What is a key advantage of an open-jaw surface routing?

The key advantage of an open-jaw surface routing is that it enables visits to far apart places in a short time. This routing allows travelers to arrive in one city and depart from another, facilitating the exploration of multiple destinations without the need to backtrack to the original city. For example, a traveler might fly into New York City, travel to various destinations like Washington D.C. or Boston, and then fly out of Los Angeles after having traveled across the country. This approach is particularly beneficial for travelers who want to maximize their time by visiting diverse locations that might be geographically distant from one another within the same trip.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the primary advantage of open-jaw routing as effectively. While flexibility in destination planning is an aspect that may be present, the significant benefit lies in the ability to cover more ground efficiently. Simplifying booking processes may not always be a characteristic of open-jaw routes, as they may require additional considerations in planning. Similarly, the idea of requiring no advance planning does not align with the general practice of travel, which typically benefits from some level of preparation regardless of the routing type.