A Guide to Multi-City Flights: What Are They?

Ever wanted a little extra adventure without the hassle of booking a stack of separate tickets? Enter the world of multi-city flights – A brilliant way to hop from one locale to another, all on one tidy itinerary. Rather than the usual roundtrip, you get to string together a whole host of destinations. Fancy flying from New York City to Dublin, then Paris, Vienna and finally Berlin? With multi-city flights, your journey becomes a vibrant tapestry of stops, all without breaking the bank.

Also read: Top 10 Solo Travel Tips for Singaporean First-Timers

The Nitty-Gritty of Booking Your Route

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Booking these flights is a doddle. Most travel websites let you choose between roundtrip, one-way, or multi-city when you’re scouring for deals. Simply select the multi-city option, plug in your chosen dates and stops, and voilà! You’ve got one comprehensive itinerary. It’s as straightforward as planning your next weekend getaway – only on a grander scale. A little extra homework on timing and connections can ensure a smooth transition between flights, letting you savour every new destination without any last-minute rush.

Saving a Few Dollars

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Now, you might be wondering if these elaborate itineraries actually save you money. Well, it depends on the journey. For long-haul legs, bundling your flights into a single multi-city ticket can often be cheaper than picking up separate one-way fares. The catch? Once you’re in a region, say gallivanting around Europe, you might find that booking the shorter hops individually could be a bit kinder to your wallet. 

Airlines typically insist that all legs on one itinerary be with the same carrier or its partners. So, while your transatlantic flights might slot neatly together, those budget European (e.g. Ryanair or easyJet) or Asian (e.g. AirAsia or Scoot) legs might require separate bookings – or even a cheeky train ride if you’re feeling adventurous.

Open-Jaw Flights: A Little Twist

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Ever heard of an open-jaw flight? It’s a quirky variant of multi-city travel where you fly into one city and depart from another. Imagine landing in London, spending a few days exploring its nooks and crannies, and then catching your flight home from, say, Manchester. Alternatively, you could fly into Paris and depart from London, giving you extra time to absorb the local culture. It’s a smart option if you’re planning to explore the countryside or enjoy a scenic detour between flights.

Double Open-Jaw Flights: For the Extra Adventurous

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For those who can’t get enough of mixing things up, there’s the double open-jaw ticket. This is when all your cities are different – for instance, flying from Singapore to Tokyo, then returning from Osaka to Kuala Lumpur. It’s still usually more cost-effective than booking two separate one-way tickets since airlines treat it as one round trip ticket. This option is perfect if you’ve got your heart set on covering as much ground as possible, turning your journey into a full-blown expedition.

Pro Tips for the Savvy Traveller

1. Do Your Research: A bit of legwork online can unearth hidden gems – both in terms of cities and deals. Compare different airlines, check out budget carriers, and don’t be afraid to mix and match booking methods.
2. Flexibility is Key: If you’re flexible with your dates, you can often nab better deals. Experiment with different combinations of legs to see what works best for your budget and schedule.
3. Mind the Connections: While multi-city tickets are brilliant for long-haul flights, make sure you allow ample time between connections. A few extra hours can prevent unnecessary stress, particularly if you’re transferring between terminals or airlines.
4. Consider Alternative Transport: In regions like Europe, sometimes a train journey can be more scenic and cost-effective than a short-haul flight. This option, however, might require booking separately from your main multi-city itinerary.

In a Nutshell

Multi-city flights are your ticket to a more flexible, adventurous way of travelling. They let you carve your own route, potentially save a pretty penny, and add that extra dash of excitement to your trip. Whether you’re booking a multi-stop itinerary or spicing things up with an open-jaw, a little bit of planning can turn a simple trip into a memorable journey.

So, why stick to the usual when you can inject a bit of flair into your travel plans? Pack your bags, choose your cities, and let the adventure begin!

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