The word "direct" sounds tempting, but your real travel time and final price depend on more than just the number of stops. Sometimes a connecting flight with a convenient layover turns out cheaper and not much longer than a direct one. Here's how to count honestly and what to look at when choosing.
What to actually count
Don't look at "flight time" — look at the total travel time from leaving home to checking into your hotel. That includes getting to the airport, check-in, the layover itself, and the transfer once you land. A direct flight saves you the layover, but it may depart at an awkward hour or land at night, when a transfer costs more.
- Flight time is only part of the total journey.
- A night-time landing often means an expensive transfer and paying for an extra hotel night.
- A short layover saves time but raises the risk of missing your connection if there's a delay.
- A long layover is tiring, but safer, and sometimes lets you see the transit city.
Layovers: pros and pitfalls
A layover at a major hub (in the Gulf or East Asia, for example) often opens up more options on price and dates. The main risk is too short a connection: if the first flight is delayed, you can miss the second. A sensible gap between flights is usually built with a generous buffer, especially if the tickets are on separate bookings.
- One ticket for the whole route: if you're delayed, the airline will usually rebook you itself.
- Two separate tickets are cheaper, but the risk and responsibility for making the connection are yours.
- Check whether you need a transit visa for the country where you're changing planes.
- Find out whether your luggage will be handed to you at the layover or checked straight through to your final destination.
A cheap ticket with a missed connection across two separate bookings can end up costing more than a direct flight.
By destination
To Thailand and the UAE, there are plenty of options, including convenient connections. To Bali and Vietnam, routes more often involve a layover, so it's especially important to count total travel time and connection buffer. To Sri Lanka, you'll usually fly with one stop — compare not just the price but also the length of the wait.
What to look at when comparing flights (approximate)
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total travel time | A fairer measure than flight time alone |
| Arrival time | A night landing means a pricier transfer |
| Connection buffer | A short buffer means a risk of missing it |
| One ticket or two | Affects who's responsible for the connection |
| Transit visa | May be required in the layover country |
If you're still deciding exactly where to fly, start with our destination catalogue — or ask the system to find a match for your dates and budget.
* Schedules, routes and visa requirements change. Check current information with the airline and the consulate before you buy.
