Planning multi-city trips can be intimidating but, in many ways, an opportunity to grab fantastic flight deals. Among many tools, Google Flights is definitely the go-to when it comes to its powerful multi-city search function, which compares various destinations and airlines for price. The following blog post looks at how to find the best American Airlines multi-city itineraries using Google Flights.

Getting started with Google Flights

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First, open any browser and go to Google Flights home page: google.com/flights. There is a dropdown next to the search input field, auto-set to "Round-trip.". Click on it and click "Multi-city."

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Now, you will be able to fill in with your destinations and dates. The beauty of Google Flights is that you can search up to five different cities in one multi-city itinerary. Just insert a from-city, destination, and date for every single leg of the journey.

Optimizing Your Multi-City Search

Setting up your multi-city search for maximum effectiveness: here are some tips to consider.

• Be flexible with dates: If your travel dates aren't set in stone, leverage the calendar view to see the cheapest days to fly. Google Flights will color the lowest fares in green, making them easy to spot and get a deal on.

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• Find nearby airports: This will sometimes enable you to increase the radius of your search and unlock cheaper fares. For example, if you're going to New York City, include the JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports in your flight comparison.

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• Allow separate tickets: By default, Google Flights will show only results that can be booked together into an itinerary as a single ticket. It is often cheaper to book a one-way separately, though. Click on the "Filters" button and check "Allow separate tickets."

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• Use the Explore feature: If you don't mind flying to several destinations, use the Explore feature to find the best deals. You will only have to type in your city of departure and dates, then click on the "Explore" button. Google Flights flashes a map with the different destinations and just shows how much flights to those places cost.

Booking American Airlines multi City Flights

When you have found your perfect multi-city, just go ahead and book your flights. If Google Flights links directly to American Airlines, make sure to confirm the price and availability before completing your purchase.

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Note that American Airlines has different fare classes, each coming with its own special rules and restrictions. Be sure to keep the following in mind when booking:

Baggage: The baggage allowance differs according to class; hence, every excess charge at the time of check-in is not relevant.

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Change and Cancellation Policies: The fares are flexible; some permit changes and cancellations with penalty fees, although some are inflexible.

Elite Status Benefits: If you have American Airlines elite status, make sure to include your AAdvantage number at the time of booking so you can earn miles and benefits, if available.

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Maximizing Your Savings

Consider the following strategies to optimize your savings further:

• Redeem using miles or points: If you have American Airlines AAdvantage miles or any bank credit card points, you may very well use them on your multi-city flights and thus save hundreds in the process.

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• Look for fare sales: American Airlines runs quite a few fare sales and promotions throughout the year, especially on off-peak dates. Be sure to snag them even at lower prices.

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• Book in Advance: While one can find last-minute deals, the best usually can be availed well in advance for a multi-city flight. At least 6-8 weeks in advance should be an okay time to try your booking.

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Conclusion

The planning of a multi-city itinerary would definitely be a lifesaver when using Google Flights in conjunction with American Airlines. You can really make use of and exploit the multi-city search function, the nearby airport options, and flexible date ranges when looking for some great deals and making one-of-a-kind travel. Remember: book early, consider alternative airports, and keep an eye out for fare sales if you want to save as much as possible. Happy travels!

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