How to Search for Multi-City and Open-Jaw Flights
Multi-city search lets you book flights between multiple destinations in one ticket, often saving money compared to separate bookings. Use the multi-city option on flight search engines, enter each leg separately, and book through one airline alliance when possible to simplify changes and reduce costs.
- Budget
- Compare against separate one-way tickets
- Duration
- Booking process takes 15-30 minutes
- Best Time
- Book 2-3 months ahead for international multi-city routes, 6-8 weeks for domestic
- Visa Required
- Depends on every country in your routing — check requirements for all destinations
Step by step
Understand what you're booking
Multi-city means flying between 3+ cities (like New York to Paris, Paris to Rome, Rome to New York). Open-jaw means arriving in one city and departing from another (like flying into London, out of Paris). Both are booked as one ticket, which usually costs less than separate bookings and protects you if one flight delays.
Choose your search tool
Google Flights has the clearest multi-city search. ITA Matrix shows more routing options but can't book. Kayak and Skyscanner also handle multi-city.
Select multi-city search mode
On Google Flights, click the dropdown that says 'Round trip' and select 'Multi-city'. You'll see multiple flight leg boxes appear. On most sites, this option is near the top of the search form. If you only see round trip and one-way, look for an 'advanced search' or 'more options' link.
Enter each leg separately
Add one row for each flight segment. New York to Paris on June 1. Paris to Rome on June 8. Rome to New York on June 15. Be precise with dates — the search engine won't auto-adjust like it does for round trips. Add or remove legs using the + and - buttons. You can book up to 6 legs on most platforms.
Compare with separate bookings
Before booking, search each leg as a one-way flight. Add up the total. Multi-city is usually cheaper, but not always. If separate tickets are significantly cheaper, understand the risk: if the first flight delays and you miss the second, you're not protected. With one ticket, the airline must reroute you.
Stay within one alliance when possible
If your route uses Star Alliance airlines (United, Lufthansa, ANA), Oneworld (American, British Airways, Qantas), or SkyTeam (Delta, Air France, KLM), changes and customer service are simpler. Mixed-carrier tickets work but can be harder to modify. Check the booking details before purchase.
Book through one airline or OTA
Even if several airlines operate your flights, buy the whole itinerary as one ticket from one airline or agency. If you book New York to Paris on United.com and Paris to Rome on AirFrance.com, they're separate tickets.
Check baggage policies carefully
Multi-city tickets sometimes include baggage, sometimes don't. It depends on the fare class and airlines involved. Before booking, look for 'baggage information' or 'fare rules' in the search results. If it's unclear, call the airline after booking but before you fly to confirm.
Save your itinerary immediately
You'll receive multiple confirmation emails — one per airline if you're flying different carriers. Take a screenshot of the full itinerary page showing all flights. Save the main booking reference number (also called PNR or confirmation code). You'll need this if you need to make changes or if something goes wrong.
Questions people ask
Is multi-city more expensive than round trip?
It depends on the route. Search the full itinerary as multi-city and also as separate one-way tickets, then compare totals.
What if I miss a connection on a multi-city ticket?
If it's all on one ticket and the delay wasn't your fault, the airline must rebook you at no charge. This is the main advantage of multi-city over separate bookings. If you book separate tickets and miss the second flight due to the first one's delay, you've lost that ticket. One ticket = one responsibility for the airline.
Can I change one leg of a multi-city booking?
Yes, but the rules and fees depend on your ticket type. Flexible fares let you change individual legs. Basic economy usually doesn't allow changes at all, and if it does, you pay a fee plus fare difference. The entire ticket is one unit, so sometimes changing one leg changes the price of the whole thing. Call the airline to get a quote before deciding.
Do I collect my bags between each city?
If it's one ticket, your bags are usually checked through to your final destination — you don't collect them at the middle city. Exception: if you change airlines and they're not partner carriers, or if your layover is very long (24+ hours), you might need to collect and recheck. Check with the airline at initial check-in.
Can I use miles or points for multi-city tickets?
Check your program's award routing rules before you build the itinerary.
What's the difference between multi-city and open-jaw?
Open-jaw is a specific type of multi-city. It means you fly into one city and out of another, with no flight between them. Example: fly into Rome, out of Paris — you figure out Rome to Paris on your own (train, rental car, etc). Multi-city includes that flight. Open-jaw often costs the same as a round trip. Multi-city costs more but includes all flights.
Packing
- Check the most restrictive baggage policy if flying multiple airlines
- Printout or screenshot of full itinerary with all confirmation codes
- Contact numbers for each airline on your ticket saved in your phone