Open-Jaw
An Open-Jaw is a type of flight booking where a traveler flies into one city but returns from a different one, or returns to a different city than where they started. For example, flying from New York to Paris, then returning from Rome to New York. Travel agents and airline booking specialists use this term frequently when arranging complex itineraries. It's a fundamental concept in travel planning that helps create flexible travel arrangements for clients who want to visit multiple destinations without backtracking.
Examples in Resumes
Arranged Open-Jaw flights for corporate clients, saving 30% on travel costs
Specialized in complex Open-Jaw and multi-city itineraries for tour groups
Created efficient Open-Jaw Flight arrangements for international business travelers
Typical job title: "Travel Agents"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Travel Agents
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you maximize savings for a client using open-jaw flights versus round-trip bookings?
Expected Answer: A senior agent should explain how to compare different route combinations, seasonal pricing, airline partnerships, and demonstrate knowledge of when open-jaw flights are more cost-effective than traditional round-trips.
Q: How do you handle complex open-jaw arrangements for large corporate groups?
Expected Answer: Should discuss group booking strategies, negotiating with airlines, managing different arrival/departure logistics, and coordinating ground transportation at multiple cities.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when suggesting an open-jaw itinerary to clients?
Expected Answer: Should mention client budget, time constraints, destination distances, airline availability, and ground transportation options between cities.
Q: Explain how you would handle a disrupted open-jaw itinerary due to flight cancellation.
Expected Answer: Should describe rebooking procedures, airline policies, client communication, and alternative routing options while maintaining the open-jaw structure.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an open-jaw flight and when would you recommend it?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic concept of flying into one city and out of another, and provide simple examples like European tours where clients want to visit multiple cities.
Q: How do you calculate the cost of an open-jaw ticket?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of comparing different fare combinations, basic pricing structures, and using booking systems to find the best rates.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic flight booking systems operation
- Understanding of open-jaw concept
- Simple itinerary planning
- Basic fare calculations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex itinerary creation
- Multiple airline bookings
- Group travel coordination
- Advanced fare optimization
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic route planning
- Corporate travel management
- Crisis resolution
- Team training and leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic flight routing concepts
- Lack of knowledge about major airline alliances
- No experience with booking systems
- Poor understanding of international travel requirements
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Recruitment in the Fast Lane: How to Adapt Hiring Practices in the Blink of an Eye
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
Unlocking Talent Offline: Innovative Strategies for Recruiting in Low-Internet Areas
