hiking apps tend to give their distances in round-trip measurements, such as All Trails.

But, when you arrive to the trailhead and look at the sign, it will likely list the distance as just from the trailhead to the destination.

So you’ll need to multiply that distance by 2 to get the roundtrip distance.

Are Out and Back Trails Measured in Round Trip?

When you’re looking at a hiking app such as All Trails, you may be a bit confused on whether the distance they’re showing is round-trip or one-way.

Typically, the distances on these apps are in round-trip.

So for example, if All Trails says that a hike is 6 miles, that means that the total distance is 6 miles, and it will be 3 miles out and 3 miles back.

But, one thing to be aware of is that the signs at the actual trailhead are usually stated for one-way unless otherwise noted.

So be sure to double that distance to ensure you know how far the hike actually is.

Other Types of Hiking Trails

Aside from just out and back, there are a few other types of hiking trails that you might see when planning a trip.

Because there are so many confusing hiking terms out there, I wanted to explain all of the most popular types of trails for you and what you can expect from them.

A loop trail is exactly what the name suggests it is!

Loops start and end in the same place, but bring you around one or multiple trails in a circle.

So you won’t have a mid-point where you turn around, but instead, you’ll just continue on the trail for the entire way.

I personally love loop trails because they allow you to see new scenery for the whole trail, rather than going back in the same direction.

Lollipop trails are kind of like a mixture between an out-and-back and a loop.

You’ll again start and end in the same spot, and head out on what seems to be an out and back.

But you’ll soon come to a point where you’ll need to choose which direction to go!

This is where the “lollipop” term comes in.

Choose whichever direction you’d like (or which is recommended) and then make your way around the loop, before returning to the “stick” to finish.

Point-to-Point

Point-to-point trails are the most difficult to complete because of the extra few steps that they take to plan out.

On this type of trail, you start at one trailhead, hike the entire trail, and then end at another trailhead.

This becomes tricky because you’ll need to find a way to get back to your car at the starting point.

Most people plan to hike with friends and park one car at each trailhead, while others plan to have someone pick them up.

Some popular trailheads (such as The Enchantments) have a shuttle system that can take you from one trailhead to the other.

These trails are most often completed on multi-day hikes or backpacking trips.

Safety Tips for Hiking

When you’re out on the hiking trail, of course there are some safety tips that you should follow to ensure that you have a safe return to the car.

Here are a few of the top tips for staying safe on the trail.

• Always be prepared when heading out onto the trail. Have enough food, water, clothing, etc.
• Carry at least 1 liter of water for every 1/2 hour on the trail.
• Stay within your limits to make sure that you don’t need SAR or get hurt.
• Be sure to check the weather before heading out to ensure that you’re aware of if it’s supposed to rain, snow, be sunny, etc.
• Use navigation so you don’t get lost.
• Be sure that your phone is charged so you can use maps or call someone if needed.

What Does 5 Miles Out and Back Mean?

When a trail says that it is ‘5 miles out and back’, that means that you will hike 2.5 miles out to the mid-point, and then another 2.5 miles back to the trailhead. This creates a roundtrip distance of 5 miles.

How Long is an Out and Back Trail?

Out and back trails vary in length and there is no set distance for them. Although most are done in a single day, so typically under 12-15 miles.

Does Out and Back Mean One Way?

No, out and back does not mean one way. Out and back means that you will hike a certain distance “out” and then that same distance, on the same trail, “back.” These trails are able to be traveled two ways on.

Is Out and Back the Same as Round Trip?

No, out and back and round trip do not mean the same thing. Out and back trail means a type of hiking trail where you hike from the trailhead to a destination, and then return using the same path. Round-trip is a measurement of a hiking distance that includes the distance of the entire hike from start to finish.

What is a Point-to-Point Trail?

A point-to-point trail is a type of trail that starts at one trailhead and ends at a different trailhead.

What is a Loop Trail?

A loop trail is a trail that starts and ends in the same point, after following a trail that leads in a circle.

Conclusion: What Does Out and Back Trail Mean?

There are many types of trails out there, and it can definitely get confusing if you’re trying to make plans to get out into nature.

So if you’ve found yourself wondering what does out and back trail mean, then you aren’t alone, because it can be a tricky one to figure out!

Basically out and back means that you’ll hike on the same trail from start to finish, and you will end in the same place that you started.

I hope that you’ve learned a bit more about hiking trail types in this post!

Kassidy Olson is an avid hiker who lives in Minnesota but loves to spend her time traveling around the world and exploring new hiking trails. She loves to share her expertise on hiking on The Hiking Helper, whether that be recommendations for trails, her favorite gear, or tips that she's come across during her time on the trail.