Really long flight or two shorter flights?

I prefer the direct flight. Not only is it shorter overall travel time, you eliminate the chance of missed connections. The flight is the worst part of my trip and I like to get it over with as quickly as possible. If you check luggage, you are much less likely to lose it when there is not intermediate connection. If you want to avoid the longer flight, you may want to do an extended layover en route. Perhaps something along the line of 24 hours in Munich on the way and 24 hours in Amsterdam on the way back. I haven't done this for awhile so I don't know how airlines treat these now.

In 2008 we met up in Istanbul with friends who had flown Turkish Air non-stop from Chicago, and they said Turkish Air was a-ok. Biggest advantage of non-stop is the much lower risk of lost luggage. There's also no worry about missing a connection because of unforeseen delays, etc. I'm sure my friends - who are very experienced travelers - would say to go for the non-stop flight.

I tend to favor trips with shorter travel times. Sorry I don't have experience with the specific flight you mentioned.

Ditto on the single flight. You eliminate the chance of a missed connection and reduce the chance of lost luggage. Plus, waiting around in an airport for your second flight is never fun. I personally usually pay more to have a nonstop rather than connecting flights.

Marty, My preferences usually lean towards the shortest flight possible, as I'm never really that comfortable on the "flying Bus". The prices are close and you won't have to worry about changing planes, misplaced luggage, etc. Happy travels!

I would go for the direct flight unless you are planning on spending a day or two in the connecting city. Sometimes you can find flight combos where the stopover is not very expensive.

I would rather do 2 shorter flights and spend a day and a night in another city. This lets you see just a tiny bit more on your oversea flights and lets you be a bit more rested for the first few days. Spending a day in Frankfurt or Munich can be a real treat. I simply hate sitting on a flight in economy for much more than 8 hours because I cannot sleep on a plane. Sitting there for 14 would just about kill me.

I agree that you should do the one flight unless you plan on at least a brief visit to your transisiton city. London, Munich or Amsterdam would be well worth at least 2 or 3 full days if you have the time and it doesn't add to the cost of the flights. It would also allow you to gradually adjust to the different time zones. Fly to one and home from another and you have added a great deal of "travel value" to your trip in my opinion.

I have extensive air travel experience over 25 years: the Americas, the Pacific Rim, Asia, India, and most of the African Continent below the equater, but until now no Europe, except for one trip to Italy, so I've yet to really experience Europe's carriers. But in general I seek nonstop flights, I just have learned to deal with a numb butt. Probably 35 to 40% of the time I had to change planes there was a problem. I say bite the bullet and fly direct anytime you can. In December I'm booked on a LAX to Frankfurt flight that changes planes to then take me to Munich..I'm giving it a shot..we'll see.

The direct flights would be a no-brainer for me. While I don't particularly enjoy long distance flying, the worst part for me is the whole airport experience prior to boarding and I'd avoid doing it twice each way. The missed connections and lost luggage issues also make it an easy decision for me. James said it perfectly.

While I hate sitting in planes, I hate hanging out in airports even more, particularly after having spent 8 hours on a flight. I almost always choose a direct flight over a connecting flight. However, if you do decide to go with a connecting flight, connect in either Amsterdam or Munich (both easy for connections) as opposed to Frankfurt or London. One exception to the direct route is if you want to break up your trip by spending a couple of days in another city. For example, I frequently fly to London, spend a couple of days there and then fly to another destination in Europe (London is a good place for getting inexpensive flights). I always find the flight over to Europe more difficult than the return flight, so for me getting a direct flight on the journey to Europe is a higher priority than getting a direct flight on the way back.

Not sure why you would fly to either Detroit or Chicago when you could drive instead? Your total travel time including check in would likely be the same, and could even be longer by flying.

Flying from California to Europe is 11 plus hours. I find it easier (and less stressful) to do it all in one flight. Also the time from one plane to the next at your hub will add at least two more hours (at best) counting time taxiing in and taxiing out again. Take a book or whatever else you use to zonk out and get it done. one exception would be if you wanted to spend a couple of days in your hub city

Thanks, all, for your helpful responses. It seems most people would prefer the long non-stop flight, although the thought of sitting for that long makes my back seize up. I'm a move around kind of person. A couple of times before 9/11, I flew wearing one of those ThermaCare heat wraps. It kept my back relaxed for the whole trip. I doubt that would get past the TSA today. Karen wondered why we didn't just drive to Detroit or Chicago. It wouldn't save much time, and it would actually cost more because of the parking fees. But mostly, we're so tired when we get back that we wouldn't be safe drivers. If we start at the Grand Rapid airport, we can enlist a friend to drive us or even take a cab both ways (still cheaper than the parking fees). I would still be interested in any info about the Turkish Airlines flight. Thanks!
Marty

If you get an aisle seat you can stand up as often as you want, which could help. If you have a choice of carriers, you should check to see what kind of plane each uses. The past few years I've flown Air France to Europe, and they use these new Airbuses on my route that have an area in back where people can stand up and hang out. They keep a beverage cart out for people to help themselves and it's a regular little party back there, full of those of us that are tired of sitting but can't sleep.

Hi Marty. I too would opt for the single direct flight. It's exhausting to get to the airport, go through security, fly, get off the plane, and then do it all over again. 10 hours isn't TOO bad, but everyone does have a limit and I guess you have to decide if 10 hours there and 12 on the way home is over your limit. 12 hours is a lot, for sure, but you might be so tired after your trip that you'll be glad to sit and watch movies and sleep and eat, and then be home.

If I didn't want to endure a particularly long flight, I'd break up the journey into two flights with an overnight stay in between. Costs more and takes an extra day, but it might well be worth it. Otherwise, I agree that taking two flights on the same day is more tiring than a single flight. It also increases the chances of delays or other mishaps.

I would prefer the two flights. I can't stand being on a plane for more than 8 hours at a time, I start to climb out of my skin and time seems to stall. Luckily I live on the east coast. I would rather stop in another city (for me overseas) so I could move around, have a nice meal, sleep in a bed, etc. Then I'd take the balance of the flight the next day or so.

I've flown Turkish Air several times over the years and I would say they are on a par with the better European carriers and a step up from American legacy carriers. Mostly it's a matter of somewhat better food and service. But I haven't flown that particular route and I haven't flown them at all in the past two years, so things can change. You might try www.airlinequality.com and see if they have recent reviews, particularly of that specific route.

FYI you can take a ThermaCare heat wrap on the plane with you. I usually put one on my back before boarding for a long flight.

Every change gives a chance for lost luggage airport troubles airplane problems weather problems . need I go on .??/ A free lay over excursion changes the dynamices .