Has anyone changed how they choose connections after traveling more frequently?
I've noticed that my attitude toward connections has changed quite a bit over the last few years.
When I first started booking flights, including when comparing options through flightsfinder, I would almost always choose the itinerary with the shortest total travel time. A 45-minute connection sounded efficient, and anything longer felt like wasted time sitting in an airport.
Now I find myself doing the opposite. If two itineraries are similarly priced, I'm often tempted to choose the one with a longer connection, especially at larger hubs. Missing a connection isn't something that happens often, but the stress of watching the clock the entire first flight can take some of the enjoyment out of the trip.
What's interesting is that I don't know if this is something most travelers eventually start doing or if I'm just becoming overly cautious.
For those who fly AA regularly, have your preferences changed over time?
Do you still prioritize the shortest possible travel day, or do you intentionally build in more buffer than you used to?
I'm curious whether experience has made people more comfortable with tight connections or less comfortable with them.