Flights With 2 Stops-Bad Idea?

[Jalva22]

Looking at my flight options and there's one with SW that has the times I prefer, but it lists 2 stops. OKC to Houston, then one other unnamed stop, then Orlando.

Would you go for it if you liked the times the best, or would you kind of shy away from it?

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

I have learned you definitely want nonstop if possible! I will pay quite a bit extra for no stops.

 

[gw_lit]

I wouldn't imagine there are any non-stops from OKC to Orlando, especially on Southwest. If the schedule names Houston and then has an "unknown" stop, you will change planes in Houston and then just stop and keep your seats at your intermediate stop.

Generally the more stops that you have, whether changing planes or just stopping, the greater chance for delays due to weather, missed connections, etc.

I'd try to get a one-stop if you could, but if the times and prices really work better on the two-stop with one plane change, just go with it.

 

[hubofnucpharm]

I don't see why the two stops would be a huge deal. SW is very good and getting people on/off the planes. More than likely, the extra stop is either New Orleans, Nashville, or maybe Birmingham. If you have a little extra time, you'll still end in the same place as everyone else. Have a nice trip!

 

[skiingfast]

Generally the more stops that you have, whether changing planes or just stopping, the greater chance for delays due to weather, missed connections, etc.

QUOTE]

This very true.

But the earlier in the day you fly the less likely it is that these dilemmas will stop you from arriving. The later you leave in the day the more you can be affected by lags in the system. Even a major storm in Boston can delay a flight in OKC, and small delays in ATL can slow airports elsewhere.

I would be more concerned about the time in layovers that you would have to get from one gate to another.

 

[Tara]

I don't see why the two stops would be a huge deal. SW is very good and getting people on/off the planes. More than likely, the extra stop is either New Orleans, Nashville, or maybe Birmingham. If you have a little extra time, you'll still end in the same place as everyone else. Have a nice trip!

It is a huge deal? Yeah, it can be. Every stop means a greater chance of being delayed by air traffic or weather. Every plane change means a risk of misdirected baggage.

 

[hubofnucpharm]

It is a huge deal? Yeah, it can be. Every stop means a greater chance of being delayed by air traffic or weather. Every plane change means a risk of misdirected baggage.

I don't disagree that the probability increases for potential problems as you increase connections/stops. According to the Op, they are flying out of OKC, so they have to make at least 1 stop or connection to get to Orlando no matter who you fly with. I just don't see making one connection with one additional stop as a major risk than making just one connection.

Would I go for it? Maybe. It would depend on (in no particular order), a) price, b) urgency to get to final destination, c) location of connecting airports to final destination, d) # of later flights to final destination, and e) time of year flying.

 

[drinkme]

I wouldn't choose a flight with 2 stops, nor would I choose one with one stop. You really don't pay that much extra. And just keep on looking at SW's site, your non stop flights can go down in price. Or, you could fly in a day earlier.

 

[DebbieB]

I wouldn't choose a flight with 2 stops, nor would I choose one with one stop. You really don't pay that much extra. And just keep on looking at SW's site, your non stop flights can go down in price. Or, you could fly in a day earlier.

I checked SW's website, it doesn't look like they have any non-stops between OKC and MCO. I looked at orbitz with random dates, it doesn't list any airlines that have non-stops. Not all airlines are listed on orbitz though.

 

[Allison]

Nope, I wouldn't do 2 stops.

 

[richmo]

Stops are always risky in terms of losing time. If they're just stops and not transfers, its not too bad, since you don't have to worry about missing a connection. If you have to connect twice, you're really playing with fire, but sometimes there's nothing you can do about it.

One way (and not necessarily the correct way) to look at it is like this: if you make the assumption that any flight segment has an 80% chance of being on time, the chance that all three will be on time drops to about 50%.

 

[MrMarv]

SWA offers nonstops from OKC to Dallas, Houston & a handful of other cities; OKC isn't large enough to support N/S service to Orlando for them or anybody else.

Given SWA's on-time record as well as the fact that their business model is built on so-called 'puddle jumper' routes, I'd have no problem flying any of their flights which make one or two stops.

 

[leebee]

Yup, I'd do two stops. We fly out of Bangor, ME, and the options of a direct flight to ANYWHERE are minimal, and certainly not to Orlando. For our upcoming trip (8/17-8/26) DD and I are flying out of Bangor at 6am, with stops in LGA and ATL, before arriving at MCO at 2:15. I know I am taking my chances, but we roll the dice every day. This itinerary lets me leave early in the morning from my home airport where DH can drop us off, rather than leaving at 2:30 am for the drive to Portland and paying $120 in airport parking. Can't go anywhere without one changeover anyhow, so it's no big deal. I will pack travel size makeup and toothpaste in our carry-ons along with a change of shirt and undies. That'll hold us for a day if the bags get misdirected, but with more than an hour on the ground in each location, the bags should make it also!

To me, it's worth the money saved and convenience of leaving from home to take the flight with the three legs. Only you can decide!

(and yes, I know Allegiant flies from Bangor. Flight days are limited, and not cheap... $140 each way plus taxes, and only to Sanford, so no DME. Not a good option for us this time)

 

[Luv2Diz]

We took a SWA flight several months ago that had 2 stops. It wasn't a problem at all. That flight had the best schedule and price so we went with it. Yes, it is a pain being stuck on the plane for 30 minutes while passengers get off and others get on. But it also gives you the chance to change seats if you want. Hello exit row!

I much prefer the 2 stop flight to having to change planes and worry about either catching your next flight because the flights have a tight connection (which SWA frequently does), or sitting in an airport with a layover of 2 - 3 hours.

If the price and schedule are right, take the 2 stop flight. I'd do it again if that was the best option.