Quick Tip: Direct Flight Versus Non Stop-Flight

Here is a lesson I learned the hard way while trying to save a few dollars on a plane ticket: there is a difference in direct flight versus a non stop-flight.

When booking your airline travel, you will notice the direct flights are less expensive than the non-stop flights.  This is because there is a major difference.

When an itinerary states "direct flight," it means you will be on the same plane from when you depart until you land.  However, it does not mean you will not make additional stops along the way.

For instance, hypothetically, I booked a direct flight from Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ.  We left Charlotte, flew to Atlanta, unloaded and picked up more passengers; then on to Dallas, again dropping off and picking up additional passengers; finally on to Phoenix.

I saved $50 on a plane ticket, but it took almost 12 hours to make the journey.

Now, had I of booked the same flight non-stop, we would have left Charlotte and flown directly to Phoenix.  This would be a 3 hour flight and would have saved me 9 hours; in my opinion, worth the extra $50.

My tip, pay attention to the details when booking your flight, there is a huge difference between direct and non-stop.