direct flight

Meaning

A direct flight is a flight between two places that does not require you to change planes. Sometimes it makes a quick stop to let passengers on or off, but you stay on the same aircraft. It is the most convenient way to travel long distances quickly.

Examples

• I prefer to book a direct flight so I don't have to worry about missing my connection.

  I prefer to book a direct flight so I don't have to worry about missing my connection.

• Is there a direct flight from New York to London, or do we have to stop somewhere?

  Is there a direct flight from New York to London, or do we have to stop somewhere?

• The direct flight is a bit more expensive, but it saves us five hours of travel time.

  The direct flight is a bit more expensive, but it saves us five hours of travel time.

• We managed to get a direct flight, which is great because we are traveling with young kids.

  We managed to get a direct flight, which is great because we are traveling with young kids.

• She always chooses a direct flight when traveling for business to avoid airport delays.

  She always chooses a direct flight when traveling for business to avoid airport delays.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I took a straight flight to Paris.

  ✓ I took a direct flight to Paris.

  Learners often translate literally from their native language. In English, we use 'direct flight' or 'non-stop flight', not 'straight flight'.

• ✗ We need a direct flight ticket.

  ✓ We need a direct flight.

  While grammatically possible, native speakers simply say 'a direct flight' rather than adding 'ticket' at the end of the phrase.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I hate waiting at airports, so I always book a ___.

  💡 A flight where you do not have to change planes to reach your destination.

  Show answer

  direct flight

• Is your flight to Tokyo a ___ or do you have a layover in Seoul?

  💡 A flight that takes you to your destination without requiring a plane change.

  Show answer

  direct flight