Multi City Flights: Your Guide To Booking With Google Flights

by Jhon Lennon 62 views

Hey guys! Ever dreamed of jet-setting across multiple cities in one epic trip? Well, multi city flights are your ticket to making that dream a reality, and Google Flights is an awesome tool to help you plan and book it all. In this guide, we're diving deep into the world of multi city flights on Google Flights, showing you how to snag the best deals and create an unforgettable travel experience. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What are Multi City Flights?

First things first, let's clarify what multi city flights actually are. Unlike a round-trip flight (where you return to your origin city) or a one-way flight, a multi city flight involves flying into one city, then flying out of a different city, and potentially repeating this pattern for several destinations. Think of it as a customized itinerary where you're in control of each leg of your journey. Multi city flights are also sometimes called open-jaw flights, although the latter technically refers to a specific type of multi city trip where you return to the same airport area you initially departed from but not necessarily the exact same airport.

Here is a simple example to illustrate:

  • Leg 1: Fly from New York (JFK) to London (LHR)
  • Leg 2: Fly from Paris (CDG) to Rome (FCO)
  • Leg 3: Fly from Rome (FCO) back to New York (JFK)

See how you're not just flying back and forth between two cities? That's the beauty of a multi city adventure!

Why Choose Multi City Flights?

Multi city flights offer a ton of flexibility and advantages for adventurous travelers. Here's why you might want to consider booking one:

  • Maximize your travel experience: Instead of just visiting one place, you get to explore multiple destinations in a single trip. It's perfect for ticking off items on your bucket list or immersing yourself in different cultures.
  • Save time and money: Sometimes, booking a multi city flight can actually be cheaper than booking separate one-way flights between each destination. Plus, you save valuable travel time by connecting directly between cities.
  • Create unique itineraries: Multi city flights allow you to design a travel plan that perfectly matches your interests and preferences. Want to explore the historical sites of Rome, then relax on the beaches of Greece? With a multi city flight, you can make it happen.
  • Optimize your route: If you're traveling to a region with multiple points of interest, a multi city flight can help you create a more efficient and logical route, minimizing backtracking and maximizing your time.

How to Book Multi City Flights on Google Flights: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, so you're convinced that a multi city flight is the way to go. Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of booking one on Google Flights. Don't worry, it's easier than you think!

Step 1: Access Google Flights

First, head over to the Google Flights website. You can simply search "Google Flights" on Google or type google.com/flights directly into your browser. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it a breeze to navigate.

Step 2: Select the Multi City Option

Once you're on the Google Flights homepage, you'll see three options at the top: "Round trip," "One way," and "Multi-city". Click on the "Multi-city" option. This will change the search interface to accommodate multiple flight legs.

Step 3: Enter Your Flight Segments

Now comes the fun part: entering your desired flight segments. For each leg of your journey, you'll need to specify:

  • Departure City: The city you'll be flying from.
  • Destination City: The city you'll be flying to.
  • Departure Date: The date you want to depart from the first city.

Click "Add flight" to add more legs to your journey. You can add as many segments as you need, allowing you to create a truly customized itinerary. For example, you might have legs from New York to London, London to Paris, and Paris back to New York.

Step 4: Explore Flight Options and Prices

After you've entered all your flight segments, click the "Search" button. Google Flights will then scour the web for available flights that match your criteria. It will display a list of options, showing you the airlines, flight times, layovers, and prices for each leg of your journey.

Google Flights also has a calendar view that lets you quickly see the cheapest dates to fly. Keep an eye out for fares highlighted in green, as these typically represent the lowest prices. Being flexible with your dates can save you a significant amount of money.

Step 5: Filter and Sort Your Results

To narrow down your options and find the perfect flights, use the filter and sort tools. You can filter by:

  • Airlines: If you prefer to fly with a specific airline or avoid certain ones.
  • Number of Stops: If you want direct flights or are willing to tolerate layovers.
  • Layover Duration: If you want to minimize layover time.
  • Price: If you have a specific budget in mind.

You can also sort the results by price, duration, or departure time to find the most convenient options for you.

Step 6: Select Your Flights and Book

Once you've found the flights that meet your needs, select them for each leg of your journey. Google Flights will then redirect you to the airline's website or an online travel agency (OTA) to complete the booking. Make sure to double-check all the details before you finalize your reservation, including dates, times, passenger names, and baggage allowance.

Important Note: Google Flights is a search engine, not a booking platform. It helps you find flights, but you'll typically book directly through the airline or an OTA. This can sometimes offer added protection, but always read the fine print before booking.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Best Deals on Multi City Flights

Now that you know how to book multi city flights on Google Flights, let's talk about how to snag the best possible deals. Here are some insider tips and tricks to help you save money:

  • Be Flexible with Your Dates: As mentioned earlier, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the price. Use the Google Flights calendar view to identify the cheapest days to fly.
  • Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller, less popular airport can be cheaper than using a major international hub. Research nearby airports and see if they offer better deals. However, factor in the cost and time of getting to and from these alternative airports.
  • Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): Generally, the sweet spot for booking flights is a few months in advance. Booking too early (e.g., a year out) might not give you the best prices, as airlines often adjust their fares closer to the departure date. Booking too late (e.g., a week before) will almost certainly result in higher prices.
  • Mix and Match Airlines: Don't be afraid to fly with different airlines for each leg of your journey. Sometimes, combining airlines can save you money compared to booking all flights with the same carrier. Just make sure to factor in potential baggage transfer issues and layover times.
  • Set Price Alerts: Google Flights allows you to track prices for specific routes. Set up price alerts for your desired multi city itinerary, and you'll receive email notifications when the price changes. This can help you pounce on a good deal when it becomes available.
  • Consider Layovers: While direct flights are convenient, they're often more expensive. Consider flights with layovers, especially if you're on a budget. You might even be able to turn a long layover into a mini-adventure by exploring the layover city.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Multi City Flights

Booking multi city flights can be a bit more complex than booking simple round-trip tickets. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Not Factoring in Transfer Times: When booking flights with layovers, make sure you have enough time to transfer between flights, especially if you're changing terminals or airports. A tight connection can lead to missed flights and a lot of stress.
  • Ignoring Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visas for all the countries you'll be visiting. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so do your research well in advance.
  • Overlooking Baggage Allowance: Pay attention to the baggage allowance for each flight leg, especially if you're flying with different airlines. Baggage fees can add up quickly if you exceed the allowance.
  • Forgetting to Confirm Flights: Always confirm your flights with the airline a few days before departure. This is especially important if you've booked through an OTA, as there can sometimes be discrepancies.
  • Not Purchasing Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is always a good idea, but it's particularly important for multi city trips. It can protect you against unexpected events like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.

Multi City Flights: Examples and Inspiration

To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of amazing multi city itineraries you can create with Google Flights:

  • Europe Explorer: Fly into London, then take flights to Paris, Rome, and Barcelona before returning home.
  • Southeast Asia Adventure: Start in Bangkok, then hop over to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali.
  • South American Discovery: Begin in Rio de Janeiro, then fly to Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima.
  • North American Road Trip (with Flights): Fly into Los Angeles, then take flights to San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver before driving back (or flying home from Denver).

The possibilities are endless! Use Google Flights to explore different routes and destinations and create a trip that's perfect for you.

Conclusion

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to booking multi city flights on Google Flights! With its user-friendly interface, powerful search capabilities, and helpful tips and tricks, Google Flights is your go-to tool for planning and booking complex itineraries. Remember to be flexible with your dates, consider alternative airports, and set price alerts to snag the best deals. And most importantly, don't be afraid to get creative and design a trip that's uniquely yours. Happy travels, guys!