How to Book Multi City Flights: Cheapest Ways & Top Tips

Learn how to book multi city flights cheaply on Trip.com. Covers baggage rules, stopovers, and step-by-step tips for multi-city itineraries.

What Are Multi City Flights?

A multi-city flight refers to your flight from one city to another with a stopover in between. Instead of going back and forth (New York → London → New York), you can do it this way: New York → London → Paris → New York.

You won't return to the departure airport like on a round-trip flight. Use this method when visiting multiple places.

How to Book Multi City Flights on Trip.com

Be sure to use the "Multi-city" search tool on Trip.com. Booking a separate one-way ticket usually costs more money and also brings the trouble of luggage and connecting flights. The specific methods are as follows:

• Go to Trip.com → Click "Flights" → Select "Multi-City" (top of search box)

• Add your route (max 6 stops), below is just an instance for ref:
• • First flight: Home → First destination (such as Chicago → Athens)
  • + Add flights: like Athens → Dubrovnik
  • + Add flights: like Dubrovnik → Zagreb
  • The last flight: like Zagreb → Chicago
• Search → Compare airlines/dates

Why Multi-City Flights beats one-way tickets:

• One reservation means one confirmation number
• If your first flight is delayed, the airline must reschedule a connecting flight for you
• Checked luggage to the final destination (usually)
• It is usually cheaper than piecing together flights

Best Way to Book Multi City Flights - Useful Tips

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For international trips (ex: US → Europe → Asia):

Important things that people often forget:

• Search for incognito mode - prices sometimes jump if you refresh
• Check the visa regulations for intermediate stays (even if the stay is 8 hours, a visa may still be required)
• Airport changes? More than 5 hours away (for example: 90 minutes' drive from London Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport)

Multi City Flights - Baggage Rules: Will I Pay Extra?

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Depends entirely on your airlines:

Real-talk tip: On Trip.com, baggage rules for each flight show before payment. Screenshot this - airport staff often get it wrong.

Multi City Flights - Cheapest Booking Method

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Combine "open-jaw" + regional flights:

Examples of trips to Greece/Croatia:

• Booking on Trip.com: For example, NYC→Athens + Zagreb→NYC is one ticket (~$600- $900)
• Individual booking: Athens → Dubrovnik Ferry (about $50) or Ryanair flight (about $35)

Why open-jaw works:

• The price of an open-jaw tickets (from one city to another) is about the same as that of a round-trip air ticket
• The price of a one-way long-haul air ticket alone is more than 70% of that of a round-trip air ticket
• One-way air tickets in Europe/Asia are extremely cheap

Trip.com hack:

• Use "Deals" tab → or check Trip.com Flight Promo Codes before you book multi-city flights
• Set price alerts for your route

Multi City Flights - What If I Don’t Know Stopover Policies?

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Stopovers (stays in hub cities for more than 24 hours) vary by airline. To eliminate confusion:

• Google "[Airline] Stopover Policy" - some have clear pages (for example: "Emirates Dubai stopover")
• Search the Reddit-r /awardtravel thread for real traveler updates
• Can't find the information? Suppose it's not free. Call the airline directly.

Airlines with reliable stopovers:

Multi City Flights - How to Find Cheap Dates/Routes?

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First of all, arrange your travel dates flexibly. The prices of airlines often fluctuate. If you can travel one or two days earlier or later, you may save a lot of money. Compare the prices of different airlines and platforms. Sometimes, booking certain flights with budget airlines can reduce costs. In addition, consider loyalty programs. Participating in an airline's frequent flyer program can earn you points, which can be redeemed for discounts on flights to multiple cities.

Stop guessing cheap dates or routes. Do this:

1. Trip.com "Flexible Date Flights": After search, click this → shows cheapest days per leg
2. Reverse your route: Try flying into City B, out of City A (ex: Singapore → Bangkok → Tokyo vs Tokyo → Bangkok → Singapore)
3. Major hub start: Begin trips from airports like London/Singapore/LA (more competition = cheaper flights)
4. Check ground transport: Rome2Rio.com compares flight/train/bus prices (ex: Athens→Dubrovnik ferry: $55)

Recommended Multi City Flight Routes Worldwide

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Efficient and popular routes that won't be costly:

Golden rule: Keep cities close. Adding Tokyo to a Europe trip adds ~$400+ and 12 hours flying.

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