Why Open-Jaw Flights are the Smart Choice for European Travel: Money-Saving Tips from a Travel Expert
Travelers looking to explore Europe more extensively and economically are turning to open-jaw flights—a travel strategy where you fly into one European city and depart from another. This approach not only facilitates visiting multiple destinations within the same trip but also often results in significant savings on airfare.
Sonia Bhagwan, the owner and senior travel agent at Dreaming of Sun — Dream Vacations, explains that while round-trip flights were traditionally cheaper, the trend has shifted in the last nine months. “Open-jaw flights have become less expensive and provide more flexibility to see multiple destinations without feeling rushed,” Bhagwan shared with BI. This method is particularly popular for trips to England, Spain, and Italy, with about 75% of families opting for this approach to maximize both time and money.
How to Book an Open-Jaw Flight: To find open-jaw flights, travelers should avoid the “one-way” option on booking platforms. Instead, look for a “multi-city” option, which is typically more cost-effective. For example, a Google Flights search showed that flying from New York City to Rome, then from Barcelona back to NYC, costs about $700 using the multi-city tool, compared to nearly $1,000 with one-way bookings. Including a train ticket from Rome to Barcelona for around $80, travelers save approximately $220 overall.
Tips for Maximizing Savings:
- Timing is Key: Bhagwan recommends starting the search for flights between four to six months in advance. Monitoring the prices for a few days gives a good baseline, which helps in identifying price trends.
- Best Time to Book: According to Bhagwan, Sunday nights are ideal for booking flights as this is when airlines often introduce new fares and schedules, potentially at lower prices. However, if prices seem high, it might be wise to wait and check again the following week.
- Flexible Booking: Opting for flexible or refundable rates directly through the airline’s website is advised. This option allows for adjustments should prices drop after the initial booking, providing another opportunity to save.
Open-jaw flights not only offer a practical solution to visit multiple European cities but also help in managing travel budgets more effectively. By adopting these strategies, families and solo travelers alike can experience the rich diversity of Europe without the financial strain typically associated with multi-destination itineraries.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, businessinsider.in