Expert tips on maximizing your layover experience

Layovers are a common part of air travel. Most flyers will eventually find themselves with a significant amount of time at the airport between flights. However, with the right approach, planning activities for your layover can turn into an enjoyable segment of your journey.

Deciding whether to unwind in an airport lounge, shop for local treasures, or even venture out to explore a nearby city depends on your available time, the airport in question, and your personal interests. 

For ideas on how to spend your layover, along with valuable insights for optimizing your time, I’ve drawn from my extensive experience as a travel journalist and highlighted important factors for your upcoming lengthy layover. With the right planning, it could transform into a memorable highlight rather than a tedious wait.

How to make the most of a layover?

Before planning your activities during a layover, it’s essential to know how much time you have between flights. If your layover is less than three hours, it’s best to stay at the airport. There simply won’t be enough time to leave, experience anything meaningful, and return through security in time for your connecting flight.

With longer layovers of six hours or more, you’ll have many more options for activities. However, keep in mind other crucial considerations as you plan. These include:

• potential delays of your incoming flight,
• the time it takes to get through security (pro tip: this can vary throughout the day, especially during busy travel periods like Friday afternoons),
• and the distance between your gates within the airport. 

How to spend a short layover (under 3 hours)?

Depending on your airline, domestic flights usually come with shorter layovers. For international flights, a layover of three hours or less might not provide enough time for anything beyond a quick meal and a restroom stop before boarding. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy during a three-hour layover to maximize your time. 

Prioritize wellness

In line with the global wellness trend, many airports are now providing areas specifically designed for passenger relaxation. San Francisco International was the pioneer in 2012, introducing a free yoga room (which has since expanded). You can also find yoga rooms at New York’s JFK, Chicago O’Hare, and Miami International, among others.

Relax in an airport lounge

For many frequent flyers, airport lounges are the go-to option for passing the time during a lengthy layover. The quality of lounges can vary greatly, but typically, you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks (often including alcoholic options) in quieter, more private settings away from the hustle of crowded terminals.

Passengers can access lounges through various means. One way is via airline membership programs, which are becoming more exclusive. Another option is through credit card benefits (my current card offers access to Priority Pass, a network of over 1,400 independent lounges globally). Lastly, travelers can purchase a day pass, though availability has become more limited as lounges grow in popularity. 

Shop until you drop

While some airport shops and chains may feel similar no matter where you are, savvy travelers recognize that airports in certain cities—like Dubai, New York, and Paris—offer shopping experiences so enticing they’re worth visiting in their own right. 

Additionally, on international trips, you can benefit from duty-free shopping, meaning you won’t pay taxes (or duty) on those purchases.

How to spend a medium-long layover (up to 6 hours)?

The good news: six hours provides a comfortable buffer in case your first flight is delayed or even canceled. The downside: spending six hours in an airport can feel lengthy, especially if you arrived early at your starting point. Here’s how to optimize your time.

Fit in a workout

Several major international airports, such as Dubai, Vancouver, and Chicago O’Hare, feature gyms and wellness centers, either as independent facilities or as part of nearby hotels. Make sure to check the hours of operation ahead of time, and keep in mind that most facilities charge a fee.

If your connecting airport lacks such a facility, don’t worry. Airports are great places to get in your daily steps, which is one of my favorite activities during a layover. To increase your step count, skip the escalators and moving walkways—just start walking. I’m often pleasantly surprised at how quickly those steps add up.

Appreciate some art

Amid the hustle and bustle of an airport, it’s easy to miss the fantastic (and often free) art offerings like museums and exhibits on site.

At Amsterdam Schiphol, travelers who haven’t had the chance to visit the Rijksmuseum should check out its smaller yet remarkable outpost located between Lounges 2 and 3. This mini museum features a rotating display of original works by Dutch masters, thoughtfully arranged behind glass. The free exhibit is open 24 hours and includes a high-quality gift shop.

Other European airports, such as Rome-Fiumicino, Athens, and Cyprus, also feature small but well-curated exhibits that highlight their unique cultural heritage. 

In the U.S., the public art at SFO is likely to impress, as it’s curated by the renowned San Francisco Arts Commission. Aviation enthusiasts should explore the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, which provides an intriguing glimpse into the history of aviation.

Enjoy a gourmet meal

Fortunately, travelers no longer have to settle for soggy sandwiches or vending machine snacks while at the airport. Dining options have significantly improved in recent years, particularly in international terminals. Major hubs like Japan’s Haneda, New York-JFK, Singapore Changi, and Dallas-Fort Worth boast world-class dining experiences, making it a delightful way to pass the time. 

Recently, food lovers have been buzzing about the reopening of Classified, United Airlines’ exclusive fine-dining restaurant at Newark International. By invitation only, it’s a highly sought-after reservation and a fantastic way to spend a layover at EWR.

How to make the most of a long layover (12 hours)?

Once you reach the 12-hour mark, you’ve officially entered long layover territory. It’s wise to plan ahead for how to spend your time, allowing you to make necessary reservations or organize a strategy for leaving the airport.

Get some rest

For late-night or early-morning arrivals, it's smart to head directly to the nearest hotel for some rest. While airport hotels can be on the expensive side, booking a room in advance may help you save money. 

Additionally, solo travelers can benefit from a growing selection of napping rooms or sleep pods. These options, available at many major airports with long-haul flights, provide serene (if compact) spaces to catch up on sleep.

Explore the city

For adventurous travelers pondering what to do during a 12-hour layover, the answer is straightforward: leave the airport and discover some local attractions.

Top cities for a layover

If you’re contemplating what to do during a 9-hour layover (or even longer), venturing outside the airport is a common thought. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all cities are ideal for exploration within a tight timeframe. 

The best destinations provide easy access through public transportation and offer numerous nearby attractions to enjoy within a limited timeframe. Before you exit the airport, ensure you leave ample time to go through security and reach your gate in time for your connecting flight. 

Reykjavik

Recently, the capital has emerged as a favored layover destination for travelers, whether for a quick day visit or an extended stay. The Blue Lagoon is an essential experience for any itinerary. With several bus and shuttle services available from both airports to this attraction, you can unwind and relieve any travel tension in about an hour.

Lisbon

Amsterdam

With direct train and bus connections linking the city center to Schiphol, Amsterdam is incredibly easy to navigate. There’s an abundance of activities to enjoy during a layover in Amsterdam: take a scenic boat ride through its canals, visit a renowned museum, or embark on a cycling tour of this biking haven.

Make sure to leave ample time to get back to Schiphol, clear security, and, if needed, go through customs and immigration. The airport has been facing staff shortages lately, leading to long wait times, something I’ve personally experienced as a local. The airport’s app is a valuable tool for checking wait times and allows you to reserve a time slot for security lines, a feature available at other airports as well.

San Francisco

Thanks to public transportation providing direct routes to the city center, SFO travelers can find themselves admiring the Golden Gate Bridge in no time. Just purchase a ticket for BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, and within about 30 minutes, you’ll be indulging in the many attractions of the City by the Bay.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to turn a long layover into a mini vacation, consider airlines like KLM, Tap Air Portugal, and Emirates, which offer programs that let travelers explore a connecting city for several days. Known as stopover programs, these options typically come at no additional cost. Just be sure to research if you choose this route and be mindful of visa requirements and other logistical aspects (like needing to bring checked baggage with you).

Some of our top flight routes

• Flights to New York
• Flights to Las Vegas
• Flights to Los Angeles
• Flights to Orlando
• Flights to Denver