Booking a return flight seperately

[MNDltd]

Hi, my first post here though lurked a good while.
I want to book a Business class flight to Chile next summer and the flight release date is almost here. Should I book the outward flight as soon as it is available and then book the return leg two weeks later or wait and book both at the same time?
Are there any downsides to booking them as two seperate bookings?

Im anxious about getting a seat as there is only 3 direct flights a week and I really dont want to have to miss chance to buy with avios.

Many thanks

[SamG]

Yes you should book your outbound on release day (1am BST)

You may pay lower taxes by then calling to amend that booking once your return date arrives. You’d need to get through on the phone at 1am though – Japan or Australia are options for this – call via Skype.

You’d need to find dates with availability as a return to do a dummy booking to figure this out.

I suspect that the difference is small in this case (USA is one where it is often big) in which case just book the return online as well. Likely at the airport you’d be asked for proof of your return ticket so have that handy. The only other downside is 2 x cancellation fees if you do not travel for some reason

If the seats go really fast then the call centre may be a better option anyway – they hold the seats whilst making the booking – online the seats are not held until you’ve paid