Could paying more for a direct flight save money?
The cheapest ticket is not always the least expensive journey.
Yes. Direct flights may cost more upfront but can reduce expenses related to meals, transportation, accommodation, and travel fatigue.
Connecting flights often look cheaper.
That is why many travelers choose them.
The hidden mechanism is incomplete accounting.
Layovers create invisible costs: airport meals, extra transportation, possible hotel stays, and hours of lost time.
A direct flight may have a higher price while delivering a lower total cost.
People often compare numbers printed on tickets.
The more important comparison is between the money you spend and the life you spend getting there.
