Booking return flights with different airlines

[slartibartfast]

Is there a way to book an outward and return flight with different (cheap) airlines to make the dates / times more flexible ?

We fly from Scotland so we don't have a huge choice of operators.


Most websites let you select a single to Dalman but not a single back to the UK.  

[Jim Fraser]

Done that a few times in the past. Goldtrail and Thom Cook both have the facility on their web pages.  
Also skyscanner allows that, but they do not show all available flight options.
But as you say we have such a limited choice it makes it very difficult.
Our local travel agents have been pretty helpful finding flights, as they do have more access to online companies than we have.

[Ovacikpeedoff]

I have done it a few times flying from Dalaman to Gatwick and returning from Birmingham or East Midlands. Most of the major airline web sites I have been on gave me the option to book one way. As you say you have limited choice from Scotland. To widen your choice you might be able to get a special promotion flight to one of the bigger airports south of the border. Although it would add extra travel time it might increase choice. Beware that you leave plenty time between arrival and departure because if the first leg of your journey is delayed and you cannot get on the second leg then you are in big trouble and will have no claim against the delayed airline. Your travel insurance may also not pay up.

[Chinook]

quote: Beware that you leave plenty time between arrival and departure

As its a return flight presume they are staying for more than an hour or two:D

[Ovacikpeedoff]

 

[kizkucuk]

I've done this - out with Easy jet back with thomas cook and out with goldtrail and back with thomas cook.  Goldtrail usually don't let you book one way in advance unless you pay for the return too.  Last summer I came for 29 nights - had to pay return flight with goldtrail but they cancelled me off the return and then booked one way from Dalaman with Thomas Cook.  Skyscanner are good also Cheapflights or Airflights.  If you are travelling in School Holidays your summer ones are very different to the UK - picking up a cheap internal flight further South could get you a really good deal on a flight. KTHY fly from Birmingham and Stanstead.  Jet2 from Manchester have some realy good offers too.

[Jenny1]

Can't believe I have never thought of doing this?
Just been looking, just seen return flight from Dalaman to Mcr 18th June, £63.61, inc charges and 20KG allowance, and some good deals on outward on other websites, this was with Pegasus.
I know this flight isn't from Scotland, i'm just saying I didn't realise it could be so much cheaper?

[slartibartfast]

Thanks for the tips folks.  

Going down south is definately an option for a lot more choice , better prices and better flight times  .... but the extra hassle and time doesn't really do it for us  (also extra travel costs in the UK and maybe an extra overnight stay.)      It's so good to get back into the UK and "home" is just 45 minutes up the Motorway.

We have got used to horrible flight times from Scotland, but freinds are coming with us is October and they are objecting to "night flights".   That limits the choice from Scotland even further !

I suppose we just got used to it.

I'll do more digging

Thanks

[Chinook]

Have you looked into the cost of flying from up North to/from Gatwick/Manchester etc. Our friend in Belfast invariably flies in and out of Gatwick and says they overall cost is cheaper than direct flights albeit they effectively lose a day.

[slartibartfast]

Thanks Chinook but we realy can't be bothered with time and hassle of going down south even if it was a bit cheaper (unless it was a huge amount cheaper !).

We had to do that a lot when we did long haul holidays, so the only choices were flights from Manchester , London airports etc.