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<p>Do not use the term “direct” when talking to an airline agent or travel agent when you really mean a non-stop flight.</p>
<p>“Direct” in airline jargon means that the same flight number is on all segments of the flight, which may stop in one or more places. On some airlines (e.g. Southwest), the same airplane is used for all segments of the flight, which means that you will not miss the next segment if you just sit on the plane at the intermediate stop. But on some other airlines (e.g. United, Delta), you could have a plane change (connection) at the stop, and the possibility of missing your connection, as well as increased change of checked baggage missing your connection.</p>
<p>If the choice is between a connecting flight to a nearby airport or a non-stop flight to a further away airport, consider the availability, cost, and convenience of ground transportation to and from the further away airport. The choice could go either way.</p>