I once booked a route with an extra connection thinking it’d be no big deal and instantly regretted it. More flights just mean more chances for something to go sideways. Bags delayed, tight layovers, missed lounges… all of it.
Now I always double-check for the nonstop, even if it shows up weird or not at first on United’s site. Sometimes it’s there under a different fare class, and agents can usually rebook you with no fee if space matches. Definitely worth asking before locking in that extra leg.
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