What is a multi-city ticket | Business Class Glossary

Multi-city ticket, explained

A multi-city ticket strings several legs into one booking: for example New York to London, London to Dubai, and Dubai back to New York. Because it is one ticket, the airline knows the whole trip, so a missed connection on one leg is the airline's problem to solve, and checked bags can go through to the final city of each flight.

Multi-city trips are priced from the fares of each part of the journey and the rules that allow them to combine. Some combinations price close to a round trip with a stopover; others cost more than the sum of simpler tickets. Comparing both is part of an agent's work.

On booking sites the option is often called "multi-city" or "multiple destinations". Mixing airlines on one multi-city ticket is possible when the airlines have an agreement with each other.

On a business class trip

A business trip to London followed by a family visit in Dubai, then home: one ticket covers all three flights, and a delay on the London to Dubai leg is handled by the airline as part of the same trip.

Related terms

Open-jaw ticket
A round trip that flies into one city and home from another, or leaves from a different city than it returns to. It is priced as one ticket, not two one-ways.
Stopover
A planned stay of more than 24 hours in a connecting city on an international ticket, as opposed to a layover, which is a short wait between flights.
Interline agreement
An agreement between airlines to carry each other's passengers and bags on one ticket, even outside an alliance.
Airline alliance
A group of airlines that share networks, lounges and loyalty benefits: Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam.
One-way ticket
A ticket for one direction only. On many international routes a business class one-way costs close to a round trip; some airlines price it at about half.