Direct vs Nonstop

A Nonstop flight makes no stops between point A and point B.


A Direct flight is one that makes a stop between point A and point B, but does not require a change of planes.

For instance, a flight that goes from Dallas, makes a stop in Chicago, then continues to Buffalo would be nonstop to Chicago, but direct to Buffalo.

If you got on a plane in Dallas, changed planes in Chicago then took a second flight to Buffalo that wouldbe called a connection.