Is it worth shelling out $$$ for direct flights?

[Anonymous]

Hearing all these travel stories about delays and missed flights has me waffling about what to do for a Christmas break trip we're planning. The destination is outside the U.S., and we can fly with either one connection (at another U.S. airport) or direct. The direct flight is almost double the cost, about $1300pp. This feels painful to me and kind of crazy, but I am just not sure what to do at this point. Our dates are unfortunately not flexible.

I know it's all guesswork, but welcome advice from the seasoned travelers out there.

[Anonymous]

It depends on how much your time is worth and how you will feel if your trip is delayed/cancelled in the middle of your journey. Are you ok with a layover being extended by a few days in a random city to save $600 or do you just want to get home as soon as possible?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hearing all these travel stories about delays and missed flights has me waffling about what to do for a Christmas break trip we're planning. The destination is outside the U.S., and we can fly with either one connection (at another U.S. airport) or direct. The direct flight is almost double the cost, about $1300pp. This feels painful to me and kind of crazy, but I am just not sure what to do at this point. Our dates are unfortunately not flexible.

I know it's all guesswork, but welcome advice from the seasoned travelers out there.

I always fly direct when I can. It significantly reduces the chances of disruptions to your schedule.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My worry is more about the way there, missing out on a day/days we've booked. The trip is only a week long. On the way home I think we could handle the chaos a little more comfortably.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on how much your time is worth and how you will feel if your trip is delayed/cancelled in the middle of your journey. Are you ok with a layover being extended by a few days in a random city to save $600 or do you just want to get home as soon as possible?

I wish it was $600! It's $600x4 which feels harder to stomach.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you can swing it, I think it's worth it. I had horrible delays on a recent work trip, and it was manageable solely because it was work (I wasn't paying, it wasn't my free time). If we missed multiple days of a long-anticipated vacation, I'd have been so upset. Save on the trip home, but fly direct there, and as early in the day as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you can swing it, I think it's worth it. I had horrible delays on a recent work trip, and it was manageable solely because it was work (I wasn't paying, it wasn't my free time). If we missed multiple days of a long-anticipated vacation, I'd have been so upset. Save on the trip home, but fly direct there, and as early in the day as possible.

This certainly makes sense for travel in the spring, summer and fall. However, the OP mentioned a trip over Christmas Break. Early morning travel can get more dicey in the winter. I guess it all depends on where the OP is traveling from.

[Anonymous]

So many people have been complaining about connections being added after they purchased their direct flight, that I wouldn't pay double.

All of my flights coming up are direct, about 12 flights between work and personal before the end of the year. For the personal trips I didn't spend much in comparison to today's pricing, so if I get a connection then oh well.

I rather fly cheapest with a carry on than pay double and end up in the same situation.

[Anonymous]

Are you in the DMV?

Can you explore flying out of PHL or EWR for a nonstop flight? You'd have to drive to these airports (2-4 hrs) and pay for parking, but could be less expensive than shelling out for the nonstop from the DMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you in the DMV?

Can you explore flying out of PHL or EWR for a nonstop flight? You'd have to drive to these airports (2-4 hrs) and pay for parking, but could be less expensive than shelling out for the nonstop from the DMV.

This is my suggestion - check Dulles, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and even Newark for direct flights. For the extra $2400 direct flights would cost, it would be worth it even if you have to stay at a hotel the night before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you in the DMV?

Can you explore flying out of PHL or EWR for a nonstop flight? You'd have to drive to these airports (2-4 hrs) and pay for parking, but could be less expensive than shelling out for the nonstop from the DMV.

This is my suggestion - check Dulles, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and even Newark for direct flights. For the extra $2400 direct flights would cost, it would be worth it even if you have to stay at a hotel the night before.

Thanks pps for these suggestions--much appreciated! I have unfortunately checked these airports. We're actually closest to PHL. None of the airports on this list are any better

[Anonymous]

I would definitely spring for nonstop on the outgoing flight, not worth jeopardizing the whole trip. But I wouldn't bother for the return flights.

[Anonymous]

No, because I shelled out for a direct flight that was cancelled and I was rebooked on a route with stops. It's a crapshoot and very likely your planned/preferred flight be delayed/cancelled/changed.

[Anonymous]

Yes, especially if it's international. I hate having to get bags, go through customs and then recheck and get on another flight. It was a nightmare in MIA and Montreal.

[Anonymous]

We choose destinations based on the availability of nonstop flights from IAD. But it may be worth it for you.