Avoid Connecting Flights

In a perfect world, it’s a simple equation: It’s always a better deal to choose cheaper connecting flights over more expensive direct or nonstop flights. But in the real world, up-front savings can cost you more money—and some sanity—in the long run. Rhonda Neal swears that she will “never again try to save $100 by getting a connecting flight (instead of a nonstop) because we lost hundreds of dollars after missing our connecting and finding ourselves delayed in Chicago for 21 hours.” Airport hotel overnights, cab and meal costs, and the mental toll of unhappy kids add up quickly. So next time you’re presented with the option to fly direct or save a bit and connect, consider the true cost of the decision before you click the buy button.

If you have to book a connecting flight, give yourself time to make the connection. You should always allow for delays, weather and anything else that could go wrong. If you are planned to land in Houston at 3:30 PM your connecting flight to Cancun should leave before 5 PM. Just because the website allows you to book it doesn’t mean you should.