Originally Posted by
JR14
If possible, it's way more comfortable to fly US destination --> US layover --> Europe and then return with European destination --> European layover --> US, just because that lets you avoid the extra hassle of customs/picking up and re-checking checked bags during the layover.
I agree on the return, but completely disagree on the outbound. You should fly US destination --> European layover --> Europe destination. Why? If your first flight is delayed, you are much more likely to be able to find a later flight to your final destination if you your final connection is a European short-haul, than if it is a transatlantic long haul. Your concern about picking up and rechecking checked bags thing only applies to the US. In Europe, your checked bags go straight through to your final destination. You don't have to pick them up and re-check them.