Non-stop or cheapest?

[samshane]

I am looking at flights and was going to book Southwest originally - but they have a 1 stop flight that stops in Denver and we are headed there in early Feb. I am worried about getting stuck in a snow storm. We typically fly Alaska as we live in WA, but Southwest was cheaper.

Would you pay the higher cost to take a non-stop flight? I am starting to lean toward that. Maybe it is worth the extra expense to get up the air and then only need to worry about Orlando on the other end...

 

[a1tinkfans]

Personally, we only take non stops. Its worth the extra to me (we are lucky to get sw direct).
IMHO the chance of delays is even greater in Feb due to weather related issues and to have "other" stops only adds to chances, so to avoid that and also only deal with one take off and landing and of course a quicker trip, thus MORE disney time, I'd go NS!

Whatever you choose, have a great trip!!

 

[mdezot]

When we are travelling with the kids, we always try to do direct. I have done layovers/ connections with them once and that was plenty. If it is just my husband and myself, layovers and delays can be a pain, but they are much more easily managed and I would look at the price difference a little more....but then again you are looking at Denver in the winter and I don't know how often they run into weather issues....

 

[debster812]

I try to avoid layovers, stops, and connections at all costs when traveling in the winter, in snow country. We've been impacted the past three years traveling from MA to FL in February, and if we had had to connect or layover, it would have been 10 times worse.

In your scenario, I'd go for the non-stop.

 

[kaytieeldr]

When we are travelling with the kids, we always try to do direct.

Just for general information - direct = one or more stops with no change of planes required. Important to know especially when booking a flight verbally. Only 'non-stop' means the plane takes off from Point A and lands at the desired destination (aka Point B) without stopping anywhere in between... except when unusually strong headwinds necessitate a planned-on-the-day-of-the-flight stop to refuel

 

[dawnandnala]

I am looking at flights and was going to book Southwest originally - but they have a 1 stop flight that stops in Denver and we are headed there in early Feb. I am worried about getting stuck in a snow storm. We typically fly Alaska as we live in WA, but Southwest was cheaper.

Would you pay the higher cost to take a non-stop flight? I am starting to lean toward that. Maybe it is worth the extra expense to get up the air and then only need to worry about Orlando on the other end...

I'm from WA too and I've had the worse luck getting stuck in Denver! In February you stand a really good chance of dealing with snow issues too!
If it was me I would go with the non-stop!

 

[Harvestdj]

We also travel mostly in the winter months. The chances then are greater for weather related delays, missed connections (happened to us twice), or running like a crazy person thru the termininal try to make a connector flight.
No more. Unless it is an emergency trip, we now only take direct flights. It means we have to start a little earlier in our planning to try and get the best deals but the extra cost is worth all the hassel.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Again, a direct flight simply means no change of planes when the one you're on lands at an interim airport to discharge and take on passengers.

While I'm aware everyone who's saying 'direct' when they mean 'non-stop' KNOWS what they mean - but on any occasion when a live travel-experienced person is involved in the reservation, stating that one wants a direct flight from A to B will, in all likelihood, get that passenger exactly what they requested and not what they expected.

 

[krissyh]

If you are concerned about it, taking a flight with a stop will bother you right up to the trip.
I have a quick weekend trip in January and am flying into MCO rather than SRQ and making the drive over. I hate to fly and not having to worry about an east coast connection in Jan is a stress reliever.
Now, I just have to hope that the weather in my departure city (BUF) isn't too bad!

 

[Hopefully]

I always choose a non-stop over a connection if at all possible.
In your case, flying through Denver in the winter is a crap shoot. I would definitely budget for the more expensive flight
Good Luck

 

[polineedyan]

I would opt for the nonstop. Usually, its about 20 or 30 dollars more a ticket, depending on who you go thru. But what I found, was that with the savings of taking a layover..I blew the savings at popeyes at atlanta airport so we could eat during our layover..

 

[krissyh]

I would opt for the nonstop. Usually, its about 20 or 30 dollars more a ticket, depending on who you go thru. But what I found, was that with the savings of taking a layover..I blew the savings at popeyes at atlanta airport so we could eat during our layover..

Chick Fil A for me! The one (only) good thing about making a connection in ATL!
But, since they have one at MCO...

 

[Lewisc]

It depends on the airline, and how early you're booking. I'd pay extra for a N/S with SW. SW rarely changes a published schedule.

I wouldn't pay extra if I was booking a flight early, with an airline that is known to change the schedule. In other words I wouldn't pay a premium to book a flight on a hypothetical (projected) schedule.

You won't get any money back if your N/S flight is changed to a connecting flight but you'll probably be able to change your connecting flight to a N/S flight (no charge) if there is a significant schedule change.

 

[poohmomof3]

We only fly non-stop to Orlando. No bad weather to delay at connections, no lost luggage, no over booking issues...

My DH almost booked our flights last night to MCO in January that were 1 stops - not worth it to me and our 3 kids. This is just my opinion - after a few bad connections years ago.

Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[Karlzmom]

Non-Stop.....in a heartbeat.

Seriously, time is money, and even being delayed for weather, late baggage, the plane ahead of you at the gate broke and now you have to wait to find a new gate.....whatever, equals time lost. If you have snow...could get ugly.

I didn't check to see if you provided how many/ages of travelers, but the beauty of the non-stop is only once thru the gate, one time arranging carry-ons, etc.

IMO, non-stop is money well spent.

 

[LimeGreenEd]

Non stop is the best bet. You don't have to worry about missing a connecting flight.

 

[clhcpaca]

No choice---can't get a nonstop from northern California

Cindy

 

[Microcell]

I go to Denver almost every year in the summer, we live in Western MO, so we drive the 10 hours.. In Western Kansas you start seeing the gates at the exits.. They wanna be able to shut the highway down in the winter because there isnt the population to afford plowing all that distance, and because there is the need to plow all that! They can really get dumped on out there!

On the upside they do have the equipment to dig out at the Airport there..

 

[backyardponder]

Although non-stop is appealing, the cost may be prohibitive.

How about SW to someplace like Phoenix, then on to Orlando? I don't think you'll get a snow delay in PHX.

 

[CantWaitToGo2007]

Although non-stop is appealing, the cost may be prohibitive.

How about SW to someplace like Phoenix, then on to Orlando? I don't think you'll get a snow delay in PHX.

I was just going to suggest that. SW has a direct flight from seattle (not sure where in wa you are) through Phoenix. I've been checking out flight routes for our 2011 trip and that's the one I'm eyeballing.