Over the years, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how I choose connecting flights.
When I first started flying regularly, I almost always picked the itinerary with the shortest overall travel time. A 45-minute layover seemed ideal, and longer connections felt like unnecessary time spent waiting at the airport.
Recently, though, I’ve found myself leaning toward longer layovers when prices are similar, especially when connecting through major hubs. While missed connections are relatively uncommon, the pressure of monitoring the time during the first flight can add unnecessary stress to the journey.
It made me wonder whether this is a common change among frequent travelers or if I’m simply becoming more cautious with experience.
For those who fly American Airlines often, have your preferences evolved over time? Do you still favor the shortest possible itinerary, or do you intentionally allow extra time between flights? I’m interested to hear whether increased travel experience has made people more comfortable with tight connections or more inclined to avoid them.