What Is Open Jaw in Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Open Jaw is a term used in the tourism industry to describe a type of airfare that allows travelers to fly into one city and return from another. This type of ticket is also known as multi-city or multi-stop tickets. It is a popular option for travelers who want to visit multiple destinations without having to book separate one-way flights.

How Does Open Jaw Work?

The concept of an open jaw ticket is simple – instead of flying round-trip between two cities, you book your flights in such a way that you fly into one city and return from another. For example, if you were planning a trip to Europe and wanted to visit Paris, London, and Amsterdam, you could book an open jaw ticket that would allow you to fly into Paris and depart from Amsterdam.

Benefits of Open Jaw

There are several benefits to booking an open jaw ticket. First, it allows you to visit multiple destinations without having to backtrack or waste time and money on additional transportation.

Second, it can often be cheaper than booking separate one-way flights. Finally, it can be more convenient as it eliminates the need for additional visas or border crossings.

Types of Open Jaw Tickets

There are two main types of open jaw tickets: inbound open jaw and outbound open jaw.

Inbound Open Jaw

With an inbound open jaw ticket, the traveler flies into one city but departs from a different city within the same country or region. For example, a traveler might fly into New York City but depart from Los Angeles. This type of ticket is often used by travelers who want to explore different regions within the same country.

Outbound Open Jaw

With an outbound open jaw ticket, the traveler departs from a different city than they flew into but returns to the same city they departed from. For example, a traveler might fly from Chicago to London and then return from Madrid to Chicago. This type of ticket is often used by travelers who want to explore different countries or regions.

How to Book an Open Jaw Ticket

Booking an open jaw ticket is similar to booking a regular round-trip ticket. Most major airlines offer the option to book open jaw tickets online or through a travel agent. When searching for flights, simply select the multi-city option and enter your desired cities and dates.

Tips for Booking Open Jaw Tickets

When booking open jaw tickets, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Book early: Open jaw tickets can be more expensive than traditional round-trip tickets, so it’s important to book as early as possible.
  • Be flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates can often lead to lower prices.
  • Check visa requirements: Make sure you check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit.
  • Consider transportation: Make sure you factor in transportation costs between cities when planning your itinerary.

Conclusion

Open jaw tickets are a great option for travelers who want to visit multiple destinations without having to book separate one-way flights. With careful planning and research, travelers can save time and money while exploring new places. Whether it’s an inbound or outbound open jaw ticket, this type of airfare allows for flexibility and convenience when planning your next trip.