Count the stops
A nonstop flight travels between its origin and destination without an intermediate stop. A direct service can make an intermediate stop while retaining a flight number. A connecting itinerary contains separate flight segments. Read the listed stops and operating carrier for each segment instead of assuming that direct means nonstop.
Check what happens during a stop
An intermediate stop can involve boarding procedures, document checks or a requirement to leave the aircraft. The procedure depends on the service and airport. Check airline instructions for the exact itinerary; do not assume you may remain seated or that the stop creates permission to enter or leave the country.
Compare elapsed journey time
Compare total itinerary duration, departure and arrival dates and the local time zone at each airport. A nonstop choice can reduce intermediate handling, while a connecting choice may offer different prices or schedules. Compare the whole product, including baggage and protection, rather than treating stop count as the only quality measure.
Identify recovery choices
If the itinerary requires a connection, check whether it is on a protected ticket or separate bookings. Compare the next usable flight and the transfer path. An unchanged flight number does not, by itself, answer questions about aircraft changes, border procedures or the ticket’s disruption terms.
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