It is no doubt that you can have more than one option, especially when planning your flight trip to your favorite destinations. Also, to make journeys easier for travelers, airline carriers offer a range of services. Many airlines operate what is called “multi-city flights” or “multi-destination flights” that can be quite useful to a lot of travelers flying abroad for their holidays. If you have not traveled on a multi-city flight, you can learn a lot about it here.
In this blog, we are going to take a look at what are multi-city flights and how you can book one for your trip.
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What is a Multi-City Flight?
A multi-city flight comprises a flight itinerary in which a single long-haul reservation can contain several stops (or layovers) at different international cities before arriving at the final destination.
It is also possible to create an “open-jaw itinerary” with a multi-city trip. Basically, an open-jaw itinerary can get you forth and back from different airports. For instance, you can depart from one airport and return from another airport. So, let’s say, you are flying from Kenya to Germany, but you return to Kenya from another departure airport in Italy. This will be referred to as an open-jaw flight created in a multi-city itinerary.
A multi-city flight can also be interchangeably referred to as a multi-destination flight since the flight’s itinerary include more than one stop, and travelers can depart from and arrive at different airports in the same itinerary. It allows you to book different flights from different airlines that will make your trips less confusing and more convenient. This is ideal for travelers flying to several destinations on their trip and back again and is a lot cheaper on your pockets.
For example, you can fly from Point A to Point B and over to Point C or Point D on a multi-city flight. Thus, if you are traveling from the United States of America or Asia to Europe and vice versa, you can easily book multi-destination flights. So, you will also get some time to spend in different cities abroad during your layovers.
Many travellers will prefer flying to several destinations via multi-city flights rather than purchasing several one-way flight tickets.
Are There Any Benefits to Booking a Trip on Multi-City or Multi-Destination Flights?
Well, if you compare a multi-city flight with a one-way or a round-trip flight, you will find a few benefits to it.
Given below are a few benefits of multi-city flights.
Saves Money
You can save money by reserving a multi-city flight instead of having to book several one-way flights to your destination. If you compare the prices of one-way and multi-city flights, the latter is much cheaper.
Saves Time
Traveling on a multi-city flight can save you a lot of time over several one-way flights, and also when booking flights. For example, if you book several one-way flights either online, at the airport, or through a travel agent, you may have to go through a long choice of selections.
But, this is not so in the case of multi-destination flights. You are given the option to choose several flights for different destinations on the same itinerary. And, this can save you a lot of time.
Can Board Flights from Different Airports
When you book multi-destination flights, airline carriers allow you to depart from and arrive at different airports.
For example, you can fly from Point A to Point B, then again from Point C to point D, or from Point D to Point B. There will also be several layovers before you can board other flights that are on the same itinerary.
Opportunity to Visit Cities While on a Trip Abroad
A very amazing benefit of booking multi-city flights is that you get to stop in different foreign cities/airports, which gives you the opportunity to visit these places during your trip.
Thus, if you are travelling from the USA to Europe, you can stop at popular cities and explore these places before you get to your next layover and enjoy more beautiful places.
Booking Flights is Hassle-free
With all your flights having being booked in the same itinerary, the entire process is totally hassle-free and quick. Whether you are booking flights online, at the airport or through a travel agent, it is certain that there will be little to no challenges throughout the booking procedure.
How to Book a Multi-City Flight for Any Airline Online?
In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to book a multi-city flight online for any given airline carrier.
Steps:
1. If you are booking a multi-city flight directly from the airline’s website, open a web browser on your desktop, laptop, or tablet computer and visit the airline’s website. Or you may launch the airline’s mobile app on your smartphone if there is one available.
2. When you are on the airline’s website, at their flight booking page, you will usually be offered three options: One-way, Roundtrip and Multi-city. Here, you will need to select the Multi-city option.
3. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose your departure cities/airports, destination cities/airports, travel dates, number of passengers, and cabin class. After making your required travel selections, click the Search Flights button. It will look for all available flights and display the results on your screen.
Note: Additionally, you may also use filters to make customizations to your flight selection, such as airlines, airports, number of layovers, etc. Most airline carriers will limit the legs (for example, up to 6 legs) of your journey. So, you will need to check with the airline you’re making reservations from.
4. Once you have found your desired multi-city flight, select the flight and follow the booking instructions that appear on your screen.
5. When you have finished completing the multi-city flight booking process, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and text message on your phone. The confirmation e-mail will contain your flight’s confirmation code, itinerary, and other important details. In addition, your e-ticket will also be sent to you via e-mail.
Alternatively, you can also book multi-city flights for your trip either at the airport or through a travel agency. However, the procedure may differ from the online booking steps given above.
Conclusion – All You Need to Know About Multi-City Flights
Multi-city flights are a very common option for holidaymakers, in particular. If you book one for yourself and/or your companion, you have the opportunity to visit several cities on your trip before arriving at your final destination. The layovers between foreign cities also give you plenty of time to explore places – all this in one itinerary.
