Booking a multi-city trip is an excellent way to visit more than one destination on a single ticket. Instead of booking several flights, you can make your travel experience easier and cheaper by combining multiple stops into one trip. Whether you’re going on a holiday or a business trip, planning a multi-city journey can help you save time and money. In this blog, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of booking a multi-city flight and answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your dream trip.
What Is a Multi-City Flight and Why Should I Book One?
A multi-city flight is the booking of a single ticket by which you can visit different cities or countries within one trip. It is not the same with round-trip flights, whereby you go to one destination and return to your place from the same city. With a multi-city flight, you can visit multiple places and save time and money.
- Save Money: Multi-city flights are cheaper when you compare it with buying single one-way tickets for several destinations.
- See More Places: You can visit several cities without having to go back to your hometown.
- Save Time: Instead of booking individual flights, you can manage all your stops with one ticket.
- Great for Long Trips: If you are traveling for a longer time, you can visit many destinations on one trip without extra effort.
How Do I Book a Multi-City Flight?
Booking a multi-city flight is easy and can be done on most airline websites or travel booking platforms. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Choose Your First City and Date: First, you will need to select your departure city and the date you plan to leave.
- Step 2: Add Your Next Destination: After entering your first flight, you will need to choose the next city you want to visit and pick the dates that work for you.
- Step 3: Keep Adding Stops: Continue adding the cities you want to visit. Most flight websites allow you to add several stops (up to 6 or more, depending on the airline).
- Step 4: Check the Flights: Once you’ve added all your stops, check the available flights and prices. Pay attention to layovers and any additional fees.
- Step 5: Finalize Your Booking: Once you’re pleased with your itinerary, you lock in the details and finalize your booking. You will receive a ticket that covers all your stops.
Who Provides Multi-City Trips?
Most airlines let you book multi-city trips online through their website. Of course, some airlines as well as airlines alliances allow you to have easier controlling of multiple stops:
Major Airlines, American Airlines, United, Lufthansa, Air France allow multi-city booking options.
Airline Alliances: Alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam will enable you to book several flights under the same booking number, allowing for smoother connections and possibly cheaper bookings.
Budget Airlines: A number of budget airlines will allow multi-city bookings but charge extra fees, such as baggage.
How do I save money on Multi-City Flights?
You do not necessarily need to break the bank for booking a multi-city flight. These are some tips for getting it done on the cheap.
- Book Early: The sooner you book, the better prices. You should aim at booking 2-3 months before traveling.
- Be flexible with your dates For sure, flights become cheaper on specific days. Adjust your dates if possible to enjoy low fares.
- Use Airline Alliances: You can travel with several airlines under one ticket, often at a lower cost, by booking through an airline alliance.
- Check Nearby Airports: If your destination has more than one airport, try flying into or out of the closest one to save money.
- Mix Airlines: Sometimes booking a different airline for each leg of your trip is cheaper than booking through one airline. Compare prices using Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Can I customize my multi-city flight?
Yes, you can often customize your multi-city trip to fit your schedule and needs. Here’s how:
- Modify Your Duration of Stay: You decide upon how long you want to stay in a city before traveling out into another. This gives you flexible travel plans.
- Long Layovers: Some airlines have their version of longer layovers in which you can spend longer periods of time in an individual city before continuing your travel itinerary.
- Open Jaw Flights: If you don’t want to return to your original city, you can book an “open-jaw” flight, where you fly into one city and leave from another.
- Add More Stops: Depending on the airline, you can often add 3-6 stops. If you want to visit more places, just keep adding destinations.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Booking a Multi-City Flight?
While multi-city flights are great, there are a few things to consider:
- Longer Travel Time: Multi-city trips can involve long flights and layovers. Make sure you’re comfortable with the travel time.
- Complex Itinerary: With multiple destinations, your trip might become a bit complicated. Double-check flight times and connections to avoid confusion.
- Extra Baggage Fees: Some airlines will charge extra for checked baggage, especially if you’re switching flights between different airlines. Always check baggage policies.
- Changing Flights Is Harder: If you need to change or cancel your multi-city flight, it may be more complicated than for a simple round-trip flight. Check the airline’s policy before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, most flight booking sites, including Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo, will allow you to book a multi-city flight. These websites let you compare different airlines and find the best deals.
You can usually change your multi-city flight, but it might come with extra fees. Always check with the airline to see if changes are possible and how much they will cost.
You would want to book at least 2-3 months in advance to get the best deals. The early bird catches the worm. In this case, the better deals will be yours with more options.
At times yes, especially when flying with the same airline or airline alliance. Otherwise, it can vary as per destination, dates, and so on.
Yes, some cities have multiple airports, and many airlines let you fly into one airport and out of another. This is a great way to visit more of a city without backtracking.
Most airlines offer 3-6 stops on a multi-city flight. Some may offer even more stops, but this would really depend on the airline and the platform used in booking.
Conclusion
Booking a multi-city flight is a great way to visit more places without the stress of booking separate tickets. It can save time, money, and effort in planning your trip. With a little planning and flexibility, you can easily put together the perfect travel itinerary. A multi-city flight is perfect if you’re traveling for business or on a vacation; in this way, you will enjoy the value of getting a good experience out of the money spent. To start booking your next multi-city adventure with confidence, follow these tips:.