The Nonstop vs Connecting Flight

by Nico Crisafulli 9/10/2009 3:02:00 PM

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If there's anything working in this industry has taught me is that there's a lot of ways to get from one place to another. And that everyone who travels from point A to point B has an idea about the best way to do it.

When our travel consultants assemble trips they bear in mind a couple of things: the total cost and overall efficiency of the route. Both things are valued as highly important components but unfortunately are rarely mutually inclusive. The airlines that have nonstop flights between two points are often the most expensive option (there are exceptions to this) because they're the most coveted. Conversely, another carrier may charge less for a pair of flights going the same way but connecting through their hub city.

If it costs less, the same or even more, there are benefits of taking a flight that connects on a long leg of a trip. Many carriers offer stopover opportunities at their point of connection (normally the biggest cities in the airline's home country), a great opportunity to add a new stamp in your passport at little or no additional cost. Take Hong Kong for example. Let's say you're flying to Bangkok from a gateway city in the US. This can be done on Thai Airways at a premium. Cathay Pacific will get you there in a little more time but allowing a stop in Hong Kong at no extra money. If you didn't think you wanted to go to Hong Kong but are open to the idea, you're in luck! You can add a Victoria Peak photo op to your itinerary.

Hong Kong Harbour at night by tboothhk.

When stopovers cost money they normally average between $50 and $150 USD. Stops for durations of more than 8 hours are generally considered stopovers. Keep this in mind when planning for them.

In the end it's up to you and what type of traveler you are. It may be in your best interest to pay the extra $100 or 200 to get on a nonstop flight. If you're willing to spend a little extra time, be open to a stopover, or two. It may equal the chance to see a place you didn't know you wanted to see. Let your sense of adventure guide you.

Another thing to note: Be sure you know how many flights are on your itinerary as extra flights can be hiding under the guise of a "direct flight": two flights that have the same number but do touch down in the airline's hub city. If you're not sure your trip has one of these, ask your travel consultant.

Any big capital city can be a stopover opportunity if you're using their national carrier and your destination is not the capital. Here are some suggestions for stopover opportunities: