What is a Layover? A Complete Guide: Here’s What to Expect

A layover is a temporary stop between connecting flights, usually lasting from one to several hours. The duration and experience can vary depending on the airline and airport:

• Layovers can offer opportunities to relax, explore airport amenities or visit nearby attractions on longer stops
• Utilize layover time to rest, explore airport amenities or visit nearby cities (for longer layovers)

A layover flight, often simply called a layover, is an intermediate stop during your journey when you're traveling between two destinations. Instead of flying directly from point A to point B, you make a stop at point C along the way. This stop can last anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the flight schedule and route.

How do layovers work?

When you book a flight with a layover, your itinerary will include at least two separate flight segments. Here's a typical scenario:

1. You board your first flight at your origin airport
2. You land at the layover airport and disembark
3. You wait for your connecting flight, usually in the transit area of the airport
4. You board your second flight to your final destination

During the layover, you might need to change terminals or even go through security again, depending on the airport and whether you're on a domestic or international flight.

Types of layover flights

1. Domestic layovers

These occur when both your origin and destination are within the same country. You usually don't need to go through customs or immigration during these layovers.

2. International layovers

These happen when either your origin, destination or layover airport is in a different country. You may need to go through customs and immigration, depending on the specific countries and airports involved.

3. Self-transfer layovers

This is when you book two separate flights with different airlines, creating your own layover. These require more planning and often involve rechecking baggage and going through security again.

What’s the difference between a layover and a stopover flight?

While often used interchangeably, there's a technical difference between layovers and stopovers:

• Layovers are typically shorter, usually lasting less than 24 hours (often just a few hours)
• Stopovers are longer breaks in your journey, usually 24 hours or more, allowing you to explore the intermediate destination

Different airlines may use these terms differently and the terms may be applied differently depending on if you’re flying a domestic or international itinerary, so it's always best to check the specific details of your itinerary.

How much time do you get during a layover flight?

Layover times can vary greatly, typically ranging from about 30 minutes to several hours. The duration depends on factors like:

• Flight schedules
• Airport size and efficiency
• Whether it's a domestic or international connection
• The airline's minimum connection time for that airport

It's crucial to have enough time to make your connection comfortably, especially in large airports or when you need to go through additional security or immigration checks.

Depending on what airline you’re flying, what airport your layover is in and whether your itinerary is international or domestic, a “Minimum Connect Time” (MCT) will be specified, which should give you enough time to make your connecting flight. It won’t be possible to book a layover on a single ticket that’s shorter than the MCT.

Tips for making the most of your layover time

If you have a layover, especially a medium or longer one, don’t think of it as a delay to your trip—think about it as part of the journey. Here’s how you can make the most of your layover.

1. Check out airport facilities

Many airports offer lounges, restaurants, shopping areas and even entertainment options like movie theaters or museums.

2. Freshen up

Look for airport lounges, shower facilities or quiet areas where you can rest and recharge.

3. Stay connected

Use free airport Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment.

4. Explore the city (for longer layovers)

If you have several hours and it's permitted, consider a quick trip to the nearby city. Just be sure to allow plenty of time to return and go through security again. Some airlines, like Turkish Airlines, even offer a free stopover tour if you have a long enough layover.

5. Stretch and move

Walk around the airport to keep your blood flowing after a long flight.

Things to consider when booking a layover flight

When you’re comparing various flight options, it’s important to consider the following if your flight has a layover.

1. Connection time

Ensure you have enough time to make your connecting flight comfortably. Factor in potential delays and the time needed to navigate the airport. Even though your connection will be at least as long as the MCT, you may prefer to make sure you have extra time due to mobility concerns, transiting an unknown airport or other factors.

2. Airport amenities

Research what the layover airport offers. Some airports are more comfortable and entertaining for long waits than others. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is known for being a destination in and of itself.

3. Visa requirements

For international layovers, check if you need a visa or if there are other entry requirements if you’re planning to leave the airport. Most airports won’t require a visa to transit, but if you’re connecting through an airport you’re not sure about, it doesn’t hurt to check anyway.

4. Baggage policies

Understand whether your bags will be checked through to your final destination or if you need to collect and recheck them.

How to prepare for a layover flight

Your layover can be even more of a breeze if you’re prepared. Here’s what you should do before your flight.

1. Pack essentials in your carry-on: Include a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you might need
2. Download airport maps: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your layover airport in advance
3. Keep important documents handy: Have your passport, boarding passes and any necessary visas easily accessible
4. Set alarms: If you plan to rest or sleep, set an alarm to ensure you don't miss your connecting flight
5. Bring entertainment: Load up your devices with books, movies or games to pass the time during your layover

FAQs

Can you leave the airport during a layover?

Whether you can (or should) leave the airport during your layover depends on several factors:

• The length of your layover
• Whether it's a domestic or international flight
• The airport's policies
• Visa requirements for the country you're in

For international layovers, you typically need to go through customs and may need a visa to enter the country. Always check the specific requirements for your layover location and allow plenty of time to return and go through security again and back through immigration.

Do you have to pick up a checked bag during layover?

Usually, no. On most itineraries booked as a single ticket, your checked bags will be transferred automatically to your final destination. However, there are exceptions:

• When entering the United States, you often need to collect and recheck your bags, even if continuing to another US destination
• If you've booked separate tickets on different airlines, you may need to collect and recheck your bags

Always confirm the baggage policy when booking your flight and again when your bags are being tagged at check-in.

Do you have to go through customs on a layover?

For international layovers:

• If you're staying in the international transit area, you usually don't go through customs
• If you're entering the country (even briefly), you'll go through customs
• When entering the United States, you go through customs even if it's just a connecting flight
• When entering a European country that’s part of the Schengen Area en-route to another European country that’s part of the Schengen Area, you’ll go through customs during your layover

For domestic layovers, you don't go through customs.

Can you sleep at the airport?

Many airports allow passengers to sleep in public areas, especially during overnight layovers. However, policies (and comfort levels) vary:

• Some airports have designated rest zones or sleeping pods
• Others may discourage sleeping in public areas

For comfort and security, consider booking an airport hotel for longer layovers, especially overnight ones.