Booking flights often comes down to a trade-off: paying more for the convenience of a nonstop flight or saving money with a layover.
On paper, the choice seems simple. But how much extra are you really paying for the nonstop route—and is it worth the price?
Here’s what the data says, along with the pros, cons, and a few tips to help you figure out what’s right for your trip.
Image Credit: Pexels / Lucas Oliveira
The Price of Convenience: Nonstop Flights vs. Layovers
According to recent trends, nonstop flights are, on average, 25% more expensive than flights with layovers. The price difference can vary depending on the route, season, and demand, but here’s the general idea:
- Short-Haul Flights (under 3 hours): Nonstop flights tend to cost about 10–20% more.
- Long-Haul Flights (6+ hours): Nonstop flights are usually 20–30% more expensive, sometimes even higher during peak seasons.
For example:
- A nonstop flight from New York to Los Angeles might cost $400.
- The same route with a layover could drop to $300—saving you $100 for an extra hour or two in transit.
The real question is whether those savings are worth the trade-off of extra travel time, hassle, and potential delays.
When to Pay More for Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights are all about time and ease. If convenience matters most to you, that extra cost might be worth it. Here’s when it makes sense to pay the premium:
- Short Trips: If you’re only traveling for a long weekend, saving time is everything. A layover can eat up valuable hours you could spend exploring.
- Tight Schedules: Business travelers, families with small kids, or anyone with a packed itinerary will benefit from the simplicity of flying nonstop.
- Risk of Missed Connections: Winter weather, flight delays, and tight layovers can cause headaches—especially when traveling during peak seasons. A nonstop eliminates that worry.
- Long-Haul Flights: On long international flights, the idea of sitting in an airport during a layover after 8+ hours in the air is… less than appealing.
When Layovers Are Worth It
Not all layovers are created equal—trust me, I learned this the hard way. I once had a 7-hour stop at LCCT airport in Malaysia. It wasn’t long enough to leave and explore, but it felt too long to stay cooped up in an airport with limited amenities. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, those hours dragged on endlessly. It was a reminder that planning ahead for layovers is key, especially if they’re not designed for comfort or exploration.
For those with a little extra patience (and time), layovers can still be a smart way to save money. Here’s when they make sense:
- Significant Savings: If the price difference is more than 30%, a layover might be worth the inconvenience—especially for budget-conscious travelers.
- Flexible Itineraries: If you’re not on a tight schedule, a layover can work seamlessly into your plans without stress.
- Stopover Opportunities: Some airlines let you turn a layover into a mini-trip with stopover programs. For example:
- Icelandair offers extended stopovers in Reykjavik on transatlantic routes.
- TAP Air Portugal lets you explore Lisbon or Porto for up to 5 days.
Turning a layover into a bonus destination can make the inconvenience feel like an opportunity.
- Solo Travelers: For those traveling without kids or tight group logistics, a layover is often easier to manage and less disruptive.
Pros and Cons: Nonstop vs. Layovers
|
Factor |
Nonstop Flights |
Flights with Layovers |
|
Cost |
More expensive (20–30% higher) |
Cheaper, often significant savings |
|
Time |
Faster; direct to your destination |
Longer travel time |
|
Convenience |
No stress of connections |
Risk of delays, missed connections |
|
Flexibility |
Best for tight schedules |
Great for flexible travelers |
|
Extra Experience |
None |
Opportunity to explore a stopover city |
Tips to Decide What’s Best for Your Trip
- Calculate Your “Hourly Rate”: If you’re saving $100 with a layover but adding 3 hours of travel time, ask yourself—is $33/hour worth the hassle? Your time has value, too.
- Watch for Long Layovers: If a layover is unavoidable, choose a longer connection to reduce the stress of delays. Aim for at least 2 hours for domestic connections and 3–4 hours for international.
- Consider Stopovers: If you’re flying internationally, check if the airline offers stopover programs. A layover in Lisbon, Reykjavik, or Dubai can turn into an exciting bonus trip.
- Weigh the Risks: During winter or peak travel seasons, the risk of delays increases. If a missed connection could ruin your plans, a nonstop flight might be worth the splurge.
- Mix It Up: Sometimes the best compromise is booking a nonstop flight one way and a layover on the return. You get the convenience without paying for it twice.
Is Convenience Worth the Splurge?
The nonstop vs. layover debate comes down to what matters most for your trip—time, money, or flexibility.
- If you’re short on time or value ease over savings, paying the premium for nonstop flights is worth it.
- If you’re looking to save big or don’t mind a longer journey, layovers can cut costs and even add an unexpected adventure.
Either way, the trick is to weigh the options for each trip. Sometimes, convenience wins. Other times, the savings make a little extra travel time feel completely worth it.
Read More
18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors
It’s time for a reality check, American travelers. As you pack your bags and head overseas, ready to stamp your passport, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that not every destination is thrilled to see you. 18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
American cities promise rich culture and unforgettable experiences, but rising crime rates can catch travelers off guard. This guide helps you stay safe while fully enjoying your adventures. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights
Thinking about booking a cruise for your next getaway? Let’s have a real talk first. While cruising might seem like a breezy way to see the world, there are a few not-so-sunny truths that might make you reconsider. What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Lucas Oliveira.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
