Although the name sounds more like an amusement park adventure ride, “open jaw” flights are nothing to be scared of, and can actually save you a lot of time and money. Open jaw flights, also known as multi-city flights, are a type of air travel that allows passengers to fly into one destination and return from another, without the need for backtracking. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities for travelers, allowing them to explore multiple cities or regions within a single trip.

Here are some insight into what you need to know about these flights for the next time you plan a multi-city adventure.

What Is an Open Jaw Flight?

The term “open jaw” refers to the shape of the flight route on a map, resembling an open jaw with two distinct endpoints. Unlike a traditional round-trip flight, where the departure and arrival airports are the same, open jaw flights involve flying into one airport and departing from another. For example, you could fly from New York to Paris and return from Rome to New York.

So, an open jaw ticket combines two or more one-way flights, allowing travelers to reach multiple destinations in a more efficient and convenient manner. With an open jaw flight, you can experience the best of both worlds by exploring different cities or countries without the hassle of returning to your original departure point.

What Are the Advantages?

Standard practice for the price of flight deals is that round trip tickets cost less than two one-way tickets for the same route (an exception to this rule might exist with budget airlines). Even though the open jaw ticket doesn’t square precisely with the common definition of a round trip flight, several airlines will treat it similarly and only charge half of the round trip fare for each leg. In other words, they will treat your one-way ticket like a round trip ticket and charge you half.

It’s worth noting that open jaw and circle itinerary flights are not the same. The circle itinerary flight begins and ends in the same city, but includes at least three separate flights to two or more cities. For example, a circle itinerary would be Chicago to Atlanta, Atlanta to St. Louis, then St. Louis to Chicago (you start and end in the origin city — in this case, Chicago). Circle flights typically cost more than open jaw flights, but in many cases, they do qualify for a discounted fare.

Booking an open jaw flight offers several advantages for adventurous travelers:

• Flexibility: Open jaw flights give you the freedom to create a personalized itinerary and visit multiple destinations without the need to backtrack.
• Cost savings: In many cases, booking open jaw flights can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate round-trip tickets for each leg of your journey.
• Time-saving: Open jaw flights allow you to maximize your time by avoiding unnecessary travel back to your original departure point.
• Expanded exploration: With open jaw flights, you can discover diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions in different locations, creating a richer travel experience.

You may also like: How to Book Cheap Flights Every Time

How to Book Open Jaw Flights

Booking open jaw flights may seem complex, but with a few simple steps, you can easily plan your multi-city adventure. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth booking process:

• Choose your destinations: Determine the cities or regions you want to visit during your trip. Consider factors such as proximity, cultural significance, and personal interests.
• Research airlines: Look for airlines that offer open jaw flights or multi-city options. Check their routes, schedules, and pricing to find the best options for your desired destinations.
• Use online travel agencies: Utilize online travel agencies (OTAs) to compare prices and options across multiple airlines. These platforms often have user-friendly search features that allow you to book open jaw flights.
• Consider layovers: When booking open jaw flights, pay attention to layover durations and locations. Choose convenient layovers that provide enough time for transit and exploration if desired.
• Be mindful of luggage: Keep in mind that baggage policies may vary between airlines and segments of your open jaw flight. Check the luggage allowances and restrictions to avoid any surprises during your journey.
• Complete the booking: Once you have selected your desired flights, proceed with the booking process, ensuring that all the necessary details are correct. Review the terms and conditions before finalizing your purchase.

FAQs:

Q: Can I book open jaw flights directly with airlines?
A: Yes, many airlines offer the option to book open jaw flights through their websites or customer service centers.

Q: Are open jaw flights more expensive than round-trip tickets?
A: The cost of open jaw flights varies depending on factors such as the airlines, destinations, and travel dates. In some cases, they can be more cost-effective than round-trip tickets, especially for multi-city itineraries.

Q: Can I include multiple open jaws in a single trip?
A: Yes, you can incorporate multiple open jaws within a single trip, allowing for even more exploration and adventure.

Q: Are there any limitations or restrictions with open jaw flights?
A: While open jaw flights offer great flexibility, it’s essential to check the specific terms and conditions of each airline. Some airlines may have restrictions on the number of open jaws allowed or require the use of specific airports.

Q: Can I earn frequent flyer miles with open jaw flights?
A: Yes, most airlines allow passengers to earn frequent flyer miles for open jaw flights. Ensure that you provide your frequent flyer number during the booking process.

Q: Are open jaw flights suitable for all types of travelers?
A: Open jaw flights can be advantageous for various types of travelers, including vacationers, business travelers, and those embarking on extended trips or multi-destination tours.

Have you ever taken an open-jaw flight? Tell us about it in the comments below!