Which type of flight is characterized by taking the most direct route without making any stops?

A non-stop flight is characterized by traveling directly from the departure airport to the destination airport without making any stops along the way. This definition is crucial for understanding the nature of various flight types because a non-stop flight ensures that passengers experience the shortest travel time by avoiding layovers or additional connections, which can significantly extend travel duration.

In contrast, a direct flight does not necessarily mean it is non-stop. A direct flight can include stops at intermediate airports, although passengers do not change planes. Connecting flights, as indicated, involve one or more stopovers where passengers change planes, while round-trip refers to a journey that starts and ends at the same airport, typically with at least one stop. Understanding these distinctions helps passengers make informed travel choices based on their preferences for speed, convenience, or itinerary complexity.