A layover during a flight can be a great opportunity to explore a new city or simply relax during your journey. However, there are several important things to consider – from entry requirements to practical alternatives at the airport. Here’s everything you need to know about changing flights and layovers.
What is a layover?
A layover is a scheduled stop between the departure and final destination of a flight. It’s typically short—under 24 hours for international flights or under 4 hours for domestic ones. During a flight layover, you might change planes or airlines, wait at the airport, or even have the chance to explore a new city — if time and regulations allow.
Can you leave the airport during a layover?
Domestic Flights
Yes, on domestic flights, you can generally leave the airport during a layover, as long as your schedule allows. If your layover is several hours long, you’re free to exit and re-enter the airport—no visa or special approval is needed. Just be sure to return in time for check-in and security clearance.
International Flights
Leaving the airport during an international layover is more complex. You must meet the entry requirements of the layover country. This might involve a visa, an electronic travel authorization (like an ESTA for the U.S. or an ETA for Canada or the UK), or even customs and immigration clearance—even if your baggage is checked through.
Example: If you’re flying from London Heathrow to Bangkok with a 5-hour layover in Doha, you’ll need to check Qatar’s entry rules before planning to leave the airport.
Can you leave the airport during a stopover?
Yes, in most cases you can leave the airport during a stopover, and it’s often encouraged—especially if the airline offers a stopover program. A stopover is longer than a layover (typically over 24 hours for international flights), so travelers have more time to explore the city before continuing their journey.
Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines even offer hotel stays, city tours, and discounts to make a stopover more enjoyable.
Layover vs. Stopover: What is the difference?
Understanding the difference between a layover and a stopover can help you better plan your trip:
Layover: A short break between flights—under 24 hours for international travel or under 4 hours for domestic flights.
Example: You fly from Berlin to Bangkok with a 5-hour stopover in Doha – this is a typical layover.
Stopover: A longer planned stay, often over 24 hours internationally. These are ideal for travelers looking to explore another city on the way to their final destination.
Example: A flight from Frankfurt to Sydney with a two-day stop in Singapore counts as a stopover.
Factors to consider before leaving the airport during a layover
Duration of the layover
A general rule: only consider leaving the airport if your layover is longer than 5–6 hours. You’ll need time for immigration, local transportation, sightseeing, and returning to the airport for check-in and security.
Entry regulations and visa requirements
Whether you can leave the airport depends on the country’s entry regulations. Visa and entry requirements vary widely:
Schengen Area (Europe), Japan, Singapore: Travelers from many countries (including Germany) can often leave the airport without a visa.
USA: Requires an ESTA even if you don’t leave the airport. You’ll also need to collect your baggage, pass through customs, and re-check your luggage.
UK: Since April 2025, an ETA is mandatory to leave the airport during a layover.
Canada: Requires an eTA.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Indonesia (Bali), and some Chinese cities offer Visa-on-Arrival or special transit visas.
Always check the latest entry requirements and apply for necessary documents at least 72 hours before departure.
Airport security
If you remain in the transit zone, you avoid many formalities. Exiting it means you’ll need to pass through full immigration and security procedures.
Baggage regulations
Whether you need to collect your luggage during the stopover depends on your ticket type and route:
Through-checked baggage: If your entire trip (origin, layover, destination) is on one ticket, your baggage is usually checked through to your final destination. Exceptions include the USA, where you must always collect and re-check your luggage.
Separate tickets/different airlines: If you’ve booked separate tickets with different airlines, you often need to collect and re-check your luggage. Allow extra time for this if you plan to leave the airport.
Leaving the airport: Even with through-checked luggage, you may leave the airport in many countries if you meet immigration requirements (visa, ETA, ESTA etc.).
24-hour rule: Layovers longer than 24 hours are usually considered stopovers, in which case you’ll need to collect and re-check your baggage.
Time of day
Consider whether attractions will be open and if public transportation is available, especially for overnight layovers. A late-night layover might be better spent in a lounge or airport hotel.
Stopover Programs
Did you know that multiple airlines offer designated stopover programs? This way, you can enjoy a short city-break in-between your connecting flights. Check out the following airlines and their offerings:
Singapore Airlines: Offers hotel stays and city tours in Singapore.
Qatar Airways: Provides luxury hotel deals and guided tours in Doha.
Turkish Airlines: Offers free tours of Istanbul for layovers over 6 hours.
Emirates: Encourages stopovers in Dubai with special visa facilitation and hotel offers.
These programs are a great way to turn a long wait into an unforgettable travel experience.
Tips for leaving the airport
Consider how far attractions are from the airport
Check the distance and travel time to downtown. Some cities, like Amsterdam or Tokyo, have efficient transit systems. Others, like Los Angeles, can have heavy traffic.
Consider travel options
Airport transfers can vary from fast trains (e.g., Heathrow Express in London) to local buses or taxis. Know your options in advance to avoid delays.
Prepare and plan beforehand
Check:
Visa and entry requirements
Local transport schedules
Security wait times
When check-in for your next flight opens
Apps like Google Maps, airline apps, and airport websites can help streamline your plans
Making the most of your airport layover: Explore airport entertainment
A long layover doesn’t have to be boring – many international airports now offer genuine leisure programmes that go far beyond shopping and dining.
Particularly large hubs turn waiting times into an experience: At Singapore Changi Airport, travellers can stroll through a butterfly garden, marvel at the impressive indoor waterfall Jewel, or watch current films in a free cinema. At Seoul Incheon Airport, you’ll find a spa area with sauna and even an ice-skating rink. If you’re feeling sporty, Hamad International Airport in Doha offers a large gym or even a swimming pool. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Helsinki-Vantaa also feature spa and wellness areas if you wish to relax before your onward journey.
Art and culture enthusiasts also have plenty to discover:
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, for example, there is a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum with rotating art exhibitions. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hosts various art installations and exhibitions right within the terminals. Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow are also increasingly focusing on cultural offerings to make waiting times more enjoyable. If you prefer digital entertainment, many major airports offer free Wi-Fi, often complemented by multimedia lounges with gaming consoles or VR experiences.
Many airports also offer free city tours for long-haul transit passengers – for example in Istanbul or Doha – so you can get a glimpse of the city even beyond the airport, ideal if your layover lasts several hours.
And for those seeking peace and quiet, modern airports provide retreats such as sleep pods or quiet zones with comfortable loungers – as found in Helsinki or Frankfurt. Some airports, like San Francisco or Frankfurt, even have dedicated yoga rooms for anyone wanting to relax both body and mind between flights.
Here is our ranking of the world’s airports offering the best entertainment:
Singapore Changi (SIN): Butterfly garden, indoor waterfall (Jewel), free cinema.
Incheon (ICN): Spa, ice rink, Korean culture museum.
Doha Hamad (DOH): Gym, swimming pool, huge art displays.
Istanbul (IST): City tours, lounges, shopping.
Hong Kong (HKG): IMAX, green walls, art gallery.
Dubai (DXB): Luxury shopping, Zen garden, kids’ zones.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Rijksmuseum annex, casino.
San Francisco (SFO): Yoga rooms, aquarium, art installations.
Helsinki (HEL): Sleep pods, free sauna, art trails.
Tokyo Haneda (HND): Planetarium, anime shops, top-tier dining.
Many airports offer free city tours for long layovers (e.g. Istanbul, Doha), or rest areas, sleep pods, and even yoga rooms (Frankfurt, San Francisco).
Frequently asked questions about layovers
How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport?
Ideally, at least 5 to 6 hours. This allows time for immigration, transit, sightseeing, and returning early enough for check-in and security.
Can I leave the airport if I have a connecting flight?
Yes—you can leave the airport on a connecting flight, but only if you have enough time and the proper entry documents. Ensure your baggage is handled correctly and you’re back in time for boarding.
Can you leave the airport during a 3 hour layover?
Not recommended. A 3-hour layover is generally too short to leave the airport, especially on international routes. Stick to exploring the terminal or visiting a lounge.
Do you have to go through security again to make a connecting flight?
Only if you leave the transit area. If you remain airside (within the secure zone), you can usually proceed directly to your next gate. If you exit the airport, security and immigration checks are required again.
What happens if you miss your connecting flight?
If you missed your connecting flight and the layover was part of a single ticket, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight. If you booked separate tickets and miss your flight, you might need to buy a new one yourself.
What to do with luggage if you leave the airport on your layover?
If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you don’t need to worry. But if you’re flying on separate tickets or via countries like the USA, you’ll need to collect your baggage, clear customs, and re-check it before your next flight.
