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Who Here Prefers Non-Stop Flights?

2009 November 2
by Rob Bazinet

I wonder who designed the user experience at Orbitz?  I cannot imagine the design meeting which resulted with this checkbox on their flight search page:

Orbitz

Does anyone look at that checkbox and decide they don’t want a non-stop flight?  No, I would love for this flight to take as long as humanly possible.

I find it humorous every time I search for flights at Orbitz.   At least have the box checked by default so I don’t have to.  Maybe as a web developer I notice things like this that most would not and I think about it too much but I wanted to share.

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from → User Experience

  • Many inexperienced travelers/users may not notice that checkbox

  • giving demand, non-stop/direct flights will usually be more expensive than multiple-stop trips. that said, perhaps by leaving the box unchecked the "find flights" search function will return more flight options, thus a greater chance the visitor finds one that fits into his price range and schedule.


    i also know some people (my mom!) who prefer multiple stops to break up extended flights greater than 3 hours, but i reckon she's in the minority of those who flat-out fear flying.

  • @Calvin - you could indeed by correct, not sure how Orbitz makes money but more stops may be more money.

  • As an (ex) programmer who has moved into the sales and marketing field, one possible reason is that the programmers did it on instructions from the top. It's possible that the Orbitz makes more money from flights with multiple stops. Since many inexperienced travelers/users may not notice that checkbox ...

  • @Shawn - you may be right but the fact that it is on there just seem less than useful. I mean, if you check it and there are non-stop available, it clearly shows that in the results. I find it funny whenever I use the site that I need to check it.

  • I think they're designing for their (original at least) intended audience, bargain shoppers. In which case, leaving that unchecked makes more sense, as non-stop flights are usually more expensive.

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