SW Advice: nonstop vs direct

[kandt]

We are flying SW in mid November from BWI. We could take a direct flight that is a little cheaper, and gets there earlier, but we will have to stop in GSP, or take a nonstop flight and get to MCO later. Our preference would be to get there earlier. Just wondering if direct flights more prone to delays or cancellations. Don't want to get stuck in GSP. Thanks in advance!

 

[Moparlar]

We have done that out of Midway, You odds on being late are no different than a direct flight.

Larry

 

[rwdavis2]

We are flying SW in mid November from BWI. We could take a direct flight that is a little cheaper, and gets there earlier, but we will have to stop in GSP, or take a nonstop flight and get to MCO later. Our preference would be to get there earlier. Just wondering if direct flights more prone to delays or cancellations. Don't want to get stuck in GSP. Thanks in advance!

I think the only real variable on direct vs. non-stop is the weather at the stop during the direct flight. You won't be changing planes at the stop so it should not be an equipment failure.

But yes, there is some small chance the direct flight could have a delay at the stop.

 

[Alesia]

I would be very worried about my flight stopping in buffalo during winter. South Carolina in November - not so much.

 

[Greysword]

The fact that the second option is called "Direct" is irrelevant. It shoudl be considered the same as any flight with a connection. In fact, you may not even use the same aircraft. As such, your question should be, "what is better, a non-stop or connecting flight that arrives earlier?" In this case, it depends on whether early arrival is more important than the chance of issues during the connection.

Personally, I prefer non-stops, as once we are in the air, I know will be at our destination when we leave the aircraft. Plus there is less opportunity for checked luggage to be lost.

 

[ToddyLu]

We like non-stop and always take MSY (New Orleans) to MCO. So we drive 2 hours west to fly east for 2 hours. Works for us.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are flying SW in mid November from BWI. We could take a direct flight that is a little cheaper, and gets there earlier, but we will have to stop in GSP, or take a nonstop flight and get to MCO later. Our preference would be to get there earlier. Just wondering if direct flights more prone to delays or cancellations. Don't want to get stuck in GSP. Thanks in advance!

There are a lot of things that can delay a direct flight: weather, available gates, passenger loading, taxi and take off time. And it would have to be a longer flight than a non-stop would be. Just landing, unloading, loading, etc would take a bit of time.We always take non-stops whenever possible.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This is a no brainier. As far as I am concerned, non-stop flights are a better choice. With a connecting flight, you have the chance of additional delays. Additionally, take-off and landing is the most dangerous part of the flight. Why add additional risk?