Travel Tips: We Explain Confusing Flight Ticket Terminology

Understanding airfare terminology can be daunting. Whether you're booking a domestic flight from Brisbane to Sydney or planning complex travel, grasping terms like "open jaw" or "round the world" can make all the difference. Our comprehensive guide simplifies these concepts, helping you choose the best fare type for your next adventure. From fare rules to cabin classes, let’s get your journey off to a flying start!

A one-way ticket is a single flight between two destinations. For example: a one way from Brisbane to Sydney with no return date.

Top tip: If you're booking multiple one-way flights within your trip, many airlines will typically offer the best deal by booking it all together. Our Travel Experts can assess the different fare types to make sure you get the best price.

A return ticket or round-trip fare is a flight to a final location and back to the original departure point. For example: boarding a flight from Brisbane to Sydney and return back to Brisbane.

For overseas flights, most airlines include perks like in-flight entertainment, baggage allowance and standard seat selection. Additional service fees may apply for change fees, cancellations, priority boarding or seat upgrades. Our Travel Experts will always break down the fare conditions, fare basis, fare class and booking conditions before you confirm, explaining any relevant fare basis or fare rules specific to your trip.

A stop-over is a scheduled break between flights lasting longer than 24 hours, at an in-between point when flying to a destination. For example: flying Sydney to New York with a stop-over in Los Angeles of more than 24 hours before continuing on its route to New York.

An exception to this rule is for travel entirely within Central America, where it's considered a stop-over when the next scheduled departure is more than six hours after arrival at the intermediate point.

A lay-over is when you have a ticket to a location that has an enforced stop. Typically, this stop is to swap aircraft or mode of transport or to refuel the aircraft at a designated stop. It refers to the time spent on the ground in-between flights. For example: you are catching an international flight from Sydney to New York via Los Angeles and you stop in Los Angeles for just a few hours before continuing to your final destination.

An open-jaw ticket allows travellers to fly into one destination and return to the original departure point from a different destination. These tickets are particularly useful when travellers wish to journey overland on a specific tour, take a self-drive holiday between different destinations, or book a one way cruise. For example: flying Melbourne to Singapore and returning to Melbourne from Bangkok.

A multi-stop ticket or a multi-city ticket is an individually tailored or pre-packaged flight itinerary that allows travellers to stop off at multiple destinations, with multiple flights, before returning to their original point. This includes 'double dip tickets' and 'triple treat tickets' (see below). For example: flying Melbourne to Honolulu with a lay-over; on to Las Vegas with a lay-over; returning from Las Vegas to Melbourne. These itineraries include a stop in each city and allow you to see more destinations on the one ticket.

A Round the World (RTW) ticket is the ultimate travel experience—fly around the globe, stopping on several continents, all under one ticket. You must travel in one continuous direction (e.g., west to east) and finish at your original departure point. These tickets are offered by different airlines either through alliances or special partnerships. RTW tickets are available in Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class, and are priced by mileage, continent, or a flat rate.

Benefits may include multi-course meals, fully flat beds (for premium cabins) and access to frequent flyer points. Our Round the World Travel Experts will help you build the perfect itinerary to ensure great value airfares.

A mixed class ticket allows you to fly in multiple classes on one itinerary. For example, you could fly from Sydney to Singapore in Economy Class, then upgrade to Business Class for a longer leg from Singapore to London.

This is a smart option for comfort without the full First Class cost across your trip. Mix and match Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class as needed. Speak with our Luxury Travel Experts for guidance on fare basis and available cabin classes to create your ideal balance of comfort and value.

Airlines offer various fare types, each with specific conditions depending on your flight ticket type:

• Advance Purchase (Apex) Fares: Discounted tickets requiring booking well in advance.​
• Flexible Fares: Allow changes with minimal fees.​
• Non-Refundable Fares: Lower cost but no refunds upon cancellation.​

Each fare type is associated with a fare basis code, which outlines:

• Change Fees: Costs associated with altering your itinerary.​
• Cancellation Rules: Conditions under which you can cancel your ticket.​
• Refund Policies: Guidelines on ticket refunds.​
• Maximum Stay: The longest duration allowed for your trip.​

Understanding these elements helps avoid unexpected charges and ensures your travel plans align with your needs.

Airlines offer various fare types—from apex fares (advance purchase) to fully flexible tickets. Each comes with a fare basis code, outlining restrictions like change penalties, maximum stay, cancellation rules and refund policies. Understanding the fare basis helps avoid surprise fees later. Our Travel Experts ensure you know what’s included—from baggage allowance to standard seats selection & beyond!

Still confused about airfare jargon or need help navigating the maze of fare codes and ticket options that airlines offer? Our dedicated Airfare Experts have simplified the booking process so all you have to do is start packing! Whether you're after a simple round trip economy ticket, extra legroom in Premium Economy, surprising a loved one with Business Class seats or an indulgent first-class flight - we’ll secure the best ticket price & deals to match your dream destination, travel route, budget and comfort level.