Open Jaw Flights: The Ultimate Guide

What Is an Open-Jaw Flight?

An open-jaw flight is an airline ticket that enables reservations for different starting and final destinations. It means you can fly to one place and depart from a different spot without the need to return to the original destination. The term refers to the shape on the map that forms a triangle, similar to an opened jaw.

Open-jaw flight is ideal for those planning long-distance journeys, as it enables flexibility on the way. For example, you can start your trip from Madrid to San Marino. Then, travel from San Marino to Rome (by bus or other transportation) and come back to Madrid. Thanks to that option, you can visit more places and don’t waste time on turning back. It’s a convenient solution while traveling internationally.

Different Types of Open-Jaw Flights

Several open-jaw flights are available for the travelers:

• Origin open-jaw – a passenger leaves from one city to another but returns to a different place (e.g., you start from Cracow and go to Berlin. Then travel from Berlin to Warsaw).
• Destination open-jaw – a traveler takes off from one city to another and comes back there but from another airport (for example, you go from Cracow to Madrid, and then from Barcelona to Cracow).
• Double open-jaw – places of arrival and departure are different (for instance, a trip looks as follows: Paris>Madrid>Barcelona>Berlin).

What Are the Benefits of Open-Jaw Flights?

• Visiting multiple cities: you can travel to several cities during one journey and switch destinations.
• Best prices: the trip is much cheaper as you explore multiple destinations at once and thus save money.
• Flexibility of plans: arrival and departure places are different, so you can adjust your itinerary.
• Saving time: you don’t need to return to the same airport, depending on the open-jaw flight type.
• Earlier preparations: you can book your flights beforehand and decide what places to visit in detail.

How to Book an Open-Jaw Flight?

Booking an open-jaw flight couldn’t be any easier. Use flight search engines; enter travel information in the search fields and pick a multiple-city flight. Then, you can input an additional four cities. See the results and pick the most suitable route. Also, try to change dates, as on some days much cheaper fares may be possible.

Many airlines and travel agencies offer open-jaw tickets, such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Easy Jet, and more. You have several options and can check all the possibilities for the best deals.

Comparison of Open-Jaw, One-Way, and Round-Trip Flights

An open-jaw flight can be treated as a specific round-trip itinerary without a typical pattern; e.g., you depart from city A, arrive at point B, go to C, and come back to A. A one-way flight covers only a journey to one place, while a round-trip means you go on a journey and return to the spot where you started.

Each type of flight is different and suits the specific needs of travelers. The open-jaw flight is the best when you have many plans and want to visit several places at once. A one-way flight is good when you don’t want to come back to your departure city soon and aim to prolong your trip. In the case of round-trip, it is the best option for those who plan a journey in one city (or near) and return.

Tips for the Best Open-Jaw Experience

Thanks to the open-jaw flight, you are able to plan ahead and avoid unpleasant surprises. However, your itinerary should be well-thought so you can maximize your trip and see much more. Besides, consider transportation, as it is important to travel as smoothly as possible. Also, manage your luggage; it needs to contain only the necessities, as you will carry it around.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the open-jaw flights?

Open-jaw flights are itineraries that include a flight from one city to another and a return from a different spot. Open-jaw flights are the best options for visiting multiple places.

How to book open-jaw flights?

You can book an open-jaw flight online. Use a flight search engine and input the necessary information. Then, book tickets: fill in the form, cover the fee, and receive an email with more details.

What are round-trip and one-way flights?

Round-trip tickets enable coming back to the departure place, while a one-way flight, as the name suggests, allows a trip only to one spot.

Is open-jaw flight expensive?

No, open-jaw flights usually allow you to save money, as you can visit many places during one journey and use discounts.

Is it possible to book an open-jaw trip on all airlines?

Most airlines offer open-jaw tickets. Check the available options on the particular airline website to know more.

What are popular open-jaw routes?

Popular open-jaw routes include Frankfurt>Bangkok>Phuket>Frankfurt, Munich>Cape Town>Johannesburg>Munich, London>Paris>Rome>London, and New York>Los Angeles>San Francisco>New York.

Is modification of the open-jaw itinerary possible after booking?

Rescheduling or canceling open-jaw flights is possible. Usually, in this situation, an additional fee must be paid, depending on the airline programs.