Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Leverage Open Jaws to Expand Your Options
Open jaws are a clever way to expand your options when searching for mixed fare flights. With an open jaw ticket, you fly into one city and out of another. This creates an open space or “jaw” in your itinerary. For example, you could fly from Los Angeles to Paris, then from Rome back to LA.
Open jaws unlock more possibilities, especially for longer trips. You can visit multiple destinations without having to backtrack. They also make it easier to mix and match airlines. You could take one airline from LA to Paris, then a budget carrier from Rome back.
When searching for open jaws, look at both directions. Could there be savings flying into City A but out of City B? Be flexible and willing to fly into a small airport on the outskirts rather than the main hub. For example, Paris has Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports while London has Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and more.
Don’t limit yourself to just one open jaw either. You can add multiple open segments on a single ticket. Flying LA to Paris, Amsterdam to Rome and Madrid back to LA is possible. Just pay attention to any backtracking that adds unnecessary mileage.
What else is in this post?
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Leverage Open Jaws to Expand Your Options
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Know When to Book Separately vs. Together
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Be Flexible with Layovers for Maximum Savings
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Use Hidden City Ticketing Strategically
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Mix and Match Airlines for the Perfect Balance
- Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Don't Overlook Budget Airlines as Part of Your Mix
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Know When to Book Separately vs. Together
When constructing complex mixed fare itineraries, you'll often find savings by booking certain legs separately rather than together on the same ticket. But knowing when to combine and when to split can get tricky.
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Be Flexible with Layovers for Maximum Savings
Layovers can be a double-edged sword when booking flights. On one hand, they add additional travel time and potential inconvenience. But on the other, they can unlock significant savings if you're willing to be flexible. The key is finding the sweet spot between getting to your destination quickly and maximizing the cost savings.
When searching for flights, don't automatically dismiss options with longer layovers. Those extra hours on the ground can translate to hundreds in savings, especially on international routes. Consider a flight with a 6-hour layover rather than a nonstop, for instance. The difference in price may be dramatic.
The length of the layover matters too. Aim for layovers in the 3-6 hour range. That gives you ample time to clear customs, grab a bite, and relax without feeling overly rushed. Anything less than 2 hours can feel too tight, while 8+ hours starts to feel excessively long.
Location is also crucial. Layovers at major hubs like London, Paris, or the Middle East are often cheaper than connections through smaller airports. Those major transit points see far more flight volume and competition, driving down prices. Just be mindful of visa requirements if you'll be passing through immigration during your layover.
Finally, consider breaking up your trip into multiple one-way flights. By booking the outbound and return legs separately, you can sometimes find significantly lower fares. The downside is you lose the convenience of a single itinerary, but the savings can be well worth it.
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Use Hidden City Ticketing Strategically
One of the most controversial yet potentially lucrative tactics for finding cheap flights is known as "hidden city" ticketing. The premise is simple - instead of booking a direct flight to your final destination, you book a ticket with a layover at your true destination, and simply skip the final leg of the trip. For example, you might book a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle with a layover in Portland, but never take the final flight segment to Seattle.
The potential savings can be substantial, as airlines price flights based on the total distance traveled. A short-haul hop like LA to Portland is often far less expensive than a longer transcontinental route like LA to Seattle. However, this practice is officially frowned upon by airlines and can get your frequent flyer account suspended if caught. The risks must be carefully weighed against the potential rewards.
To use hidden city ticketing effectively, start by identifying city pairs where you can find a significantly cheaper fare with a layover at your true destination. Focus on routes involving major hubs, where competition is higher and airlines have more flexibility to price aggressively. Avoid flights with checked bags, as you'll need to travel light to pull this off. And be prepared to book separate one-way tickets if needed, rather than a round-trip.
Once you've found a suitable hidden city option, keep in mind a few best practices. Never check bags, as the airline will automatically rebook you on the final leg. Avoid flying the same hidden city route too frequently, as airlines may catch on. And be sure to have a solid backup plan in case your flight is canceled or significantly delayed - you don't want to get stranded at the layover city.
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Mix and Match Airlines for the Perfect Balance
When constructing intricate multi-city itineraries, the ability to mix and match airlines can be a game-changer. By strategically combining flights on different carriers, you can often uncover significant savings without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
The key is recognizing that not all airlines are created equal. Some excel at short-haul hops, while others specialize in long-haul routes. Mainline legacy carriers may offer superior service and amenities, but budget airlines can't be beat on price. By blending the strengths of various airlines, you can craft the perfect flight plan.
Start by identifying the most cost-effective carrier for each leg of your journey. Don't be afraid to veer off the beaten path and experiment with lesser-known airlines, especially on regional routes. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air can provide incredible value within Europe, for instance. Pair those with a premium airline like Lufthansa or SAS for your transatlantic crossing, and you've unlocked serious savings.
Of course, mixing airlines does come with a few logistical considerations. You'll need to ensure sufficient layover time to clear customs and transfer terminals, if necessary. Carefully review each airline's baggage policies, as they can vary widely. And keep an eye on any potential schedule changes or disruptions that could impact your connections.
But with a little foresight and flexibility, the benefits far outweigh the risks. By being willing to experiment beyond your go-to carriers, you open the door to a world of possibilities. Suddenly, that dream trip to Southeast Asia or South America becomes much more attainable. And the thrill of uncovering an unbeatable fare makes the extra effort well worth it.
Mix It Up: Clever Tricks for Finding the Best Mixed Fare Flights - - Don't Overlook Budget Airlines as Part of Your Mix
Budget airlines get a bad rap, but the truth is they can be invaluable partners when piecing together a mixed fare itinerary. By leveraging their ultra-low fares on certain legs, you can offset the cost of flying with a premium airline elsewhere in your journey.
When searching, don't automatically exclude names like Ryanair, EasyJet, Norwegian, Vueling, and Wizz Air. These carriers excel at short haul flights between major European hubs, often offering fares well below the competition. For example, you might find a $29 one-way from Paris to Barcelona on Vueling versus $100 on British Airways.
Budget airlines strip away frills to offer bare bones basics, so temper expectations around leg room, amenities and service. But their rock bottom pricing can unlock savings of 40-60% over legacy carriers. Even after accounting for additional fees, you typically come out way ahead.
Be ready to fly from alternate airports that may be a bit farther from the city center. For instance, Paris Orly vs Charles de Gaulle or London Stansted rather than Heathrow. This is part of howdiscount carriers keep costs down.