Cheaper and longer flights or more expensive and shorter flights..
When taking a long haul flight do you choose a flight that is cheaper but longer and most likely more exhausting, due to stop overs at different airports before finally arriving at your destination? Is it worth saving that extra bit of money even though you waist precious time at airports waiting for the next flight? Or do you take the more expensive option that allows you to get to your destination as quickly as possible. You may still be tired but you could have a few hours extra and possibly even a day or two if you take into consideration the return trip.
Reply to this We have sometimes taken the cheaper/longer flight, but our travel time is usually quite limited now - so shorter/more direct flights are the preference these days. I miss those (student) days when we could meander to our destination... 😊
Reply to this I think prekids it didnt really bother me how many flights it took to get somewhere...one time it was 36 hours of transit and 5 flights to get from Perth Australia to Harrisburg Pennslyvania USA.
But post kids and i guess two much better incomes, we now travel on the best flight times and locations we can get, regardless of cost. I will investigate the cost and wait for a special for that specific flight and airline, but i still want the direct route in the middle of the day and a full service airline if anything more than 3 hours.
Reply to this We have also found the most direct flights are the best and if we plan ahead we try and get the best prices possible. Waiting at an airport for 6 hours seems such a waist of time and normally one can't even leave the airport and explore the area for a couple of hours. I believe, though, if you travel Singapore airlines and there is a waiting time before you head off to your next destination, they put you up in a hotel room for those few hours - still not the best, but at least you can freshen up a bit and have a cat nap!
Reply to this Choice of flying time is equally as important as choice of airline. Thus I will do almost anything to avoid an overnight flight (e.g. heading from Australia to Dubai via Bangkok - all day flights). I'll even wear the expense of a stopover in order to reduce the time I fly in one day (no more than 12 hours).
I'm happy with budget airlines, but like Tam, once a few hours pass (four for me) it is time for a full-service airline. Again, I'm happy to pay more for my favoured airlines (Singapore, Qatar, Emirates) even if that route is not as direct.
Comfort and safety are my two motivators for my choices.
Reply to this Lots of good information posted above. I prefer the more direct but expensive option. I had planned on using my frequent flyer miles for my next trip, and found that yes there were seats available, but the travel time was almost double what it would be to buy the ticket. I opted to buy it and will save the miles for upgrades or something. As many have pointed out, it really comes down to how much time you are willing to spend traveling versus what you feel comfortable paying for tickets. Just remember to be happy with either one, because it means you are on the road and traveling!
Reply to this Thanks guys...just answered a question in my head about getting to Papeete...air new zealand direct to auckland then to Papeete or a million other flights that will take me 2 days either side and save me $500.
I want more than a noodle cup to eat.
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