What is an open jaw flight? How to book an open jaw ticket?
Open jaw flights are changing the way we travel, allowing us to explore multiple destinations without the limitations of round-trip or one-way tickets. In this article, we delve into the benefits, practical uses, and essential tips for planning and booking your own open jaw adventure.
Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.
1. What Is an Open Jaw Flight?
An open jaw flight is a type of airline ticket where the traveler flies into one city and departs from another, without returning to the original city.
An open-jaw itinerary allows travelers to visit two destinations without the need to backtrack to their initial destination to catch their return flight. They can be more expensive than round-trip tickets, but they offer greater flexibility and the opportunity to explore more places.
2. Open Jaw vs Double Open Jaw
Open jaw flight? What is a double open jaw flight? Is there a difference?
Open jaw and double open jaw are both types of flights that allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without being restricted by the limitations of round-trip or one-way tickets. However, there are differences between these two types of flights.
An open jaw flight occurs when you fly from one city to another but return to a different city as your starting point. Alternatively, it can involve flying from one city to another, traveling overland to a third city, and then returning to your original departure city. These are the two types of open jaw flights.
The first type is called a destination open jaw, which is when a passenger flies from one city to another and returns to the original city from a different place.
The second type is called origin open jaw flight. It is when a passenger returns from their destination to a different city than where they started their open jaw trip.
Example of destination open jaw flight: you fly from New York to London, travel by land to Manchester, and return to New York from Manchester.
Example of origin open jaw flight: you fly from New York to London, and return from London to Washington.
Double open jaw flights, on the other hand, involve flying into one destination, departing from another, and returning to a different city than the original departure point. It combines two open jaw segments into a single itinerary. For example, you are flying from New York to London. Then you travel around Europe for some time, and, let’s say, fly back to the US from Madrid instead of London. In addition to that, you don’t return to New York but to Washington.
3. Open Jaw vs Multi City
What is an open jaw flight? And what is a multi-city flight?
Open-jaw flights are essentially multi-city flights with a significant distinction – multi-city trips comprise the flight between cities, whereas open-jaw trips do not.
A multi-city flight lets you visit multiple cities or destinations in a single journey. This type of itinerary includes multiple flights in a single ticket. For example, you can fly from City A to City B, then from City B to City C, and finally return to City A. This is a popular option for travelers who want to explore specific cities and include multiple stops in one trip.
Example of a multi-city flight: Seoul – Budapest; Budapest – Warsaw; Warsaw – Seoul. Or Seoul – Budapest; Budapest – Warsaw, if you don’t need to return to your origin city. With multi-city flights, you don’t have to return to the origin airport. It can be one way.
On the other hand, an open jaw flight involves booking a round-trip ticket where the departure and/or arrival airports are different. The term “open” is the defining feature of open-jaw itineraries.
4. Benefits of Open Jaw Flights
What are the pros of open jaw flights?
Why should you consider taking an open jaw flight?
- Flexibility. Open jaw flights offer an unprecedented level of flexibility in designing personalized itineraries. By permitting travel to one destination and departure from another, open jaw flights provide travelers with the freedom to explore multiple cities, countries, or even continents on a single trip. This level of flexibility allows for the creation of unique travel experiences tailored to individual preferences and interests.
- Time and cost savings. Open jaw flights frequently prove more time-efficient and cost-effective than traditional round-trip tickets. By eliminating the need to backtrack to the initial departure point, valuable hours of travel time can be saved, maximizing the duration of exploration. Furthermore, open jaw flights can assist in reducing transportation costs between destinations, particularly when traveling to different regions or continents.
- Seamless multi-destination travel. One of the most significant advantages of open jaw flights is the seamless connectivity they provide for multi-destination travel. It allows travelers to explore a variety of cities or countries effortlessly without having to plan separate one-way flights or endure long layovers.
- Itinerary variety. Open jaw flights unlock a treasure trove of itinerary possibilities. They enable travelers to embark on multi-country tours, explore contrasting cultures, and discover geographically diverse regions without constraints. This option allows travelers to uncover hidden gems, visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, and immerse themselves in a more comprehensive travel experience.
5. How to Book Open Jaw Flights?
What is the best way to book open jaw flights?
5.1 Flight Booking Websites (Easy)
If you are wondering how to book open jaw flights, there are several ways you can do it, but using a flight search engine is the easiest. Here’s an example of how to use the multi-city option to search for open jaw flights:
- Go to a reputable flight booking website such as Kiwi.com, Momondo.com or Expedia.com.
- Select the “multi-city” option in the search bar instead of the standard “round-trip” or “one-way” option. Remember, open jaw flights are essentially multi-city flights, so use “multi-city” option when searching for open jaw flights,
- Enter your departure city and your first destination, and then enter your second destination and your return city.
- Check if there are any open jaw flights available that match your criteria.
- Compare the prices and flight times to find the best option for your trip.
By using the multi-city search option on websites such as kiwi.com, momondo.com or expedia.com, you can easily find a good open jaw flight itinerary and enjoy the flexibility and cost savings they provide.
To find the best open-jaw flight options, research and compare various booking platforms and airlines. Some factors to consider are pricing, flight schedules, customer reviews, and the reputation of the airlines.
5.2 Directly From the Airline
Another option – you can book open jaw flights directly from an airline, as long as they are offering a multi-city booking option.
Many of the best airlines offer this option.
6. Tips for Making the Most of Open Jaw Flights
To make sure your trip goes smoothly, think about a few important factors.
You’ll need to choose your departure and arrival destinations carefully, taking things like transportation, visa requirements, and logistics into account. Make sure the destinations you choose align with your travel plans and preferences.
6.1 Transportation
Plan and research transportation options between your open jaw destinations, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and car rentals. Consider factors such as cost, travel time, convenience, and availability of direct routes or connections depending on the distance and feasibility.
6.2 Visa Requirements
Make sure to check the visa and entry requirements for each destination on your open jaw itinerary. It’s important to research visa requirements beforehand. Since you will be physically visiting your destination countries during an open jaw journey, a visa may be necessary.
To ensure you have the correct information on visa requirements, it’s best to visit the official websites of each country’s embassies, consulates or immigration departments. Look for dedicated visa sections or pages that provide details on the entry requirements for foreign travelers.
6.3 Baggage Allowance
Don’t forget about baggage allowance!
When booking open jaw flights with multiple airlines or connections, make sure to check each carrier’s baggage policies and restrictions. Take into account the need for transferring or rechecking your luggage between flights and plan accordingly. To make your travel experience smoother, pack efficiently and within the baggage allowances.
6.4 Travel Insurance, You Might Want It
Get yourself a good travel insurance policy that covers trip interruption.
When buying travel insurance, make sure it covers your entire trip, including open jaw itineraries. The insurance policy should provide enough coverage for various situations like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. Read the policy carefully, including the exclusions, to ensure complete protection during your journey.
6.5 Flexibility
Before finalizing your open jaw flight booking, it’s important to consider the ticket flexibility options available. Opt for fares that allow changes or cancellations with minimal fees as unforeseen changes to your travel plans can happen. Having a flexible open jaw plane ticket can protect you from potential headaches and financial loss in case you need to make modifications to your itinerary.
Do you have more questions about open jaw flights? Ask in the comments.
About the author:
Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.
