As the holiday season approaches, many families are confronting steep airfare prices for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel. A simple shift in booking strategy can put more money back in the pocket of the average traveler.
What are “hacker fares”?
KAYAK labels the practice of combining two one‑way tickets as a “hacker fare.” When the combined price of two single‑leg flights is lower than a traditional round‑trip ticket, travelers can enjoy a significant discount. Kayla DeLoache, a travel trends expert with KAYAK, notes that savings of up to 30 % have been observed on routes such as St. Maarten, Costa Rica and Aruba.
Sample savings across popular destinations
Below are some examples KAYAK highlighted for the upcoming holiday period:
- Chicago: $138 one‑way vs. $381 round‑trip
- San Diego: $168 one‑way vs. $432 round‑trip
- Boston: $179 one‑way vs. $426 round‑trip
- Kailua‑Kona: $325 one‑way vs. $784 round‑trip
- Orlando: $167 one‑way vs. $396 round‑trip
- Denver: $174 one‑way vs. $390 round‑trip
Even on domestic routes, the numbers are compelling. The average one‑way fare to Washington, D.C., is $153, meaning two one‑way tickets total about $306, compared with an average round‑trip price of $428 – a difference of $122.
Potential trade‑offs
While the price advantage is clear, travelers should be aware of possible complications. Separate tickets often involve different airlines, which can mean juggling multiple apps, reservation numbers and baggage policies. In larger cities with more than one airport, the cheapest combination might require departing from or arriving at different terminals.
Another risk is the lack of protection when flights are booked on separate itineraries. If one leg is delayed or canceled, the airline operating the other leg is not obligated to accommodate the missed connection, potentially leading to additional costs or rebooking hassles.
How to make the most of the hack
DeLoache advises travelers to spend a few extra minutes comparing one‑way and round‑trip options before finalizing a purchase. Setting airfare alerts, staying flexible with travel dates, and avoiding the busiest travel days can further improve savings.
In short, a brief comparison can uncover a cheaper path to holiday destinations, helping families keep more of their hard‑earned money for the celebrations themselves.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
