Switching over

I’m thinking about switching over from Verizon in the next few months. My current employer offers a 15% discount on the experience plans. It comes out to $170 per month for three lines on experience beyond and 140 for the experience plus plan. The beyond plan works to me the best because of the international travel data as well as unlimited Wi-Fi on airplanes. I travel a lot for work, but my family needs less of those benefits than me. There’s no way to mix and match those plans is there?

Thing is I am looking to also get a new phone. My last phone I bought out right with Verizon and it is trade-in eligible, looking at a 17 or 17 pro. I’m just not sure how the monthly bill credits work as it’s something I haven’t had to deal with before.

Is it a better deal to just go through Apple and trade my phone and then purchase one outright and then add it to my plan? The last thing I want is to just have my monthly payments rack up because I’m adding phones and lines. My family who I’m bringing over is in a similar spot to me. All was paid off phones, but looking to get new ones.

Also, is it even worth going in store anymore? Everyone in here seems to have had issues going in store and it seems like it could all be done online these days.

Thoughts? Thanks for all the help in advance.