Booking a flight often feels like a game of trade-offs. You’re comparing not just prices, but travel times, layovers, departure windows, and the ever-important question: Do I choose the direct flight, or save money with a layover?
For some travelers, the answer is obvious—convenience wins every time. For others, shaving a couple hundred dollars off the fare is worth a few extra hours in transit. The right choice depends on your priorities, your trip goals, and sometimes, your patience.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option, so you can book smarter, not just cheaper.
The Case for Direct Flights: Time Is Everything
The biggest advantage of direct flights is clear: they get you to your destination faster. With no extra stops or transfers, you skip the chaos of switching gates, re-boarding, and waiting in unfamiliar airports. This is especially valuable if you’re traveling on a tight schedule, have business meetings to attend, or simply want to start your vacation sooner rather than later.
When browsing options on Expedia, you can easily filter for direct flights, allowing you to prioritize speed and simplicity without sifting through every possible route. Direct flights also reduce the likelihood of missed connections or delays. Every additional leg of a journey increases the chance something could go wrong—whether it’s a mechanical issue, weather delay, or just a late incoming aircraft. Fewer steps = fewer risks.
If you’re someone who gets anxious while traveling or just wants to get the hard part over with quickly, a direct flight is often worth the extra cost.
When Layovers Make Sense
Still, layovers aren’t all bad. In fact, they can work in your favor in several key ways—starting with your budget. Flights with one or more stops are often significantly cheaper, especially on long-haul or international routes. If you’re traveling with a family or booking multiple seats, those savings can really add up.
Another underrated benefit of layovers is the chance to stretch, rest, and reset. Long flights can take a toll on your body, and a break in between—even at a bustling airport—gives you time to walk around, recharge devices, and grab a proper meal. If you’re traveling from one time zone to another, this pause can also help ease jet lag slightly by breaking up the trip.
And in some cases, savvy travelers intentionally choose longer layovers to explore an extra city—known as a “stopover.” With a well-planned itinerary and the right visa or entry rules, you could turn your layover into a mini vacation.
What You Might Be Giving Up
Of course, every choice has a downside. With direct flights, the main trade-off is cost. The premium for speed and simplicity can sometimes be steep, especially during peak travel periods or when booking last-minute. And on very long journeys, a non-stop flight might feel more exhausting than one with a well-timed break.
With layovers, the risk lies in complexity. Delayed flights can cause missed connections, which might lead to rebookings, unexpected overnights, or added stress. Even under ideal conditions, layovers often add hours to your travel day. If your connection is short, you’ll be racing through terminals. If it’s long, you’ll be stuck killing time—possibly at odd hours, in a city you can’t explore.
Make sure to check the total travel time, not just the layover duration. Some routes look cheap until you realize they require you to spend 18 hours in transit for what could have been a 7-hour journey.
Think About Your Destination and Situation
Not all destinations are served equally. Some cities don’t have direct flights from your location, making a layover inevitable. In that case, choosing a reliable connecting airport and giving yourself enough buffer time between flights becomes critical.
Also consider the type of trip you’re taking. Are you headed for a fast-paced tour with little time to spare? A direct flight may be worth every extra dollar. On the other hand, if you’re flexible, retired, or backpacking with no rigid schedule, a well-timed layover could help you save money and make the journey more manageable.
Use platforms like Expedia to compare these details side by side—total travel time, layover duration, price differences—so you can make an informed decision. The platform often highlights the best combinations based on speed, comfort, and price.
Choosing What Matters Most
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some travelers will always prefer the speed and ease of direct flights. Others are happy to trade time for savings, or even treat a layover as part of the adventure. Platforms like Expedia make it easier to weigh those options side by side—helping you find the route that fits your priorities. What matters most is matching your choice to your comfort level, your trip goals, and the way you want to feel when you finally land. Whether you take the express lane or the scenic route, the best trip is one that begins with a well-made decision.
Last modified: September 1, 2025
