As mentioned, the more savvy among us examine international connections with a microscope and make sure to schedule a (in my case) 2.5-hour connection or greater, especially if there is only one flight/day to the international destination. The problem with many of these direct flights is a much shorter connection time coupled with the appearance/assumption that the flight is nonstop (or at least uses the same equipment), which trips up less-experienced travelers. Airlines need to schedule longer connection times on such direct flights, in my opinion.