Direct vs Connecting Flights: Is the Saving Worth the Stopover?
A connection through Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Addis Ababa can save a lot of money on long-haul flights. But is it always worth it? Here's how to decide.
Non-stop flights from the UK only serve some African and Asian cities, and they're usually the most expensive way to fly. Connecting flights open up dozens of extra routes and much more competition on price. The trick is to pick the right connection.
How Much Can a Connection Save?
It depends on the route and the date, but on popular routes such as London to Lagos, Nairobi, Accra or Johannesburg, a one-stop itinerary is often noticeably cheaper than the non-stop flight, especially at peak times when non-stop seats sell first. For cities without a non-stop flight from the UK, such as Dar es Salaam, Lusaka, Kinshasa or Luanda, a connection is the only option, so choosing the best hub is what matters.
The Main Hubs for UK to Africa and Asia
| Hub | Main airline | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopian Airlines | Huge African network, often good value to West, East and Southern Africa |
| Nairobi | Kenya Airways | East and Central Africa |
| Casablanca | Royal Air Maroc | West Africa (Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Abidjan, Freetown) |
| Cairo | EgyptAir | Africa and the Middle East |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | One of the largest networks in Africa and Asia, from several UK airports |
| Dubai | Emirates | Africa, South Asia, the Far East and Australia, from many UK airports |
| Doha | Qatar Airways | Africa, South Asia, the Philippines and Australia |
| Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt | KLM, Air France, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa | Short first leg from regional UK airports, then on to Africa |
See our airline guide for more on each carrier.
Connection Risks and How to Manage Them
- Book on one ticket. If both flights are on one booking and the first is late, the airline must get you to your destination. With two separate tickets (a "self-transfer"), a missed connection is your problem.
- Allow enough time. On one ticket, the airline's minimum connection time applies. If you must self-transfer, allow at least 3 hours, and more if you need to collect bags.
- Check transit rules. Some passports need a transit visa at certain hubs, even if you don't leave the airport. Check before you book.
- Check baggage on mixed-airline trips. Make sure your bags are checked through to your final destination.
When to Pay for a Direct Flight
- When you're travelling with babies, elderly relatives or anyone with reduced mobility.
- On short trips, where hours saved really matter.
- When the price difference is small. On some dates the non-stop is barely more expensive.
- For business trips where arriving rested is worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are connecting flights cheaper than direct flights?
Often, yes, especially on popular long-haul routes and at peak times when non-stop seats sell first. The saving depends on the route and dates.
What happens if I miss my connecting flight?
If both flights are on one ticket, the airline must rebook you. On separate tickets, a missed connection is usually your responsibility.
How long should a layover be?
On one ticket, the airline's minimum connection time applies, but 2 hours or more is more comfortable. On separate tickets, allow at least 3 hours.
Not Sure Which Route Is Best?
We'll compare non-stop and one-stop options side by side, with total journey times and baggage.
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