As for the more flights vs long layovers thing, I would prefer more long layovers too, if I'm honest. When I booked my flights at the beginning of the year, I was hoping to get flights both ways that would only have one layover, but unfortunately the flight I was hoping to get on the way back must've sold out just before I considered booking them, so I have to go from El Paso to Atlanta, then from Atlanta to Charles de Gaulle in Paris, before flying back to Manchester. I am
not looking forward to that journey. And on the last flight I only have like 90 mins in CDG before my flight back to Manchester, which is going to be pretty risky if there's a delay, even more so if they don't check my bags straight through. That's why I'd prefer longer layovers to more flights. There's less chance in you missing your flight that way, and even though the idea of sitting in an airport for a long time is quite boring, for me it seems to be less stressful. Probably because I prefer to be on the ground rather than flying too. Flying can make me nervous.
I'll be in Atlanta for 5 hours on my layover going, which isn't so bad. If I have a delay it'll give me more time to get through passport and security, and if not, well, I have plenty of time to do that, and I can also get myself some lunch or something while I'm waiting.
Besides, I'm not so familiar with Atlanta's airport, so I'll need to find where my gate is for my next flight. I was more familiar with Dallas because I had been in there with Leor before so I had time to familiarise myself.