What is an open-jaw flight? How to get the most out of this travel hack

What is an open-jaw flight?

While the name may be slightly confusing at first, an open-jaw flight (sometimes written as open-jaw airline ticket) is a type of airfare where a traveler flies into one city and returns from another, rather than making a traditional round-trip. 

The term “open jaw” refers to the gap in the itinerary where the traveler makes their own way between two points—by car, train, or another flight. If you were to illustrate this from point to point, you would get the basic shape of an open jaw, hence the name.

There are a few different types of open-jaw flights.

A destination open jaw takes you to one city where you can then travel to another, then fly back home. For example:

• Fly from Sydney to Rome, take a road trip along the Mediterranean then fly back to Sydney from from Athens

For an origin open jaw, you leave from one city to another, then fly back to a different city:

• Travel from New York to Vancouver, then fly back into LA

You could also book a double open jaw, which combines four destinations and arrivals:

• Fly from London to Tokyo to explore Japan, depart from Osaka and arrive back in Paris

These types of tickets are great for travelers who want to explore a region without the hassle of returning to their original city just to catch a flight home.

Understanding the ins and outs of open-jaw flights helps savvy travelers plan smarter, more flexible trips, especially for multi-city vacations or business travel.

How to book an open-jaw flight?

If you're wondering how to book open-jaw flights, the process is simpler than you might expect.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Hop onto a booking platform like PayLater Travel 
2. Select “Multi-city” instead of round-trip – This option is essential for flying open jaw.
3. Enter your first flight segment (eg, Sydney to LA).
4. Enter your return segment from a different city (eg, San Francisco to Sydney).
5. Lock in your flight price then pay later

Booking an open jaw airline ticket gives you more flexibility and can often unlock better routes or lower prices compared to two separate one-way tickets. 

With PayLater Travel you can find fares at low prices then lock in your flight price for further savings. You can then choose to pay off your tickets at a weekly or bi-weekly cadence, whatever works best for your holiday budgeting.

When it comes to how to book an open-jaw ticket, make sure to check for:

• Baggage policies on different airlines.
• Layover times and whether the open-jaw segment requires a visa (if you're traveling across borders).
• Rail or bus travel options for the land portion of your trip.
• Whether your ticket is flexible or refundable in case of issues.

Advantages and benefits of an open-jaw flight

Flying open-jaw comes with several compelling advantages for jetsetters. Here are the key benefits:

1. Save time and avoid backtracking

One of the biggest benefits is that you don’t need to return to your arrival city just to fly back home. This is particularly useful in large countries or regions—like Europe or Southeast Asia—where backtracking can waste valuable time and money.

2. Explore more destinations

With an open-jaw flight ticket, you can build a travel itinerary that makes sense geographically. Arrive in one location, tour the region and see the sights, then fly home from your final stop.

3. Cost-effective travel

Open-jaw tickets can be cheaper than booking two one-way tickets separately. Airlines often offer better rates when flights are bundled into a single open-jaw airline ticket.

4. Ideal for cruises and rail journeys

Many travelers flying into one airport and out of another for cruises use open-jaw flights. Similarly, rail enthusiasts may start a scenic train journey in one city and end it in another.

5. Streamlined luggage and check-ins

Booking as a single open-jaw ticket rather than separate legs can simplify luggage transfers and ensure smoother connections—especially with the same airline alliance.

Disadvantages of flying open-jaw

Despite the many benefits, open-jaw flights may not suit everyone. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Logistical planning

Since you’ll be responsible for transportation between the two cities, planning this segment can be tricky—especially when factoring in schedules, costs, and local infrastructure. Make sure to leave enough time in between destinations to account for potential delays.

2. Higher fare in some cases

While open-jaw tickets are often economical, this isn’t guaranteed. Depending on demand or route popularity, the price might be higher than a round-trip ticket.

3. Visa and travel restrictions

If your open-jaw route involves overland travel across countries, ensure that you meet all visa requirements. Border crossings may not always be straightforward.

Final thoughts: should you try an open-jaw flight?

There are plenty of pros and cons to flying open jaw, so it really comes down to the traveler and the experience you have in mind.

Planning a multi-city trip can be complicated, so if a more complex travel plan feels overwhelming, a round trip might be a better option for you. It also can be difficult if you’re traveling with a large group or with kids.

But if you’re the kind of traveler who wants the flexibility to explore more than one place without retracing your steps, booking an open jaw ticket with PayLater Travel is simple and cost-effective.

So the next time you’re planning a complex itinerary or looking for the best use of your miles, consider going open-jaw on your next adventure.