Multi-City Itineraries? Yes, Please! What to Know About Open-Jaw Flights

This blog post was updated on February 28, 2024.

Just because you fly into one airport doesn’t mean you have to flight out of it as well, right?

That’s the essence of open-jaw flights, which represent an intriguing option for the modern traveler, offering a way to tailor trips that defy the standard round-trip itinerary. Imagine flying into the bustling streets of Paris, weaving through its famous museums and cafés, then returning from your journey from the vibrant city of Rome. Open-jaw travel allows you to land in one city and depart from another, without the need to backtrack to your original starting point.

This travel strategy is not only perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in diverse landscapes within a single trip but also offers practical advantages. For example, if you’re attending a conference in one city and then have plans to visit friends or family in another, open-jaw flights can save you both time and money, eliminating unnecessary travel back to your initial destination. Furthermore, it adds an element of flexibility to your travel plans, accommodating last-minute changes or unexpected opportunities to explore new places.

The concept might seem complex at first glance, with logistical considerations such as different airport codes and potential one-way car rentals. However, the beauty of open-jaw flights lies in their adaptability, opening up a world of possibilities for personalized travel experiences.

Why “Open-Jaw”?

The term “open-jaw flight” draws its name from the visual representation of the itinerary on a map, resembling an open jaw. If you were to plot the flight path on a map, the departure point to the first destination and the return journey from a different location create a disjointed route that mimics the shape of an open mouth. As odd as the term may sound, the imagery effectively captures the essence of such trips. This distinctive travel pattern underscores the flexibility and adventure inherent in open-jaw flights, inviting travelers to chart less conventional paths across the globe.

Types of Open-Jaw Flights

Open-jaw flights are designed to cater to diverse travel preferences, offering three main types that provide flexibility and efficiency for various itineraries:

Destination open-jaw flights allow travelers to return to their original city but from different destinations, making it possible to explore multiple places without the need for a separate return journey. For instance, you might fly from New York City to London, then travel to Scotland and return from Glasgow to New York City.

Origin open-jaw flights, by contrast, are for those who depart from one city and return to a different one. So a traveler might fly from New York City to London, and then, instead of returning to New York, flying from London to Boston.

Double open-jaw flights involve departure and return flights landing in and taking off from different cities, like flying from New York City to Orlando, then traveling to Miami before ending up in Philadelphia. This type is tailored for adventurers with intricate plans, offering the freedom to explore multiple destinations.

Booking Open-Jaw Flights Online

If you’re working with a travel agent, booking open-jaw flights is a breeze, because they will handle the logistics for you. But if you’re arranging your own airfare online, you’ll find that for your multi-destination trip is easier than you might have imagined.

When you’re booking online, there’s usually a “multi-city” tab at the top of your booking screen. This feature lets you select multiple (up to 8) origin-destination combos at once. Can’t find your desired destinations? Try an online travel agency (OTA). These platforms — such as OneTravel — pool flights from various airlines, broadening your options. Just be aware you might be flying different carriers. With this user-friendly tool and the vast OTA network, crafting your ideal itinerary becomes a stress-free endeavor.

You May Also Like: 7 Booking Strategies to Save Even More on Cheap Flights

Can Open-Jaw Flights Save Me Money?

With so many travel websites at your disposal, companies take great measures to make themselves more attractive to potential customers. Such measures often include great travel availability and flexibility; more options in departure and destination locations, times and dates; great travel packages; and of course lower prices.

Even if you’re not seeking out an open-jaw flight, you might want to consider one to save some money. Many OTAs and airlines provide the possibility of  choosing from “nearby airports,” allowing you to depart from or arrive at an airport that’s close to your desired city. For instance, if you’re eyeing a roundtrip from NYC to Los Angeles, selecting this option could get you substantially lower fares with slightly altered itineraries. For example, you might fly out of JFK, but return to LaGuardia (LAG). Or you could fly into LAX but fly home from Long Beach (LGB). While this might mean a bit more ground travel upon landing, the potential savings on airfare can be quite significant.

FAQs:

Q: Is it possible to mix different airlines when booking open-jaw flights?
A: Yes, mixing airlines can sometimes lead to cheaper fares, but be sure to check for any potential fees or inconveniences.

Q: How far in advance should I book an open-jaw flight to get the best prices?
A: Aim to book your open-jaw flight at least 2 to 3 months in advance for optimal pricing and availability.

Q: Are there any specific travel insurance considerations I should keep in mind when booking open-jaw flights?
A: Make sure your travel insurance policy covers multi-destination trips and any potential changes or cancellations to your itinerary.

Q: What should I do if my open-jaw flight itinerary involves long layovers?
A: Use the layover time to explore the connecting city or consider booking a short-term accommodation if the layover is lengthy.

Q: Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when booking open-jaw flights?
A: Be mindful of additional fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and flight changes, especially when flying with budget airlines.

Have we missed any details you want to know about open-jaw flights? Let us know in our comments section below!