Booking Multi-City Flights in Europe
Use the 'Multi-city' search function on flight aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner instead of booking separate one-way tickets. This ensures your itinerary is linked under one PNR (Passenger Name Record), which protects your connection if a flight is delayed or cancelled.
- Use a Multi-City Search Tool. Avoid clicking 'One-way' or 'Round-trip'. Select the 'Multi-city' tab on sites like Google Flights or ITA Matrix. This allows you to chain segments (e.g., London to Paris, then Paris to Rome) into a single transaction.
- Check Train Alternatives. For distances under 500km, check high-speed rail (e.g., Eurostar or TGV) before booking a flight. It is often faster once you account for airport security, baggage claim, and travel time to city-center train stations.
- Book Directly with the Airline. Once you find your route, go to the airline's official website to purchase. If you use a third-party site, they often charge high service fees for multi-city changes, and customer support becomes significantly harder if things go wrong.
- Verify Baggage Policies. European budget carriers have strict weight limits (often 10kg or 15kg). Ensure your baggage allowance is consistent across all segments; otherwise, you will pay hefty fees at the gate for the 'cheapest' leg of your trip.
- Is it cheaper to book one-way tickets separately?
- Rarely. While it might look cheaper, you lose the 'protected connection' status. If you book separate tickets and the first flight is delayed, the second airline has no obligation to rebook you if you miss your connection.
- Should I book flights in the morning or evening?
- Book early morning flights. European airports are prone to 'cascading delays' where a late start in the morning causes hours of waiting by the afternoon.