What is a layover flight, and how can it spice up your trip?
Understanding What Is A Layover Flight & How They Work
[playht_player width=“100%” height=“90px” voice=“Noah”]The aviation industry seems to speak a language all its own, and many of the phrases used by airlines are often misinterpreted. One example is the distinction between a direct and nonstop trip. Layover and stopover are other terms that are frequently used interchangeably.If you don’t know what is a layover flight and often confuse it with a stopover flight, it’s crucial to understand the subtle difference between a layover and a stopover despite their seeming similarity. The duration is the primary distinction between stopover vs. layover. Layovers are pitstops at other airports that last less than a day, depending on whether you’re travelling domestically or abroad. In contrast, Stopovers are longer layovers lasting at least 24 hours.
Types of Layovers
Short Layovers vs. Long Layovers
Based on whether the layover is domestic or international, a layover is classified as short or long. For international trips, it’s better to choose flights with long layovers since you must go through immigration and customs before boarding your next aircraft. Extended layovers allow you to see a new city while travelling and relieve some stress.
Domestic vs. International Layovers
Since there’s no need to go through immigration and customs, domestic airport layovers are typically quicker and easier to handle than their international counterparts. Layovers abroad can be more complicated since they sometimes include passing through immigration and border enforcement. Can you leave the airport during an international layover? Yes, you usually can, depending on the country you land in and if your passport allows you a visa-free entry. If not, you can apply for a transit visa and leave the airport during your layover. Remember to consider the duration of your layover before leaving the airport. Leaving the airport isn’t the best idea if it’s a 4-hour layover or under. If your layover is 8 hours or more, exploring the city you land in might make sense.
Single vs. Multiple Layovers
Travelling on a non-stop flight means reaching your destination without any layovers or stops at other airports. While flights with many layovers may be less expensive, they often result in longer travel times.
Pros and Cons of Layover Flights
When it comes to layovers vs direct flights, the one with layovers always saves you money. A USD 100–300 (~INR 8,000-20,000) price difference is expected compared to a direct flight. This can be a choice if you can afford it and prefer to wait.
Most international flights have at least one layover. You should budget for at least two to three lengthy layovers on overseas flights if you want to explore a new place quickly and time isn’t much of a concern.
Certain airports, particularly those with international flights, are recognised for having lengthy layovers. Layover airports provide additional amenities and services to help travellers relax or keep them engaged during their wait. They come with many dining options, retail stores, relaxing places, and even a free shower facility.
Disadvantages of Layovers
The length of layovers varies, ranging from three hours to nearly a full day. You’ll be waiting to board another jet at the airport for most of the time. This could be a waste of time. If you don’t like waiting, you might want to steer clear of layovers.
You have no control over flight delays or unforeseen changes in boarding time.
Do your homework before booking your travel because some airlines have a bad reputation for these situations.
Immigration and Customs on a Layover
This is exclusive to layovers abroad. Depending on the airport and the nation, you might not have to pass through immigration and customs. Just like with checked bags, no matter if your final stop is in a different nation, you would still need to pass through immigration at your initial arrival stage in the layover country. Most domestic layovers won’t require you to pass through security once more.
Read more about transit visas and how to apply for it.
Tips For Navigating Layovers Efficiently:
- Remain current with flight times: Don’t miss your connecting flight, watch for any changes in flight timings and adjust your layover schedule accordingly.
- Think about your possibilities: If your layover is prolonged and you intend to venture outside the airport, find out how best to get to your destinations quickly via public transportation, taxis, or airport shuttles.
- Know the rules for admission and visas: Make sure you meet the layover country’s transit or entry visa requirements if you intend to leave the airport during your layover.
Make layovers hassle-free with Travel Forex Card. Enjoy seamless transactions at every stop.
Maximizing Layovers
Look Up Airport Facilities:
Find amenities such as dining areas, retail stores, lounges, and even sleeping quarters if you have an extended layover and want to make the most of your stay.
Make A Smart Activity Plan:
Plan your activities according to the time available. In case of a short layover, you can tour the airport, visit neighbouring sights, or just unwind until your next departure.
Go Shopping At The Duty-Free:
The duty-free shop is the best spot, whether you enjoy shopping or just browsing through the wide range of products. Duty-free stores usually offer lower prices than your native countries and on occasion, these products may not be available in the retail stores in the domestic market.
Try Out The Local Cuisine:
Your layover may need to be longer to allow you to venture out and see the city, but there are still many options at the airport to experience the local way of life. The easiest and least expensive method to get a flavour of a foreign culture is usually through its cuisine. With insight into how to make the most of your layovers, let’s check out how to book layover flights. While you are at it, read more to learn about exchanging money during a layover.
Tips for Booking Flights with Layovers
You will need to arrange your extended layover if your flight does not have any stops. So, here’s how to book flights with long layovers using Google Flights:
Start by conducting a broad search for your intended destination. Then select your preferred layover location under “connecting airports”.
To manually add stops to your trip, choose “multi-city” from the drop-down list offering “round trip”. Then, extend your journey with a third flight.
It’s totally up to you how you organise your travel. Just don’t forget to select your layover city in the multi-city search as your intermediate destination. Remember what is a layover flight and don’t get it confused with stopovers.
Layover duration is entirely customisable when using Google Flights to book a multi-city ticket. Moreover, you just need to run one search to get all three of your tickets because Google Flights finds the links to buy them.
You can now use your chosen payment option to finish paying for the chosen long layover flight. During the checkout process, you can also take advantage of special offers or apply a discount code.
The methods described here might help you arrange flights with lengthy layovers to a variety of locations easily. If you encounter any issues with scheduling lengthy layover flights or have any other inquiries, contact the customer service team immediately.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Layover:
Make sure that you can easily get around the town via public transit. You will probably have difficulty reaching the airport if it’s situated on the outer edge of the layover city.
- Consider travel destinations that encourage extended layovers
Extended layovers allow you to explore a city for a lengthy time without adding cost to your ticket. Some airlines and countries encourage layovers and stop overs with a free transit visa upon arrival, complimentary accommodation and food while you wait for that connecting flight!
- Choose locations where no visa is required
Check to see if a visa is required. In certain cases, like Doha, you can obtain a transit visa just for the stopover; nevertheless, you should avoid most airports in Europe , where a costly visa is required beforehand.
- Examine how the stopover will affect the balance of your trip
Wisely select your layover. If you are considering a journey to Hawaii’s beaches, a stop at chilly Frankfurt will mean carrying extra cold-weather gear.
- Store your bag
Ensure the airport has luggage storage if you take a shorter connection and plan to travel with your bags. It is not ideal for sightseeing while dragging a heavy suitcase through cobblestone streets.
Key Takeaways
You are now prepared to handle layovers like a seasoned traveller since you know what they are. Take advantage of the chance to visit the city, go on a day trip, or visit the airport’s shops, restaurants, and lounges. Never forget that you don’t have to endure a boring or stressful layover. Whether your stopover is brief or long, you can always use it to your advantage and make the most of your travel experience by adopting the appropriate attitude and tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions
