Jun 29, 2017, 2:01 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
'Direct' flights are not the same as non-stop flights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_flight
"A direct flight in the aviation industry is any flight between two points by an airline with no change in flight numbers, which may include a stop over at an intermediate point."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_flight
"A direct flight in the aviation industry is any flight between two points by an airline with no change in flight numbers, which may include a stop over at an intermediate point."
Direct flight -- a flight booked as a flight between two airports BUT will involve a scheduled connection (landing/departure) at another airport. The same plane may or may not be used for each segment of the flight. {On UA, generally does not involve the same aircraft and may use a different type of airplane}
Why done
- So that the direct flight shows as a competitive option vs non-stops in third party online booking sites.
- Conservation of flight numbers, due to shortage of 4-digit flight numbers, this allows for more flights without using more flight numbers
With the change from credit being based on fare and not flight miles, there is no difference in earning method from direct flight vs non-stop
On PQFs, each segment counts as 1 PQF -- this is a change from how PQS was done
There can be seat assignment issues on direct flights especially if aircraft type is different.
Upgrades will not clear on direct flights in advance unless upgrade space is available on both flights. Gate upgrades will process based on the individual flights.
Related thread
Direct Flight Seat Selection Bug?
Selecting Seats/Upgrade Issues on Second Leg of "Direct" Flight Itinerary
Solution for seat assignment missing on direct flight
Upgrade Individual Flights on direct flight
Direct flights -- Why? What about Mileage Credit?
Apr 26, 2015, 12:53 pm
#106
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It sounds like you're under the mistaken impression that the same flight number means the same plane. "Direct" flights nearly always include a plane change (at least on United - I can't comment on other airlines). Caveat emptor.
Apr 26, 2015, 1:14 pm
#107
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Can the 2nd segment of a direct flight depart before a delayed arrival of the first segment? That entails 2 planes with the same airline/number in the air at the same time.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
Apr 26, 2015, 1:28 pm
#108
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Can the 2nd segment of a direct flight depart before a delayed arrival of the first segment? That entails 2 planes with the same airline/number in the air at the same time.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
Apr 26, 2015, 1:38 pm
#109
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When that happens, they add a letter as a suffix. Thus, you will have, for example, United 42 and United 42 Tango (I seem to recall them using the T suffix back from the Channel 9 days).
May 3, 2015, 1:42 pm
#110
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Can the 2nd segment of a direct flight depart before a delayed arrival of the first segment? That entails 2 planes with the same airline/number in the air at the same time.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
I've never seen that happen, but I have missed connections on direct flights. The second closed the door before the first segment landed.
It seems fraudulent to allow a missed connection on a "direct" flight. If I'm on the flight, I'm on the flight. It is bizarre that a passenger can be on the same flight landing and watch the same flight takeoff, etc.
Nonstop is clear and unambiguous. if an airline sells a nonstop, then delivers stops, you might have grounds to use such words.
May 3, 2015, 4:10 pm
#111
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Direct is more a marketing thing. For example, if UA sells a "direct" flight with the same flight number, even with an aircraft change, on BOS-SFO-SYD, as an example, that will generally show up on the GDS and online travel sites higher than another connection which is BOS-YYY and YYY-SYD, even with the same connection time and travel time.
May 4, 2015, 9:00 am
#113
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When the carrier operates a "direct" flight as 2 separate flights, with separate gates, crews, airframes, flight plans, etc, there is no benefit to the airline to have a "direct" flight.
The only benefit is to deceive customers into believing it is a non-stop flight.
In general I do not think it is ethical for a business to create a transaction where the only purpose is to deceive their customers. Seems like the practice should stop in 90% of cases. Either a lot of people are tricked (and makes this a profitable business decision) or the airline is just indifferent to their customers. Either way this kind of practice is frowned upon in almost every industry.
The only benefit is to deceive customers into believing it is a non-stop flight.
In general I do not think it is ethical for a business to create a transaction where the only purpose is to deceive their customers. Seems like the practice should stop in 90% of cases. Either a lot of people are tricked (and makes this a profitable business decision) or the airline is just indifferent to their customers. Either way this kind of practice is frowned upon in almost every industry.
May 4, 2015, 12:47 pm
#114
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For some reason in recent years people have become confused and begun to think 'direct' means 'nonstop'. It never has meant that, and maybe never will.
Continuing and connecting have been used synonymously, but continuing has never, AFAIK, had a formal definition, so announcements will often refer to direct flights as "..with continuing service to xyz".
Jul 29, 2015, 4:43 pm
#116
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Since your outbound PHL-SFO-LAX flights have the same flight number it is considered a direct flight, and miles are calculated as though it was PHL-LAX non-stop.
Yes; you will likely have to change planes in SFO and LAX.
SunLover
Yes; you will likely have to change planes in SFO and LAX.
SunLover
Jul 29, 2015, 4:44 pm
#117
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thanks very much. Going to delete image now. as far too big.
Sep 14, 2015, 12:10 pm
#118
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How are flights with stopovers calculated
I am scheduled to fly UA1773 : SEA-IAH-EWR, united.com states it to be a direct flight with a stopover. Does that mean I only get 1 segment, and miles from SEA-EWR?
I am accumulating them to AC's frequent flyer program, not sure if that changes anything.
I am accumulating them to AC's frequent flyer program, not sure if that changes anything.
Sep 14, 2015, 12:50 pm
#119
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Yes to your first query, and no to your second question.
Nov 24, 2015, 11:57 am
#120
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