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One-way math
Compare a one-way with its return to base, a round trip with the aircraft waiting, and two separate one-ways. Change any number and the answer updates.
Rates are midpoints of typical US ranges. Daily minimums are often 1–2 billed hours for each day the aircraft waits without flying; crew cost per night is an assumption to adjust.
Results
One way, aircraft returns empty
A single direction: your flight plus the flight home. If an aircraft is already heading your way, this can fall to roughly half.
Round trip, aircraft waits
The aircraft and crew stay at your destination. You pay both flights, a daily minimum for each full day without flying, and crew nights.
Two separate one-ways
The aircraft flies home after dropping you and comes back to collect you, or two aircraft each return empty. No minimums or crew nights.
Verdict.
Estimates before the 7.5% federal excise tax, segment fees, landing and handling fees, which apply to every option. Real quotes depend on aircraft positions, operator terms and dates.
Which wins, when
Three answers, three situations
One way wins
When you only need one direction, when an aircraft is already heading your way, or when an empty leg matches your route and you can live with its fixed timing.
Waiting wins
Same-day returns and short stays, usually up to two or three nights, and remote destinations where flying home and back would add long empty legs.
Two one-ways win
Longer stays, uncertain return dates, and trips where a different aircraft size suits each direction, such as fewer passengers coming home.
Next step
Have a trip in mind? We will run it for real.
Real numbers depend on where suitable aircraft are on your dates. Send the trip and your advisor will price the options that apply, all-in.
