I'm going to purchase two one way tickets instead round trip. From USA to Germany. And back

[Guest]

It is cheaper and it is more convenient.

Is there any downside to it?

I have never done it but it looks like only economical and convenient option (layover is only 5 hours instead +10) and its much cheaper!

[Diane]

I always book one ways. When visiting different areas / cities, who wants to round all the way back to your origin city for no reason?

[Steve]

When I go LHR to the USA I just book the return flight from a different airport, so may fly into SFO but out of LAX, all on same booking:-) (Virgin Atlantic & B.A)

[Shannon]

I do this often as I change flights last minute. No real downside as it allows you to be a bit more flexible.

[Janice]

I always do open jaw. No savings one way or other. I just don’t want to have to strap myself down to having to return from the same city into which I fly.

[Jeff]

The only issue I had once was a typo in my wife’s name that i did on 2 different reservations and didn’t catch it right away. Had to pay two change fees. Obviously that was my fault. Trip worked out just fine for us.

[Joyce]

If the price makes sense, just do it! Really are no downsides and it's fun to leave from different countries and explore more. I tend to use public transit vs. rental cars, but if your trip is best served with a rental, be mindful of a drop-off fee at a different airport.

[Amanda]

Should the outbound flight be delayed or cancelled and the rebooking is days later (or not at all), you have no recourse with the return flight unless you have insurance.

[Susan]

The only downside I ever have isn't much of one - sometimes airlines will "stop" you so they can verify you have a departure ticket within the timeframe for visa waiver or your visa. That can prevent online check-in which I can almost never do for international flights anyhow from my airport - but it's really not a big thing.

I have been stopped at international connections for this as well - but to Asia not to Europe.

Sometimes I don't have a return trip even booked - but I am always prepared to hit "book" on a refundable or changeable one if asked.

[Sam]

we just did it one way to Italy and one way back home from Greece you will have to prove your return flight and any connecting flights from different countries.