A nonstop flight means a flight that makes no stops between the departure and arrival. Passengers get on the plane at the departing airport and do not get off until they have arrived at the arrival airport. The flight involves only one airline and one flight number. Nonstop flights are the most popular with travelers because of their convenience. Reflecting their popularity, nonstop flights often cost more than direct and connecting flights.
A direct flight between two cities can involve a stop, sometimes more than one, somewhere between the two points. The stop can be made to drop off and board more passengers or to refuel. Passengers may or may not get off the plane during the stop. If the passengers do get off the plane because the stop involves a considerable amount of time, they may get back on the same plane when it is time to proceed. The flight will have only one flight number.
Sometimes the stop for a direct flight involves a plane change. When a plane change is required, the main difference between a direct flight and connecting flight is that the second plane on the direct flight does not leave until the first has landed. There is no way for a passenger to miss the second flight unless the passenger does not board the second plane on time for personal reasons. The second plane is usually located at an adjoining gate. Even when a plane change is required, this type of direct flight will also have only one flight number.
Although a direct flight may involve a plane change, the plane change is different from the change required for a connecting flight. A connecting flight requires passengers to get on a different plane that operates separately from the first one. If the passenger misses the first flight or the first flight is delayed, the second flight usually proceeds as planned without waiting. The second plane for a connecting flight can be located in a different terminal. Also, the two flights will have different flight numbers that corresponds to each separate flight.
