Direct flights depart from and arrive at the same airport without stopping, but can be more expensive. They are convenient and reduce travel time, but not available for all cities. Some airlines define direct flights differently. They are preferred by frequent flyers, families, and those with a fear of flying. Direct flights are not guaranteed and may not be available for longer flights or smaller airports. Reimbursement options should be checked before booking.
A direct flight is a journey in an aircraft which departs from the originating airport and arrives at the destination airport without stopping at any intermediate airport. Direct flights tend to be more expensive than non-direct flights. They are also more convenient and generally reduce travel times. Direct flights are not available between all cities. Some airlines consider a non-stop flight to be any flight where passengers do not change planes, even if the plane lands before arriving at its destination.
Also called nonstop flights, direct flights aren’t necessarily for the budget-conscious traveler. In today’s challenging economic climate, yesterday’s aviation conveniences have become a real luxury. In-flight meals, check-in and even carry-on bags add extra to the bill. Most airlines won’t allow flight changes without charging a hefty fee, even if the changes are made weeks before takeoff. Since most travelers would prefer a direct flight, they too come with an additional price.
Frequent flyers, families with young children, and people with a fear of flying appreciate direct flights. In general, travelers arrive at their destination faster than with connecting flights, as there are no layovers, missed planes or additional delays. Once a traveler is on the plane, he only has to find his seats and load his luggage into the overhead bin once. The eardrums only open once they go up and once they go down, which is easier on the head and heart. International travelers don’t have to worry about claiming their bags and going through customs multiple times.
There are no guarantees that a direct flight will be available between two airports. Typically the largest cities and airline hub cities have the most direct flights. Smaller, less busy airports have fewer direct flights, largely because airlines have scaled back their flight patterns to cut costs. Longer flights may not be available as direct connections, as aircraft may need to be refueled or flight crew replaced.
When purchasing airline tickets, travelers should be aware that not all companies define a direct flight in the same way. Some airlines consider a direct flight if there is no change in the flight number, even if the plane lands at an intermediate airport. Most companies will provide this detailed information in small print somewhere on their website. Reimbursement options if the plane has to land before the destination should also be available online or by contacting the airline directly.
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