In the world of aviation, a "stop" and a "connecting flight" are distinct concepts. A connecting flight involves landing at an intermediate airport, exiting your current aircraft, and boarding a different aircraft with a different flight number. This often requires you to navigate a new terminal or even go through security again. A "stop" (or direct flight with a stop), however, means the aircraft lands in an intermediate city to refuel or pick up/drop off passengers, but you typically stay on the same plane and keep the same flight number. While "direct" sounds like it means "non-stop," a direct flight can have one or more stops. For example, a flight from New York to Sydney might have a "technical stop" in Los Angeles for fuel. When booking, it is crucial to check the "Flight Details" to see if you will be required to change planes; a "connecting flight" is much more physically demanding and carries a higher risk of luggage delays than a simple "stop."