An extensive guide to understanding layovers
No matter your destination, there are numerous flying tips that apply universally. However, itineraries with layovers come with their own set of considerations.
Even if you’re well-acquainted with what a layover is (and the difference between a layover and a stopover), you might not have all the insights on how to turn what could be an inconvenience into a valuable experience.
What exactly is a layover?
A layover refers to the brief time passengers spend changing planes en route to their final destination. While the duration of layovers can vary between domestic and international flights, the concept is consistent: a break of less than a day is typically classified as a layover.
Travelers might also encounter these as connecting flights. While airline staff differentiate between layovers and connections that include overnight stays, passengers don’t need to worry about this distinction. For the average traveler, layover and connection are used interchangeably.
How does a layover function?
Layovers occur when travelers must change flights on their journey to the final destination. This process involves disembarking from one plane and later boarding another, which can increase the likelihood of disruptions to your travel plans, particularly if your initial flight is delayed.
Many travelers prefer direct flights whenever possible to bypass the hassle and extra time associated with connecting flights. However, flights with layovers are frequently more affordable than nonstop options.
What’s the process for booking a flight with a layover?
If you prefer a flight with a layover—perhaps to break up a long travel day—it’s simple to explore options on Dinogo. When reviewing the flight results, you can select nonstop, one-stop, or multiple-stop flights by checking (or unchecking) the filter box on the left side of your search results.
How can I book a flight without a layover?
Booking a direct flight is just as straightforward as booking one with a layover. During your search, simply tick the box labeled “Direct Flights Only” to find flights without layovers. Alternatively, you can leave the box unchecked to compare prices between nonstop flights and those with layovers.
What constitutes a stopover?
A layover becomes a stopover when it extends for a longer duration. For domestic flights, this is typically considered to be anything over 4 hours.
For international flights, a stopover is generally recognized when the break lasts 24 hours or more. In such cases, passengers are usually not expected to stay at the airport and often retrieve their luggage to stay overnight in a hotel before returning to the airport for the continuation of their journey.
What distinguishes a layover from a stopover?
The primary distinction between a layover and a stopover is the duration; a layover is typically shorter, and most travelers remain in the airport during layovers, especially those lasting just a few hours. In contrast, stopovers encourage passengers to leave the airport, as the gap between connecting flights is usually 24 hours or more.
Five frequently asked questions about layovers, addressed by an aviation expert.
In this section, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about layovers, ensuring you start your next journey well-informed and inspired.
1. Are you required to get off the plane during a layover?
Typically, yes. You’ll exit your initial flight (don’t forget your belongings!), spend your layover within the airport (or, if time permits, maybe venture out for a brief exploration), and then board your next flight.
The rare exception occurs when you’re on a flight that stops without a plane change. This sometimes happens on long-haul flights needing to refuel (though passengers may need to disembark during the refueling).
2. Must you go through customs during a layover?
If your journey includes international destinations, then yes. For instance, returning to the U.S. from overseas, you’ll go through passport control at your first U.S. entry point. So if you have a connecting flight at your first U.S. stop after traveling abroad, you’ll need to clear customs during your layover.
The same general guideline applies when traveling from the U.S. to another country with a layover. Usually, you’ll go through customs at your first destination. For example, if you’re flying from Boston to Paris with a layover in Amsterdam, you’ll clear customs at Amsterdam Schiphol but not again upon arriving in Paris.
3. What constitutes a layover airport?
A layover airport is simply the airport where you will spend your layover period. It’s also the location where you will board your connecting flight.
4. Will you need to check in again for the connecting flight during a layover?
For your connecting flight during a layover, there’s no need to check in again, even for international journeys.
When you check in for your initial flight, it covers all the connecting flights included in your itinerary.
5. How does baggage handling work during a layover?
The key factors affecting how luggage is managed on a layover include whether your trip is domestic or international, and whether you’re checking a bag or just using carry-on luggage.
If you’re only using carry-on luggage, it’s straightforward: you’ll keep all your bags with you for the entire journey, whether it's international or domestic.
If you’re checking a bag on a domestic flight within the U.S., you’ll check it at your departure airport and retrieve it from baggage claim at your final destination. (The exception is if you booked separate tickets with different airlines, in which case you’d need to collect your bag and go through check-in and security again.)
Checking a bag for your international flight can get a bit tricky. If you’re heading to a European destination within the Schengen Area, your luggage will usually be checked straight through to your final stop. In this case, you won’t need to reclaim it during your layover.
However, as is often the case with air travel, rules can change frequently. Always verify with your airline to ensure you know what’s required for your journey.
How this guide was developed
As a frequent traveler, I take an average of 120 flights each year, flying weekly for many years. While layovers aren’t daily occurrences for me, they certainly happen every week. I’ve merged my extensive layover experiences with Dinogo’s valuable tips and resources to create this guide for you.
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