This doesn't make sense (fix me)

[_Jersey Girl]

Let me just say up front that I'm exhausted, okay?

What I need: Someone to look over two itineraries and tell me how the cost reduction makes sense.

What I do NOT need: Someone to suggest booking places. Refrain from it. Don't do it. Leave now.

I worked in transportation for years and years. Even though it was ground transportation, I'm assuming (obviously in error) that the same principles should apply to air travel.

Here is an itinerary. The letters represent countries.

1. When I set up a booking this way multicity:

A to B
B to C
C to A

It's $1200. (approx.)

2. When I set it up in two packages like this the first is a RT:

A to B
C to A

B to C

It slashes the price in HALF.


Why? Because example 2 is booking a RT? It's not even into and out of the same country.

What difference does it make to the booking company?

Is it because if I back out of single flights, they want to stick it to me for doing it? They're rewarding me for booking a RT in and out of two different countries? What the hell?

Ground transportation principles obviously don't apply here.

What's the answer?

I can't think any more. Thanks if you have an answer that makes sense.

[_Res Ipsa]

Jersey Girl, I found an article on open jaw flights that talks about how they can be cheaper. http://www.flynous.com/open-jaw-flights-definition/

[_Jersey Girl]

So does example 2 represent a double open jaw flight?

Or something?

Example 2 definitely has an open jaw flight in the form of the RT.

Disregard Phuket entirely. I'm not flying from Phuket. Because Phukthat.

This is me when I'm tired people. Be grateful I don't get mean.

[_Res Ipsa]

I think the first two flights in example 2 are an open jaw, because you end up where you started. I’m not sure about the double open jaw part.

ETA: looking at example 2 again, I think it is a double open jaw.

[_Jersey Girl]

Okay, but it works. Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[_subgenius]

...

What's the answer?

...

If the stars align correctly, the open jaw should have been cheaper than the round trip + one-way (especially on long-haul or over water). There must be some other circumstance not revealed (not that it matters since same result is achieved). I have done open-jaw on many occasions and only once showed up at the wrong airport (ugh, after turning in car). Nevertheless, think about it this way - the open jaw is only a benefit if the missing leg of an open jaw needs to be shorter than the leg you actually fly...otherwise it will cost more. The day of travel can also have a huge influence on either of these types of tickets....and advance purchase timelines are also usually different between these types of tickets. point being - it takes more than an abacus to decipher airfare rules, restrictions, and pricing schemes.