When it comes to planning your next big vacation, you may find yourself facing a familiar situation: all the great deals require a long layover. Like it or not, layovers are a reality of air travel, sometimes entailing waits of 4 or even 12 hours before heading out on your connecting flight.

While the prospect of waiting around for such a long time might make some travelers willing to pay up for a more expensive direct flight, understanding the range of opportunities offered by layovers can also give you a new perspective on how to use your time between flights to your advantage.

After all, modern airports offer plenty of amenities to help you kill time. From rest facilities and spas to fancy dining and shopping opportunities, today’s airports help to take the edge off waiting around for your next flight and provide the perfect escape to kick back and forget about the stress of travel. Some savvy travelers even use these extended stops to go sightseeing in places of interest outside of their layover airport, giving them the chance to enjoy even more new experiences in their time abroad.

Want to know how to make the most of your layover? Here we answer some of the most common questions:.

How Long Should My Layover Be if I Plan to Leave the Airport?

Travel experts recommend planning a layover of at least 4 hours if you want to leave the airport during your trip, but this comes with a few caveats. The biggest, of course, being the distance between the airport and the places you intend to visit. While some airports are very close to local places of interest, others can be in more remote areas. When planning a trip with a layover, consider the distance between the airport and the places you want to visit and give yourself plenty of time to return for your connecting flight. Additionally, be sure to account for traffic patterns in the region. As you can surely imagine, weekends and holidays are usually very busy times for airlines.

Are There Any Specific Time Considerations for International Flights?

The rules for leaving the airport while traveling on an international flight are very different from when you are traveling within your country. Leaving the airport during an international layover is slightly more complicated because, in addition to factoring in traffic patterns and the distance between the airport and the places you want to visit, you must also consider the time it will take you to get through customs and immigration. As such, travel gurus recommend a layover of at least 8 hours for vacationers hoping to explore the area outside of the airport on international flights.

Which Airports Have Places Where I Can Rest? Or Shower?

More and more airports are investing in premium lounges that offer great opportunities to spend your layover in the lap of luxury. Among the best amenities found at some of these lounges are world-class spa facilities, Michelin-starred restaurants, and boutique shopping experiences. While these amenities might seem like they are only available to first-class passengers, globetrotters from all walks of life can make use of their accommodations if they play their cards right. If you enroll in certain credit card and frequent flyer programs, you might be able to get complimentary access to several airport lounges. It might also be possible to access their facilities by buying a day pass.

While much of the attention rests on the luxury accommodations of airport lounges, you can also catch up on some much-needed rest or just take a refreshing shower during a layover. Designated rest and sleep areas are available at many airports, while luxury-minded globetrotters can even make use of special sleep pods found in places like Helsinki International Airport in Finland and Singapore’s Changi International Airport. Likewise, the Minute Suite at airports like Dallas-Fort Worth offer a great chance to shower in between flights.

More on Sleep Pods: Dozing Off Between Flights? Find Sleep Pods at International Airports

How Can I Keep My Belongings Secure in the Airport?

Keeping your luggage safe is often the biggest concern for travelers looking to go sightseeing during a long layover. While luggage might seem like a major burden, airports make it easy to safely store and secure your belongings so you can go out and have a good time while you await your connecting flight. The most common way to secure your baggage is through the airport’s very own luggage storage service. Airport storage services often charge as little as $4 a day to store bags, providing a money-saving incentive for those worried about the safety of their luggage.

For travelers seeking the utmost convenience during a layover, luggage delivery services can forward your bags directly to your final destination. Prices for this convenience start at approximately $30 for local deliveries, but can vary based on the distance to the delivery location, the number of bags, and how quickly you need them delivered. Factors such as the weight and size of your luggage can also affect the cost.

Are There Any Apps for Making Layovers More Manageable?

As with almost anything these days, technology can greatly assist in making your layover more manageable. One of the best apps for travelers hoping to improve their layover experience is LoungeBuddy, which helps users gain access to the best airport lounges at their destination. LoungeBuddy uses information from sources like travel rewards programs that you are enrolled in to determine the best lounge available to you while also informing of amenities found in each rest area. FlightAware is another important tool. Available as both a website and as an app, it lets you track your plane in real time, giving you immediate information on delays.

How Can I Stay Entertained During Long Layovers?

Many airports count with an amazing variety of entertainment options. Although once airport entertainment options were confined to magazine racks, today’s transportation hubs usually feature plenty of different entertainment options. You can to the gym or wellness center, some of which include indoor swimming pools. Fashion-minded travelers also find much enjoyment in taking advantage of the shopping opportunities available at most airports. Dubai International Airport is especially popular among those with an interest in high fashion, boasting Chanel, Gucci, and many other high-end boutiques.

Since airports are usually adapted with plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots, you can always settle down in a comfy chair and binge catch up on your favorite TV show as you wait for your connecting flight. Just be careful to not miss your flight!

What About Visa Requirements?

Visa requirements for leaving the airport during a layover differ from country to country. Some nations, such as the United Kingdom, offer transit visas to visitors hoping to explore areas outside of major transportation hubs. Transit visas allow travelers who are en route to another destination to visit their surroundings for a specific duration of time, usually 48 hours. Other countries, on the other hand, only allow travelers to leave the airport if they obtain a standard tourist visa. As always, remember to research the laws in the countries you are visiting before planning your international trip.

What About Managing Layovers with Children?

Long layovers with kids can be especially challenging. Along with being tired from the first flight, kids don’t usually like to sit still for any major length of time. One of the simplest ways parents can prepare for a layover is by packing a separate carry-on bag for their kids filled with everything they might need for their stay at the airport. Common items most seasoned parents pack include snacks, coloring books, and their child’s favorite stuffed animal.

Fortunately, many major airports worldwide have introduced kid-friendly activities and spaces. For instance, Changi Airport in Singapore (SIN) delights children with indoor playgrounds, a Butterfly Garden, and the world’s tallest airport slide. Hamad International Airport in Doha (DOH) captivates with its giant teddy bear art installation and children’s play areas. London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) offers “Stay & Play” zones for kids up to nine years old, and O’Hare in Chicago features the “Kids on the Fly” exhibit, blending fun with education.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) invites young ones to explore a “Kids Forest” and engage with interactive exhibits at a Science Museum. Additionally, Munich Airport (MUC) creates a festive atmosphere with a Winter Market and ice-skating rink during the holiday season, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) provides serene Zen Gardens alongside playful interactive zones.

What if My Layover Turns into an Unexpected Overnight Stay?

Flight delays and cancellations are an unfortunate part of air travel. But there are a number of things you can do to make unexpected overnight stays at the airport a little more bearable. Among the most important things you can do is find a good place to sleep. While hotels located in or near airports offer the most comfortable accommodations, sleep pods and cabins also make for excellent places to get a few hours of shut-eye. Passengers choosing to sleep in more open rest areas are advised to put their valuables in their pockets and keep their bags as close as possible to their person. Many a bleary-eyed traveler has even used their own carry-on as a pillow in such situations.

Throughout it all, the most important thing is trying to relax. Keep a few snacks and bottles of water handy along with a nice travel pillow. Entertainment apps on your phone like Netflix and Spotify can also help you recharge and get ready for the next day.

FAQs:

Q: How can I efficiently use my layover time for sightseeing my surroundings?
A: Research local transportation options beforehand to efficiently reach nearby attractions during your layover.

Q: What are some strategies for managing layovers with elderly or disabled travelers?
A: Plan ahead for accessibility at both the layover airport and destination, considering mobility assistance and comfortable seating options.

Q: How can I find budget-friendly dining options during a layover?
A: Look for food courts or local eateries outside the main terminals, often offering more affordable meals than in-airport restaurants.

Q: What precautions should I take to avoid missing my connecting flight during a layover?
A: Set alarms or reminders for boarding times, and familiarize yourself with the airport layout in advance to navigate efficiently.

Do you have any other handy tip to deal with layovers? Let us know in our comments section below!