While a direct flight to your destination is definitely the most convenient and quickest way to fly, sometimes there’s no getting around a layover. Layovers are the time you have between flights, or as I like to think of it, the best time for people-watching.
However, long layovers can also make people like me stir-crazy and make me feel like I’m trapped in an expensive mall where I’m forced to pay $12 for a water bottle. So, it begs the question, can you leave the airport during a layover?
We will dive into that question and how to make the most of a long layover.
Are layovers bad and when should I book one?
Travelers often think of layovers as a big hassle. Layovers require passengers to disembark one aircraft, wait a while, and then board another flight to reach their final destination. Because of this, itinerary disruptions are more likely to occur—everything from lost luggage to delays, or missed flights are all risks that can happen when you book a trip with a layover.
But, not all layovers are bad. Layovers can be a nice way to break up a daunting journey and, dare I say, can even be fun. In some cases, you might even want to book a longer layover. A long break can be helpful when you don’t want to miss a connection and need the wiggle room. It can also come in handy if you’re flying during a season with unpredictable weather. In that case, a long layover is great in case your first flight gets delayed.
You also might want to book a long layover because you want to travel through a certain airport. I did this once when I booked a longer layover through Turkey. I could have chosen a shorter route but, in all honesty, I wanted to experience the infamous lounge at the Istanbul Airport, and I have to say, it was 10/10 worth it.
Some of you brave souls might opt for a long layover so you can leave the airport and explore one more city while on your journey, but we’ll get into that more later.
How can I make the most of a long layover?
Long layovers usually happen when you’re traveling across oceans for a trip. It makes sense—planes can only carry so much fuel and airlines only offer certain routes and destinations. Luckily, a long layover means extra time for you to take advantage of. So, how can you take advantage of a long layover? Here are just a few ideas:
- Buy yourself a lounge pass or use your credit card to get in. If you want to stay in the airport while waiting for your next flight, I recommend booking your layover at an airport with a stellar lounge. You can splurge on a day pass or use your credit card to get in. You likely have a credit card in your wallet right now that can get you into some fancy lounges. From there, just sit back and enjoy the free food, beverages, and comfy chairs. I’ve even used my pass to get a free 20-minute massage.
- Explore the airport. Not all airports are built equal but some are above and beyond. Look up your airport ahead of time and see if they offer a gym, a spa treatment, or even a Michelin Star restaurant. A long layover is the perfect time to build in some relaxation or a scrumptious meal.
- Book a sleeping pod or hotel room. Speaking from personal experience, this is one of the best things I’ve ever done even though I was apprehensive at first. I had a six-hour layover once and I booked a hotel room for practically free. I got an offer from my airline and the hotel was a two-minute walk from the airport. I went to the hotel, showered, had a free snack, and took a nap. And the hotel was actually very nice and clean. 10/10 experience. If your airport doesn’t have a decent hotel nearby, it may offer sleeping pods you can rent for a few hours, so do a quick Google search to see what the offerings are.
- Explore the city you have a layover in. If you have an especially long layover, you might consider adding one more city to your itinerary by leaving the airport to go on a short adventure. Let’s dive into what that might look like and the risks of it below.
Can you leave the airport during a layover?
If the idea of exploring the airport itself is not your vibe, you may be wondering, “Can you leave the airport during a layover?” The short answer is yes (but at your own risk). If you’re going to venture outside of the airport, know that you’ll have to go through security, and possibly even customs lines to get back to your gate. And, depending on the airport, that might not be worth it. If you want to go exploring, it will take some careful planning. You’ll also need to do your planning well ahead of your trip to take full advantage of every minute of your layover.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind about long layovers:
- Pick the right airport. If you want to go exploring, make sure you pick the most convenient airport. The last thing you want to be doing during a long layover is Googling, “Can you leave the airport during a layover” only to realize the options around you are limited. Cities like London have multiple airports and though they may seem close to the city center, some are hours away from major landmarks. Choose wisely and choose one closest to whatever you want to see.
- Store your luggage and pack your personal item wisely. If you want to go into the city, you likely don’t want to walk around with a roller bag or a clunky backpack. Take advantage of airport storage lockers and store your items there until you return to the airport. You’ll also want to ensure that you’ve picked your personal item wisely. A small tote or backpack that is small enough to walk around the city with is the best choice. I always like to pack things like gum, a small snack, lip balm, and a hydrating face mist to get myself refreshed for a few hours of exploring. Make sure you also take your ID, passport, visa, or other important travel documents along with you, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
- Bring a credit card that works abroad. If you’re leaving the airport to explore a city, you likely aren’t exchanging money for such a short amount of time. So, take a credit card you can use abroad and, most importantly, can earn points on.
- Plan your activities ahead of time. Since you now know that you can leave the airport during a layover, get your itinerary together ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to book a tour or buy entry to a museum. Those can often sell out and last-minute tickets can be exorbitant. And, perhaps most importantly, be realistic. You probably aren’t going to be able to see all of the Louvre on a four-hour layover. Choose activities you can do in the time you have allotted and ones that are closer to the airport.
- Consider booking a private tour. If you have the extra funds, you might consider splurging on a private chauffeur or tour. They can take you around landmarks a lot more quickly and offer you a ride back to the airport as well.
- Whatever you do, leave enough time to get back. This is the most important rule by far. Make sure you have enough time to get back to the airport and don’t forget about traffic and peak travel seasons as the airports may be crowded. Play it safe and set an alarm for when you need to head back.
Read also: How Far in Advance Should You Book a Flight?
What about stopovers?
In case you haven’t heard of stopovers, think of them as the final boss of layovers. Stopovers are travel breaks that last 24 hours or more. Many airlines offer them for free and may provide complimentary hotel stays, private tours, food vouchers, and more perks. It’s a great way to tack on one more city to your trip and avoid sleeping on the airport floor.
Key takeaways
- Layovers can be an opportunity: While often considered an inconvenience, layovers can break up a long journey, provide a buffer during unpredictable travel seasons, or even offer the chance to explore a new city.
- Can you leave the airport during a layover? Absolutely, with planning: If you have enough time and want to explore beyond the terminal, leaving the airport can turn your stop into a mini-adventure. Be sure to plan ahead and factor in time for security and customs when returning.
- Plan your activities wisely: Choose an airport close to your desired landmarks, store your luggage for convenience, and stick to realistic activities that fit within your layover window.
- Take advantage of airport amenities: If leaving the airport isn’t practical, explore the perks inside, such as lounges, unique dining options, or even nap pods to make your layover more enjoyable.
Look into stopover programs: For longer breaks, many airlines offer stopover perks, such as free tours, hotel stays, or meal vouchers, giving you an easy way to experience a new destination.
Whether you’re staying inside the terminal or stepping out to explore, a layover doesn’t have to feel like wasted time—just plan ahead to make the most of it!
