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What Is One Way And Round Trip

Published: December 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Janine Weaver

Introduction

In the world of air travel, one of the most common decisions that travelers face is whether to book a one-way ticket or opt for a round trip. This seemingly simple choice can have a significant impact on the overall travel experience, from the cost of the ticket to the flexibility of the itinerary. Understanding the difference between one-way and round trip flights is crucial in making an informed decision that suits your travel needs.

Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a combination of both, it’s essential to consider the various factors that come into play when choosing between one-way and round trip flights. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option, you can make a decision that aligns with your budget, travel plans, and overall convenience.

In this article, we will explore the definition of one-way and round trip flights and discuss the differences between them. Additionally, we will highlight the advantages of each and offer insights into the factors to consider when making a decision. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of one-way and round trip flights, helping you make an informed choice for your next journey.

Definition of One Way and Round Trip

Before delving into the differences between one-way and round trip flights, let’s establish a clear definition for each term.

A one-way flight, as the name suggests, refers to a ticket that allows you to travel from one destination to another without the need for a return journey. It is commonly used when your travel plans involve visiting multiple destinations or when you have no definite date for your return trip. With a one-way ticket, you have the flexibility to decide your return journey at a later time.

On the other hand, a round trip flight involves booking a ticket for a journey from one destination to another and return to the original point of departure. It is typically used when your travel plans involve a fixed return date or when you want to have a set itinerary for your trip. Round trip tickets provide the convenience of having your return journey already planned and booked.

Both one-way and round trip flights can be booked for domestic or international travel, depending on your destination. They are offered by airlines and travel agencies worldwide, giving travelers the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their needs.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what constitutes a one-way and round trip flight, let’s explore the differences between the two options in the next section.

Differences between One Way and Round Trip

While both one-way and round trip flights serve the purpose of transporting you from one destination to another, there are several key differences between the two options. These include factors such as cost, flexibility, and convenience.

1. Cost: One of the most significant differences between one-way and round trip flights is the cost. Generally, one-way tickets tend to be more expensive than half of a round trip ticket. This is because airlines often offer discounted fares for round trip bookings in an effort to encourage travelers to choose their airline for the entire journey. However, it’s essential to note that prices can vary depending on the airline, destination, and time of booking, so it’s always wise to compare prices before making a decision.

2. Flexibility: When it comes to flexibility, one-way tickets offer more freedom than round trip tickets. With a one-way ticket, you have the freedom to choose when and where you want to return, allowing you to extend your stay or change your plans without any additional complications. On the other hand, round trip tickets have a fixed return date, providing less flexibility but ensuring that you have a confirmed seat on your desired return flight.

3. Convenience: Round trip flights provide a higher level of convenience in terms of planning and booking. With a round trip ticket, you can have your entire itinerary organized, including both the outbound and return flights. This can be particularly beneficial if you have specific travel dates or if you prefer to have your travel plans finalized in advance. Conversely, booking separate one-way flights requires more time and effort for planning and coordination.

4. Change and Cancellation Policies: Another difference between one-way and round trip flights lies in their change and cancellation policies. One-way tickets are typically more flexible when it comes to making changes or canceling your reservation. Airlines usually allow changes or cancellations for a fee, which can vary depending on the airline and fare class. On the other hand, round trip tickets often have stricter change and cancellation policies, with additional fees or penalties for modifications to the itinerary.

These are some of the key differences between one-way and round trip flights. It’s important to consider these factors and evaluate your travel needs and preferences when making a decision between the two options. Now, let’s explore the advantages of each in the next section.

Advantages of One Way Tickets

Booking a one-way ticket for your upcoming journey offers several advantages that may be beneficial depending on your travel plans and preferences.

1. Flexibility: One of the primary advantages of a one-way ticket is the flexibility it provides. With a one-way ticket, you have the freedom to decide when and where you want to return, allowing you to extend your stay or make changes to your itinerary without the constraints of a fixed return date.

2. Open-ended Travel Plans: If you have an adventurous spirit and love the idea of spontaneous travel, a one-way ticket allows you to embrace that sense of freedom. You can explore different destinations and decide on your next destination on the go, without being tied to a pre-determined return date or location.

3. Multi-City Trips: If your travel plans involve visiting multiple destinations and you will not be returning to your original departure point, booking separate one-way tickets for each leg of your journey can be more convenient. This way, you can optimize your itinerary and have more control over your travel arrangements.

4. Cost Savings: In some cases, booking one-way tickets can be more cost-effective, especially if you are purchasing tickets well in advance or if you are taking advantage of special deals or promotions. By comparing the prices of one-way tickets versus round trip tickets, you may find that the former offers better value for the specific trip you are planning.

5. Relocation or Permanent Moves: If you are planning to relocate or make a permanent move to a new destination, a one-way ticket is the obvious choice. It allows you to book your flight to your new home without the need for a return journey, as you will be settling down in the new location.

While there are advantages to booking one-way tickets, there are also certain factors to consider before making a decision. Factors such as cost, flight availability, and change/cancellation policies should be evaluated to ensure it aligns with your travel needs. In the next section, let’s explore the advantages of round trip tickets.

Advantages of Round Trip Tickets

When planning your travel, round trip tickets offer several advantages that may make them the preferred choice for many travelers.

1. Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of booking round trip tickets is the potential cost savings. Airlines often offer discounted fares for round trip bookings, making them more economical compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. This can be a significant factor, especially if you have a fixed travel itinerary and already know your return date.

2. Convenience: Round trip tickets provide a higher level of convenience in terms of planning and booking. With a round trip ticket, you can have the peace of mind of having your entire itinerary organized, including both the outbound and return flights. This can be particularly beneficial if you have specific travel dates or want to ensure that you have a confirmed seat on your desired return flight.

3. Security and Stability: Booking a round trip ticket offers a level of security and stability, especially if you have time-sensitive commitments or prefer having your travel plans finalized in advance. With a round trip ticket, you can rest assured that you have a return flight booked, avoiding the stress of finding a last-minute one-way ticket back home.

4. Beneficial for Business Travel: Round trip tickets are often the preferred choice for business travelers who have fixed appointments or meetings and need to plan their travel in advance. The convenience of a round trip ticket ensures that their entire trip, including the return journey, is organized and confirmed.

5. Easier Travel Documentation: Some countries require proof of onward travel when entering, which can be easily provided with a round trip ticket. Having a confirmed return date and flight can make the immigration process smoother and avoid any unnecessary complications.

While round trip tickets offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider factors such as flexibility, cost, and the possibility of unforeseen changes to your travel plans. Assessing your specific travel needs and comparing the benefits of round trip tickets against other options will help you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider when Choosing between One Way and Round Trip

When deciding between booking a one-way or round trip ticket, it’s crucial to take into account several factors that can impact your travel experience. Consider the following aspects before making your decision:

1. Travel Plans: Assess the nature of your travel plans. Do you have a fixed return date or do you prefer the flexibility to decide your return journey later? If you have a specific itinerary and fixed dates, a round trip ticket may be the better option. However, if you have an open-ended trip or plan to visit multiple destinations without returning to the original departure point, a one-way ticket would offer more flexibility.

2. Budget: Consider your budget and compare the costs of one-way tickets versus round trip tickets. In some cases, round trip tickets can be more cost-effective, especially if airlines offer discounted fares or promotions for two-way bookings. However, if you find that booking separate one-way tickets fits within your budget or provides better value for your specific travel plans, it may be the preferable option.

3. Flexibility: Think about how important flexibility is to you. If you want the freedom to extend your trip, change your plans, or have no definite return date, a one-way ticket is likely the better choice. However, if you have fixed commitments or prefer having your entire travel itinerary planned in advance, a round trip ticket provides the convenience of a set return date.

4. Change and Cancellation Policies: Consider the change and cancellation policies of the airline you plan to book with. One-way tickets often offer more flexibility for changes or cancellations, which can be beneficial if your travel plans are subject to change. Meanwhile, round trip tickets may have stricter policies and additional fees for making modifications to your booking.

5. Destination Requirements: Research any specific requirements of your destination. Some countries may require proof of onward travel, which can be easily provided with a round trip ticket. Additionally, visa applications may require you to provide information about your arrival and departure dates, which can be easier to provide when you have a confirmed return flight.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel goals, preferences, and budget. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the choice between one-way and round trip tickets depends on your individual circumstances.

Choosing between a one-way ticket and a round trip ticket is an important decision that can significantly impact your travel experience. By understanding the differences, advantages, and factors to consider, you can make an informed choice that suits your travel needs and preferences.

One-way tickets offer flexibility and freedom, allowing you to decide your return journey at a later time. They are ideal for travelers with open-ended itineraries, those visiting multiple destinations, or individuals who prefer the freedom to extend their stay. However, one-way tickets may be more expensive and require extra planning and coordination.

On the other hand, round trip tickets provide convenience and cost savings, making them an excellent choice for travelers with fixed travel dates or those seeking a structured itinerary. Round trip tickets offer peace of mind, ensuring that your return journey is already organized and booked. However, they lack the flexibility of one-way tickets and may have stricter change and cancellation policies.

When making your decision, consider factors such as your travel plans, budget, flexibility needs, and any destination requirements. By evaluating these elements, you can choose the option that best meets your individual circumstances.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the choice between one-way and round trip tickets depends on your specific travel preferences. Whether you choose the flexibility of a one-way ticket or the convenience of a round trip ticket, prioritize what aligns with your travel goals and enjoy the journey ahead.

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Two One-Way Flights or One Round-Trip: Which Is Better?

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Booking a flight involves navigating a maze of decisions. Is it better to fly with a budget airline or full-service one? How about basic economy versus regular economy ? And would you prefer pretzels or a cookie? 

Choosing between a single round-trip or two one-way tickets is the most basic decision and — you might be surprised to learn — one of the more nuanced. 

The cost between the two is usually the same for domestic flights but can vary significantly for international routes (assuming you're booking with cash rather than points and miles ).

Given that airfare was 26% more expensive in January 2023 than January 2022, according to the latest consumer price index data, budget travelers need to save every penny they can. 

In general, it can be more convenient to book a round-trip flight for a trip with specific start and end dates, but other considerations, such as cancellation policies and pricing, could make booking one-ways more appealing in some cases. And everything works differently for flights booked with miles. 

Let’s break it down.

Domestic flights

For flights within the United States on the same airline, round-trip tickets almost always cost the same as two one-ways.

There’s one caveat here: Booking two one-way tickets between separate destination or arrival airports can, in some cases, save money (or cost more). 

“Fares don’t have to be booked as returns,” says Laura Lindsay, travel trends expert at SkyScanner, a travel booking platform. “Look at flying out with one airline and back with another, or out of one airport and back into another to save money.”

Many online travel tools will automatically compare prices for these mismatched airline or airport itineraries and automatically include them in search results.

But it might be worth checking manually, especially for plans that involve different local airports or for airlines that don’t appear in search results , such as Southwest.

All that said, for domestic flights, the difference is almost always a wash. 

International flights

For international tickets, the logic changes completely. Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than one-ways, sometimes significantly so.

NerdWallet compared fares across multiple international routes and found that, typically, buying two one-way tickets costs 20% more than a single roundtrip. 

To determine these differences, we compared routes between four U.S. airports and two airports in each destination region.

The effect is more pronounced when flying to some regions, such as Africa and Asia. That said, for flights between the U.S. and every region we looked at, it costs more to book two one-ways than a single round-trip. 

In some circumstances, such as open-ended trips where you don’t know when you’ll be returning, one-way flights might still make the most sense. But for most international travel, round-trip fares are the clear winner. 

Are round-trip or one-way flights cheaper if booking with points?

What about the cost difference between one-way and round-trip fares when using points or miles ?

Generally, airlines break these fares into one-way sections, meaning there is no meaningful difference between the two, in terms of cost. Yet a few caveats apply: 

Taxes on award flights can be higher when booking two one-ways. Delta Air Lines, for example, tends to charge more fees for flights originating in Europe.

Some airlines, such as ANA, do not allow one-way award flights, period. 

Flights booked with credit card points using a travel portal (i.e. not transferred to an airline partner) follow the same rules as cash fares. 

Other considerations

It’s also worth considering the impact of changes and cancellations on the two options.

Most airlines have eliminated change fees , making it easier to change and cancel both kinds of tickets. But canceling one leg of a round-trip ticket can sometimes be more complicated than canceling a one-way ticket.

In some cases, you might need to call customer service, instead of canceling online, to make sure the change doesn’t cancel your other flight segments as well.

And finally, there’s the question of simplicity.

Is the simplicity of having a single itinerary, managed by one round-trip confirmation code, worth these other trade-offs? This simplicity, paired with the fact that round-trip tickets are almost never more expensive than two one-ways, means that these fares make sense for most travelers.

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What is a One-Way Flight?

A one-way flight is booked from the departure airport to the destination airport with no scheduled return.

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There are a number of reasons to purchase a one-way flight ticket, including:

• permanent relocation
• continued travel or uncertain return travel plans
• other modes of return travel such as trains, boats, or busses,
• money-saving strategies like booking two one-way tickets with different airlines.

Is it cheaper to fly one way or round trip?

Generally it’s cheaper to buy a roundtrip , but there are several exceptions. 

As a rule of thumb, a roundtrip domestic ticket typically costs the same as two one-way domestic fares. For international travel, however, it is often much cheaper to purchase roundtrip fares rather than individual one-way flights. 

Additionally, low-cost or budget carriers are typically more likely to price one-way fares at half the cost of a roundtrip than their legacy airline counterparts. This is due to several reasons, including route models (budget carriers usually employ a point-to-point system while legacy airlines operate more complicated hub-and-spoke routes), price discrimination based on types of travelers, and the tendency for budget carriers to use simplified pricing (i.e. a roundtrip fare on a low-cost airline is more likely to be exact sum of each of its legs as opposed to a legacy roundtrip fare, which may be built using a more complicated algorithm).

Some airlines like Southwest and JetBlue are known for their one-way flash sales. During these special events, passengers can purchase tickets for one-way flights at a very low price. These are usually offered for a list of set routes and overall savings can vary by departure and destination airport. Therefore, it might make sense for a vacation traveler to snatch up a $39 one-way fare from New York JFK to San Juan, Puerto Rico during a flash sale and search for a return one-way ticket later.

Can you book a roundtrip flight and only use the one-way ticket?

If a roundtrip fare is a better deal than a single one-way ticket, you can purchase a roundtrip fare and cancel (or simply not board) the return flight. This is also known as a “throwaway ticket” and employs a similar strategy as hidden city ticketing . 

Travelers interested in buying a throwaway ticket should note that while it’s not technically illegal, airlines frown upon this practice and can penalize passengers who frequently miss scheduled connections or return flights by invalidating frequent flyer miles, not granting or honoring airline status, or even going so far as to ban them from future travel with that airline. Also, beware that once you skip a leg, the remaining itinerary will be canceled.

Last updated Jan 10, 2024

What is a round-trip flight?

Editor's Note

It's one of the first decisions we make when booking a flight: Should I book a round-trip or a one-way flight?

It's typically something you'll think about before you ever click "search" to find flights and airfare.

At face value, it seems like a pretty straightforward choice. Book a one-way flight if you're only flying in one direction, and book a round-trip flight if you'll be returning home ... right?

Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. Thanks to airline pricing trends and our own personal scheduling quirks, there's a bit more to consider.

There may be cases where you wonder if you're better off booking two one-way flights to save money. You may have uncertain plans that make it difficult to commit to a return flight. In some cases, when visiting a few different cities, you may be better off with something different entirely: a multicity itinerary.

There are also plenty of additional considerations if you're booking an award flight using frequent flyer miles or flying internationally.

Here, we break down the basics of what you need to know about booking round-trip flights.

A round-trip flight is an itinerary from one destination to another, with a flight back to the original destination.

In most cases, this is what you probably book when going on vacation or visiting a family member for a holiday weekend.

Let's say I live in Charlotte and want to fly to Arizona for a spring break trip. I book an itinerary with an outbound flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and a return trip to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) aboard American Airlines.

The two flights, booked together on a single itinerary, constitute a round trip.

What is the difference between a round-trip flight and a one-way flight?

When you book a round-trip flight, your itinerary includes an outbound flight and a return trip.

A one-way flight only takes you one direction — say, from Charlotte to Phoenix — with no return flight scheduled.

Is a round-trip flight different from 2 one-way flights?

Yes, in terms of how you book your trip. No, in terms of your travel plans themselves.

Again, a round-trip itinerary includes both an outbound flight and a return trip to the city of origin. A one-way flight is a single trip from one airport to another, with no return booked.

Booking 2 one-way flights

However, if you book two one-way flights, you can, in essence, create your own version of a round trip. This could be on the same airline or on two entirely different airlines.

For the purposes of your travel experience, it's effectively a round trip.

But, know that in the airline computer system(s), you'd technically be traveling on two separate reservations. So, you'd receive different trip confirmation numbers for the outbound and return flights.

Is booking 2 one-ways cheaper than a round-trip flight?

In the U.S., splitting a round trip up into two one-way flights on the same airline and travel dates typically makes no difference in terms of price.

However, on a small number of routes, airlines do charge a premium for one-way bookings compared to the price they charge for a round trip. This is more common internationally, where round-trip flights can be a better value than two one-way trips. Booking two separate one-way flights tends to be more expensive for international travel.

Also, budget carriers frequently offer one-way fares at the same price as a round-trip ticket.

That means if you booked separate one-way flights, you'd most likely end up paying the same as, or even more than, a round-trip fare, depending on the route.

Booking 2 one-way flights on different airlines

On the other hand, there are cases where, thanks to a tool like Google Flights , you might discover that you can save money by booking an outbound, one-way flight on one airline and a one-way return flight on a different airline.

For example, last year, TPG contributor Sean Cudahy needed to travel to North Texas for the weekend. Round-trip flights on a single airline from the Washington, D.C., region to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) were coming in at more than $600 that particular weekend.

However, he saved a couple hundred dollars by mixing and matching: He booked a one-way, outbound flight to DFW aboard Delta Air Lines and a separate, one-way return flight on American Airlines.

Just keep in mind this can be risky. If your flight on one airline gets significantly delayed — to the point that you miss your return flight — your second airline won't automatically rebook you. The airline staff may not have much sympathy for your situation since your troubles happened aboard a different carrier.

Can I book a round-trip flight to 1 city and then return home from another?

Yes. These flights are known as open-jaw or multicity itineraries. Many airlines offer this booking option.

Let's say I want to fly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). I'm going to visit Walt Disney World for a few days. Then, I'm going to take a Brightline train to South Florida and spend a few days at the beach before flying back to New York.

Since these are airports heavily served by JetBlue, I'll use that carrier as an example. On JetBlue's website, I'll select "Multi-city" instead of searching "Roundtrip" or "One-way" flights.

I'll need to separately enter each leg of the trip. Let's do a Saturday departure from Newark to Orlando, and then a Thursday return from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Newark.

You'll end up booked on a single itinerary, with the outbound and return flights linked, but with the different city combinations.

Can I buy a round-trip flight with an open return?

No, not exactly. When you book a round-trip flight, you'll generally have to specify a return leg and date.

If your plans are likely to change, though, what you'll want to do instead is pick a date that's far enough out. You'll need to book with an airline or in a cabin class that doesn't charge change fees. Then, reschedule your return trip once your plans are set. Alternatively, you can book a "flexible" fare, which is more expensive but generally allows easier changes.

Make sure you're familiar with an airline's change-fee policy before booking an open-return round-trip flight. For example, most airlines won't let you cancel or change basic economy tickets.

Should I book mileage or award tickets as 2 one-ways or a round trip?

It largely depends on the route. In some cases, you'll get better award availability if you book two one-way flights. In others, the taxes for two one-way award flights could end up being higher than what you'd pay for a round-trip itinerary.

However, in most cases nowadays, award tickets for two one-way flights and a round-trip flight tend to add up to the same number of miles. Just be sure to check both on an airline's website to ensure you're getting the best possible award availability .

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

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Definition of one-way

Examples of one-way in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'one-way.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near one-way

on everyone's/everybody's lips

one-way mirror

Cite this Entry

“One-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-way. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of one-way, more from merriam-webster on one-way.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for one-way

Nglish: Translation of one-way for Spanish Speakers

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one-way ticket

• a ticket entitling a passenger to travel only to his destination, without returning Also calledchiefly Britsingle ticket

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Example sentences.

So I went straight to the airport, bought a one-way ticket, and flew out.

For single-A players, being cut can mean a job at Staples or a one-way ticket back to Venezuela.

The city has a choice : shell out every day to house people, or shell out once and for all to buy them a one-way ticket.

There wasn't anything complicated there, you could read "One-way ticket," couldn't you?

He then went to a ticket office and purchased a one-way ticket, uncertain where his actions would take him once he saw Suzanne.

And if anything should happen that shouldn't, I'll be waitin' for you in town with a one-way ticket.

Acting nervous or agitated in an airport was a one-way ticket to a cavity search.

Related Words

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• destruction
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Definition of 'one-way'

Video: pronunciation of one-way

one-way in British English

One-way in american english, examples of 'one-way' in a sentence one-way, more idioms containing one-way, cobuild collocations one-way, trends of one-way.

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In other languages one-way

• American English : one-way / ˈwʌnˌweɪ /
• Brazilian Portuguese : de mão única
• Chinese : 单向行驶的
• European Spanish : de sentido único
• French : à sens unique
• German : Einbahn-
• Italian : a senso unico
• Japanese : 一方通行の
• Korean : 일방통행의
• European Portuguese : de sentido único
• Latin American Spanish : de sentido único
• Thai : ที่เป็นทางเดียว

Browse alphabetically one-way

• one-two (punch)
• one-upmanship
• one-way communication
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Definition of one-way adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• 3 operating in only one direction Theirs was a one-way relationship (= one person made all the effort) . They observed the prisoners through a one-way mirror (= a mirror that allows a person standing behind it to see through it) .

Other results

• one way or the other
• there's more than one way to skin a cat

Nearby words

How the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account works

Is earning miles better than earning interest, tips for getting the most from bask’s miles savings account, should i open the bask bank mileage savings account, i found an easy way to earn miles without a credit card.

A high-yield savings account is cool, but this one may be better for the trip you want to book.

Julia Menez

Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast

Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.

Dashia Milden

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

Summer travel is around the corner. If you’re looking to book a domestic flight, you can expect to pay around $720, based on the latest data from the Bureau of Transportation Services. While credit card points can help you lower your travel costs , there’s another option I recommend, especially if you like American Airlines. 

Bask Bank offers a Mileage Savings Account that lets you earn miles by letting your money sit in its account. You’ll accrue miles for every $1 in your savings annually. 

As a credit card expert, I love putting points and miles toward travel. But if you don’t want to deal with annual fees or worry about debt, Bask’s savings account is a great way to put money toward the cost of your flights and hotels . 

Read more: The Chase Freedom Flex Just Became Spring’s Best Travel Card

With Bask Bank, you could go the traditional route and earn interest on your savings with its Interest Savings Account. The APY is currently 5.10% APY, which is on par with CNET’s best high-yield savings accounts .

But if you travel often, Bask offers another savings account that lets you earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles instead. You’ll earn 2.5 AAdvantage miles for every dollar you save annually. You accrue miles daily and they’re posted to your account monthly based on your account balance. 

The more money you deposit, the more miles you earn. For example, if you deposit $5,000 in May and maintain that balance all month, you’ll earn approximately 12,500 in one year ($5,000 x 2.5 miles per dollar / 365 days in a year x 365 days in a year).

You’ll continue to earn miles as long as you maintain a balance, but if you need to withdraw that money, you’ll only earn miles for the days you had money in the account.

Bask is offering a limited-time bonus for first-time Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account customers. You can earn 10,000 AAdvantage miles if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $50,000 for 90 consecutive days out of the first 120 days following the initial account opening. The offer lasts until May 31.

Earning airline miles may sound great, but is it really that different from earning interest and using that money to book flights? The right savings method for you boils down to your personal preference, but opting for miles could add up to more in value. 

Bask’s mile-earning account offers 2.5 miles for every dollar in your account monthly and AAdvantage miles are worth 1.5 to 1.7 cents on average. If you keep $5,000 in this account for a year, you’ll accumulate roughly 12,606 miles, assuming a 1.7 cent redemption value per mile. In dollars, that’s about $214. 

But if you put that same $5,000 in Bask’s high-yield savings account, which currently offers 5.10% APY, you could earn $255 in one year. This assumes your APY will stay the same -- if it drops, you’ll earn less.

At first glance, it looks like earning interest is better, right? Not so fast. While miles are generally worth 1.5 to 1.7 cents per point, you can redeem them for even more if you know this one trick.

How to maximize your miles to make airfare even cheaper 

You can often find flights that offer you a bigger per-point redemption than the average 1.5 to 1.7 cent per point rate. You may just need to be diligent and flexible with your travel dates to find the best value.

For example, using the same example of $5,000 over a year of saving, I found a roundtrip flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Sarasota, Florida from July 5 through 9. The trip, in total, costs 13,000 miles (plus taxes and fees that you’ll pay out of pocket). When converting from miles to dollars, the points would be worth $221 at a 1.7 cents-per-mile valuation. So even though the trip won’t be entirely free, you’ll only have to pay a few extra bucks out of pocket.

But paying for this same trip with cash would cost me $281 if I booked through American Airlines without points. If I earned $255 from my high-yield savings account, I’d still have to pay around $25 out of pocket -- not including the taxes and fees.

Based on  American Airline’s flight award chart , domestic flights start at 7,500 points for a one-way flight. So, if you have some money from your tax refund to add to your savings account or make regular contributions, those points can add up over a few months. And even though you may not earn enough to cover a round-trip flight if you start now, every point can help cut costs. 

Here’s what I recommend as you’re financially planning your trip. 

1. Pay yourself first 

This is a good personal finance habit to build -- whether you’re earning miles or not. Set up automatic transfers to your Bask Bank savings account each time you get paid to help you get in the habit of saving. Plus, you’re earning miles for your next vacation. You could also fast track your goal if you get a windfall of money, such as a tax refund or money gifted to you for birthdays or milestones.

2. Look for ways to earn more miles

Aside from the miles you earn with a Bask Mileage Savings Account, you can also earn AAdvantage miles in a few other ways.

• Link your favorite restaurant credit card or debit card to the  AA Dining Portal  to earn AA miles each time you use the linked card at a partnered restaurant. You’ll earn five miles for every dollar spent on each qualifying meal at participating restaurants. 
• Use the AA Shopping Portal when you’re shopping online. You may be able to take advantage of special promotions and earn miles at some of your most frequently visited stores by shopping through the portal. You won’t pay anything extra toward your purchase, but points will vary based on the store and deal. 
• Link your American Airlines account to partner programs. For example, you can  link your American Airlines account with your Hyatt account. And each time you stay at a Hyatt hotel, you’ll earn American Airlines miles for the hotel stay. Similarly, each time you fly with American Airlines, you can earn Hyatt hotel points for the flight.

3. Maximize how you redeem your miles 

Once you’ve earned American Airlines miles from your Bask Bank savings and other points-earning activities, you can pool your points together to save on your summer flights. One way I recommend maximizing your earnings is through the  American Airlines Award Map . It’s a free tool that lets you easily find all the best American Airlines flight deals from your home airport to a region of the world -- while keeping your travel dates and points budget in mind. 

If you don’t plan on flying, the AAdvantage miles can still save you money on your trip. American Airlines lets you use your miles toward rental cars and hotel partners.

4. Find ways to get the most from your miles 

Many of the best ways to use American Airlines miles aren’t by booking American Airlines flights. Some American Airlines sweet spot redemptions include:

• Flying on Japan Airlines business class to Japan for only 60,000 miles, or even flying first class for 80,000 miles. 
• Flying to Europe using FinnAir or British Airways starting at 57,500 points in business class.
• Flying on QSuites via Qatar Airways for only 70,000 points.

American Airlines also often includes positioning flights at no extra points cost. If you find an affordable flight from a different city, you might be able to travel there via positioning flights, or layovers, without paying more. For example, I once flew from Las Vegas to Egypt with two layover flights for only 70k points total per person one way in business class. 

Whether it make sense to earn miles over interest depends on how much you travel in a year. You might get more value from this account if you’re one of the below types of travelers:

Business owner: If you need to keep a large amount of cash liquid for business operations, parking the money in this account can help you earn many American Airlines miles passively. For example, if your business keeps an average of $100,000 in the account over the course of the year, you’ll earn about 250,000 American Airlines miles. But remember that this could change depending on the number of days in each month and if you don’t make any withdrawals. 

American Airlines frequent fliers: If you travel often (especially with American Airlines or its travel partners), accumulating miles through everyday banking activities is a no-brainer way to subsidize future trips. 

Budget-conscious travelers:  By earning miles instead of interest and learning how to maximize those miles, you can often stretch your travel budget and get more value from points than you can from savings account interest.

Avid savers looking for more : If you’re already in the habit of saving regularly, you may appreciate having another way to get more value from your savings.

If you’re not interested in American Airlines or its partners or don’t travel often, I recommend opting for a high-yield savings account instead.

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Opinion Nicholas Kristof

What Happened to the Joe Biden I Knew?

Credit... Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Supported by

By Nicholas Kristof

Opinion Columnist

• April 19, 2024

During the Darfur genocide and humanitarian crisis two decades ago, then-Senator Joe Biden passionately denounced then-President George W. Bush for failing to act decisively to ease suffering. Biden expressed outrage at China for selling weapons used to kill and maim civilians, and he urged me to write columns demanding the White House end needless wretchedness.

Darfur and Gaza are very different, of course, but I recall the senator’s compassion and urgency — and I wonder, where has that Joe Biden gone?

Gaza has become the albatross around Biden’s neck. It is his war, not just Benjamin Netanyahu’s. It will be part of his legacy, an element of his obituary, a blot on his campaign — and it could get worse if Gaza cascades into a full-blown famine or violent anarchy, or if a wider war breaks out involving Iran or Lebanon. An Israeli strike on a military base in central Iran early Friday underscored the danger of a bigger and more damaging conflict that could draw in the United States.

Consider just one example of America’s fingerprints on this war under Biden’s leadership. In January, the Israeli military dropped a bomb on a compound in Gaza used by the International Rescue Committee, a much-respected American aid organization that is supported in part by American tax dollars. The International Rescue Committee says that the near-fatal strike was caused by a 1,000-pound American-made bomb, dropped from an American-made F-16 fighter jet. And when an American-made aircraft drops an American-made bomb on an American aid group in an American-supported war, how can that not come back to Biden?

“Biden owns that,” said Jeremy Konyndyk , a former Biden and Obama administration official who now runs Refugees International, another aid group. “They’ve provided the matériel that sustains the war. They provided political support that sustains the war. They provided the diplomatic cover at the U.N. that sustains the war.”

This is not Biden’s war in the way that Vietnam was Lyndon Johnson’s war or that Iraq was Bush’s war. Biden has not sent American troops, and he has not directed this war. He is clearly uncomfortable with the civilian toll of this war and wishes Israel was conducting it with more restraint — yet he continues to underwrite it. His rhetoric has become more critical, but his actions so far have not changed significantly.

“Is this the war Biden would want?” Konyndyk asked. “No. But is this the war Biden is materially supporting? Yes. And so in that sense, it’s his war.”

It was Ukraine that Biden wanted as his war. Not that he wanted any war at all, but Ukraine was his opportunity to stand up and uphold the “rules-based international order” against an enemy that violated international law, bombed infrastructure and sought to make all Ukrainians pay. But it is the war in Gaza that Biden has saddled himself with, with its “indiscriminate” bombing — as he himself described it in December — leaving him and America looking to much of the world like hypocrites.

Yet Biden will not easily extricate himself from this mess.

“Six months in, the Biden administration is in a strategic cul-de-sac with no easy way out — weakened both morally and politically, dependent on two combatants who see no urgency in ending the war and facing the real possibility of a serious escalation between Israel and Iran,” Aaron David Miller, a veteran American diplomat and Middle East peace negotiator, told me.

One of Biden’s reasons for standing close by the Israeli prime minister and keeping up the flow of weapons has been to ensure that Israel is prepared, should war break out with Iran or with Hezbollah in Lebanon. That’s a legitimate concern. But unconditionally arming Israel also enables Netanyahu to take provocative steps that increase the risk of expanded war — and everyone knows that peace may not be in Netanyahu’s personal interest, for it would bring new elections that he is expected to lose. That’s worth remembering as one considers Israel’s deadly bombing of an Iranian consulate in Syria early this month, the move that prompted Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel.

“It was clearly an escalatory move,” Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat and foreign policy expert, said of the Israeli strike. He noted of Netanyahu: “Widening the war is something that could keep him in office longer.”

For decades I’ve known and admired Biden. He’s wise and decent, a committed public servant who tries to do the right thing. He’s the most experienced foreign policy hand in the Oval Office in decades, surrounded by excellent advisers and known for his warmth and empathy. He would be a hard man to dislike.

Yet I believe Biden’s ongoing support for the Israeli military campaign reflects miscalculations that grew out of his outrage at the savagery of the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, coupled with his conviction — quite right — that Israel not only had a right to strike back at Hamas but also had a duty to do so, to re-establish deterrence. Biden’s initial unwavering support for the military campaign also reflects his generation, growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust, and his deeply felt admiration for Israel. He has regularly said that “if Israel didn’t exist, we would have to invent it.”

Daniel Kurtzer, a former American ambassador to Israel, put it this way: “President Biden is preternaturally supportive of Israel. It’s in his DNA.”

Martin Indyk, who was twice ambassador to Israel, agrees. “You know the line about him being an old-style Zionist?” Indyk asked. “That’s the heart of it.”

Biden had many crucial decisions to make in the weeks after the Oct. 7 attack, but perhaps none were more consequential than this: how to manage his relationship with Netanyahu as the war in Gaza got underway. How much should he defer to Netanyahu, how much should he embrace him, how much should he impose consequences when Netanyahu ignored his suggestions of restraint? Biden had choices, and as Indyk correctly observed, Biden thought that the best way to move Netanyahu was with an arm on his shoulder.

That was, I believe, the first of Biden’s miscalculations. Netanyahu has always been a renegade out only for himself. After Netanyahu lectured President Bill Clinton in 1996, Clinton reportedly said , adding a couple of expletives: Who does he think he is? Who’s the superpower here?

Perhaps Biden overestimates his ability to win over Netanyahu, as he sometimes seems to put too much faith in his ability to charm Republican members of Congress. Biden deeply believes in the power of personal relationships, and this faith is both endearing and partly justified. But I’ve also seen his overconfidence in these relationships run aground on the hard reality that foreign leaders have different worldviews and inhabit different political worlds. Netanyahu reportedly keeps on his desk a photo of Biden on which Biden long ago scrawled : “Bibi, I love you, but I don’t agree with a damn thing you have to say.”

Diplomacy is a mix of carrots and sticks, but until recently Biden seemed to offer Netanyahu nothing but armloads of carrots. And Netanyahu kept on taking the gifts while ignoring Biden’s warnings. “Netanyahu seemed to take enormous pleasure in sticking his finger in Biden’s eye at every opportunity,” noted Menachem Rosensaft, a Cornell law professor and general counsel emeritus of the World Jewish Congress.

Biden’s efforts to persuade Netanyahu to allow more aid trucks into Gaza were, at least until recently, so ineffectual that the White House had to drop food from planes. In 1948, the United States organized the Berlin Airlift to overcome Soviet obstructionism; that meant confronting our adversary and constituted a show of strength. In 2024, the United States was reduced to organizing the Gaza airlift to get around the intransigence of our longtime aid recipient; that reflected Biden’s failure to confront our ally and amounted to a show of weakness.

Instead of organizing an airdrop (which has killed some people when aid fell on them), Biden had an opportunity to do something much more substantial to avert starvation. In December the United Nations Security Council tried to set up a U.N. system to inspect trucks entering Gaza rather than letting them get stuck in the Israeli inspection bottleneck. Reports were already coming in of catastrophic starvation in Gaza, yet the Biden administration effectively blocked this alternative by watering it down to nothing, according to people close to the negotiations. The upshot: Children starved to death.

The administration also tolerated a ferocious crackdown and land grab by Israeli West Bank settlers who operate with the backing of Netanyahu’s extremist cabinet. The United Nations reports that almost 5,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have been injured since Oct. 7 in confrontations with Israeli troops and settlers, who periodically steal Palestinians’ sheep or drive them from their homes. By the U.N.’s count, 451 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank in this period, including 112 children (nine Israelis were killed in the West Bank during this time). Then last month, Israel announced the largest seizure of West Bank land since the Oslo peace accords in 1993. It was a slap in the face of Biden, who has mostly turned the other cheek.

Biden also didn’t seem to anticipate how brutal the bombing of Gaza would be, how Israel would throttle aid flows and in effect starve Gazans, and how long the war would last. The administration signaled that it expected the war to conclude by the end of 2023.

These miscalculations are hard to understand, for Israel was so traumatized by the horror of the Oct. 7 attack that the harshness of what was to come was quite predictable. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said early on that Israel was fighting “human animals” and he promised “a complete siege,” adding, “There will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel.” By one count , there were 18,000 Hebrew-language references to Gaza being “erased,” “destroyed” and “flattened” on X, formerly known as Twitter, in about the first six weeks after Oct. 7.

For me, watching as I reported from Israel and the West Bank, it felt ineffably sad, like a rerun of the invasion of Iraq: the delusions about a quick victory, the disregard for civilian lives, the lack of a local partner to establish order, the excessive optimism about outcomes. Another parallel with Iraq was the support for this war from Biden, who had similarly supported the Iraq war . “ I do not believe this is a rush to war,” he had said in 2002, underscoring how history rhymes. “I believe it is a march to peace and security.”

As time went on and Israel leveled entire neighborhoods and killed large numbers of women, children and aid workers, Biden became more critical of Israel. But while his rhetoric changed, his policies didn’t — and he repeatedly allowed his calls for restraint to be ignored. Indeed, in the first months of the war, Biden’s first serious move to impose accountability wasn’t aimed at Netanyahu but at UNRWA, the United Nations agency working desperately to prevent famine in Gaza.

After allegations in January that a dozen (later 14 ) of the agency’s 30,000 employees may have joined the Hamas terrorist attack and that many others were Hamas members, Biden suspended funding for UNRWA without waiting for confirmation. Investigations are now underway, and a small number of UNRWA staff members may have been involved in the Hamas attack, but there are growing doubts about the larger Israeli allegation of fundamental UNRWA complicity.

“They’ve been saying UNRWA is an arm of Hamas,” Senator Van Hollen told me. “There’s nothing — nothing! — in the intelligence to support that claim. That’s a flat-out lie.”

It now appears that while Biden was too slow to confront Netanyahu for killing Gazan children, he acted too hastily against the U.N. agency trying to save Gazan children. “We contributed,” Van Hollen noted, “to punishing over two million civilians who relied on UNRWA.”

American public opinion has moved rapidly on the war, with a majority of people now opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza. If the bloodshed and starvation continue, one can imagine a further shift — carrying increased political risks for Biden. While few of those disenchanted by Biden’s policies in Gaza seem likely to vote for Donald Trump, they could simply stay home on Election Day in crucial swing states like Michigan.

The anger among young progressives is particularly strong. I see it on college campuses. I’ve spoken to several Democratic members of Congress who say they can’t do public events for fear they will be shouted down. (I disapprove of disrupting events; I tell young people that if you want to change minds, shouting is less effective than asking pointed questions.) It’s worth remembering that Trump and a Republican Congress would almost certainly be less likely to restrain Israeli actions toward Palestinians, yet that’s not an effective argument for Democratic incumbents to make when they’re on the defensive.

Some of this anger, both in America and abroad, stems from what critics of the war perceive as a lack of urgency and even empathy on Biden’s part for Palestinian suffering. When he speaks of the victims of the Oct. 7 attack, I can feel his horror and disgust at the inhumanity of Hamas, but I don’t hear the same emotion about the deaths of Palestinian children in Gaza.

“There has just been a profound and visible empathy gap in how Biden talks about the two sets of victims in this conflict,” Konyndyk said. Shibley Telhami, a Middle East expert at the University of Maryland who has known Biden for many years, made the same point and argued that what seemed to finally move Biden (and much of the world) was the killing of World Central Kitchen’s foreign aid workers — even after about 190 Palestinian aid workers had already died.

We all have empathy gaps based on our backgrounds and loyalties, and supporters of Israel sometimes argue that critics of the Gaza war don’t seem to show the same compassion for starving Sudanese or Ethiopians that they do for Gazans. In Biden’s case, this isn’t the first time the issue has been discussed.

In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon and caused so many civilian casualties that everyone from President Ronald Reagan to Democratic senators expressed outrage. One exception: the young senator from Delaware.

Then-Senator Biden clashed with Israel’s hard-line prime minister, Menachem Begin, over West Bank settlements, and he deserves credit for being prescient in his opposition to land grabs for settlements. But Biden reportedly also told Begin that he favored an even harsher attack on Lebanon, even if this meant killing women and children, according to Israeli press reports .

In fairness, Biden has offered a strong moral voice in other humanitarian crises, including when he spoke up strongly for Muslims in Bosnia in 1995 and in Darfur in the 2000s. In both cases, he was impatient with talk and demanded action to ease suffering.

“We are still making threats instead of taking action,” Biden complained about Darfur in 2007, when George W. Bush was president.

Those of Biden’s generation sometimes complain that younger critics of Israel lack historical perspective and don’t appreciate the threats that Jews have faced, the unremitting determination of Israel’s enemies to destroy it and the difficulty of prosecuting a war where Hamas hides among civilians. Fair enough. All true.

But parallel arguments of naïveté were lodged against young critics of the Iraq and Vietnam wars. Supporters of the Vietnam War were shaped by memories of appeasement in the run-up to World War II and argued that it was imperative to stand up to the global tide of Communism. They were frustrated — correctly in many cases — that young leftists were soft on Communism and especially Maoism and didn’t understand the brutishness of the enemy. The war’s backers in the White House and the Pentagon acknowledged the suffering in Vietnam but argued that it was important to be tough-minded and keep perspective: With a little more effort it would be possible to uproot the enemy and score a decisive victory that would lay the groundwork for a better future. Listening to doves and showing restraint, they argued, would merely signal weakness and allow national dominoes to fall, resulting in a huge setback for freedom and democracy.

In retrospect, the backers of the Vietnam War didn’t understand the power of nationalism and vastly exaggerated the ability of even a powerful army to eradicate a homegrown enemy with nationalist credentials, while they were myopic about the human cost of their strategy and didn’t ask essential questions about its morality. Today it is the critics of the Vietnam and Iraq wars who have been largely validated. They may have known less history, but they possessed keener empathy.

Another parallel with the Vietnam War that worries some Democrats: The 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago was the site of chaotic antiwar protests that were mishandled and damaged the entire party at a time it needed to signal unity. That fall the presidential election went, by less than one percentage point, to the Republican Richard Nixon.

Oh, and where will the Democratic convention be held this year? Chicago, again.

The Biden administration called for moral clarity after the atrocities of Oct. 7, and that was appropriate. But moral clarity cannot be like a pair of glasses we put on and take off. Our shared humanity means recognizing that all children’s lives have equal value. If your heart breaks for victims on only one side of the Israel-Gaza border, then your failure is not of geopolitics but of humanity. If you care about the human rights of only Israelis or only Palestinians, then you don’t actually care about human rights.

Another way of putting it: The more than 1,000 children in Gaza who are now amputees, their suffering is partly on us.

Aside from the human toll, the war has also undermined America’s broader interests.

“Biden himself, but also America, now appears weak, thus less credible as a security partner, because Netanyahu has been completely and publicly unresponsive to tepid American requests, without there being any consequences,” Nabil Fahmy, a former Egyptian foreign minister, told me.

Jan Egeland, a former senior U.N. official who is now secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told me that American moral authority has been greatly eroded by its nonstop transfer of weapons to prosecute the war in Gaza.

“When I now travel anywhere in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia or Latin America to urge humanitarian access or protection of civilians, I get a half-hour lecture on U.S.-led Western hypocrisy,” he said. He added that the question he always gets is: “If Russian occupation and attacks on civilians and infrastructure is so bad in Ukraine, how come you accept exactly the same when done against the Palestinians by Israel?”

Ukraine and Gaza represent very different kinds of conflicts, certainly. Russia invaded Ukraine, while Israel was the victim of a particularly barbaric attack by Hamas targeting civilians. Yet it’s also true that as many foreigners see it, America hails the “rules-based international order” in Ukraine while in the Middle East it arms a combatant that is ignoring a U.N. Security Council call for a cease-fire and that the International Court of Justice has said is plausibly committing genocide.

Chris Patten, the former European commissioner for external relations who is now formally Lord Patten of Barnes, is an admirer of Biden. But he told me that he believes on Gaza, “he’s been making a terrible, terrible error.”

“The knock-on effects are awful,” he said, benefiting Chinese and Russian narratives that the West employs double standards and doesn’t really care about principles.

Ukraine had seemed something of a triumph for Biden, who rallied Europe and led the international effort that stalled Russia’s invasion. But Biden’s war in Gaza undermines his war in Ukraine.

“There is ammunition that is badly needed in Ukraine but is being delivered to Israel,” Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general and commander of Army forces in Europe, told me.

The big winner of the Hamas attack and its aftermath, Hodges said, is the Kremlin.

This month, Biden belatedly showed a willingness to press Netanyahu and leverage the aid America provides. In a tense 30-minute call, he threatened to condition American weapons transfers on Israel’s actions to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Tentative results were immediate. Israel said it would open the Erez crossing to northern Gaza to provide aid, and more aid has been allowed to enter Gaza.

Previously, Israel insisted that it was not blocking trucks, but as soon as Biden did get serious with Netanyahu, the number of trucks entering Gaza increased. I can’t help wondering: Why didn’t Biden demand this months earlier?

As Van Hollen told me: “When he did exercise some leverage, he got more results in one hour than he’s gotten in six months.”

Still, it remains unclear how much has changed. Israel seems more cooperative about getting aid across the border into Gaza, but the United Nations emphasizes that what matters is aid being delivered over those last few miles to people who are starving. Disputes about aid are likely to continue, in part because more than two-thirds of Jewish Israelis oppose allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to an opinion poll in February.

In the past, Biden repeatedly resisted meaningful limits on arms transfers. Under pressure from Democratic senators, he issued National Security Memorandum 20 , which restated American law that puts humanitarian conditions on military transfers — but then the administration announced that Israel was meeting the requirements, which many outsiders doubted.

The administration must issue another report by May 8 about whether Israel is meeting its humanitarian obligations, but many critics of the war expect a whitewash.

Many Biden supporters are exasperated. “The current approach is not working,” Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, said in a statement calling on Biden to withhold bombs from Israel. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among 40 House members who sent a similar letter to Biden.

“There’s a growing group of House and Senate members who are frustrated with the failure of the Biden administration to apply leverage,” noted Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat who was among the first senators to call for a cease-fire.

Biden’s hope for months has been a temporary halt in fighting that the administration could then use to frantically negotiate a landmark Saudi-Israeli-American deal that would normalize relations and lay the groundwork for a two-state solution. This would be the diplomatic equivalent of pulling an elephant out of a hat.

But it hasn’t happened and it’s not clear what Biden’s backup plan is. “The message I and others have carried is you can’t count on such a deal being worked out,” Merkley said. “And meanwhile the humanitarian disaster is getting worse every single day.”

The most dire scenario ahead may be a multifront war involving Gaza and Hezbollah or Iran. One of my scarier discussions with an Israeli official recently was his advocacy of a first strike on Hezbollah, and a poll found that 53 percent of Israeli Jews favor such an all-out attack on Hezbollah. That would, I believe, be a catastrophe for the region.

There’s also the possibility of an Israeli invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza without any serious effort to move civilians out of the way. We may see a full-blown famine in Gaza, or, with no authority in place, Gaza might linger (even if Hamas is a spent force) as a shattered, anarchic territory dominated by militant extremists and criminal gangs. Netanyahu seems to have no long-term plan for Gaza (or the West Bank) that would be acceptable to the outside world.

So far the war in Gaza has, according to authorities there, killed roughly 34,000 people , including about 13,800 children. The toll includes some 484 health workers, 100 journalists and 200 aid workers. The war has also damaged or destroyed up to 57 percent of the territory’s buildings. There is no end in sight, and I don’t see a path for Biden out of the mire in which he has placed himself that does not entail pursuing a fundamentally tougher and more independent path.

That means insisting that Netanyahu show far more restraint in warfare and both allow more aid into Gaza and ensure it is actually delivered to starving people. And if there are no immediate results, Biden must stop the flows of offensive weapons, for that is the step that will finally get the attention of the Israel Defense Forces and of all the country’s leaders.

This is a sad column to have to write. Biden has generally been an impressive foreign policy president, I believe, particularly astute in building connections in Asia to meet the challenge of China. I think he’s personally a good man with a compassionate heart.

That makes his complicity in the cataclysm of Gaza all the more tragic. As a young man, Biden watched Lyndon Johnson’s dream of being remembered for his “Great Society” collapse in the face of youthful opposition to an unpopular and cruel foreign war, with Johnson’s failures leading to the election of a corrupt president from the other party. I hope Biden takes action to avoid a repeat.

Biden might listen in particular to one close adviser who is apparently in anguish over Gaza — for she is right.

“Stop it,” Jill Biden reportedly told her husband. “Stop it now, Joe.”

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Nicholas Kristof became a columnist for The Times Opinion desk in 2001 and has won two Pulitzer Prizes. His new memoir is “ Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life .” @ NickKristof

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