Are you about to take a long-haul flight and dreading a long layover? You’re not alone. Many people find long layovers inconvenient and annoying, but don’t let them ruin your vacation or even your travel days! Believe it or not, there are many options available when it comes to how to spend your time during a layover. So if you’re wondering, can you leave the airport during your layover between flights? The answer is usually yes and it is a great way that you can make the most of your time in transit.
I’ll cover the guidelines related to particular destinations so that you know exactly what’s allowed before boarding your next flight. There are definitely important factors to consider before walking out the airport doors.
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
What Is a Layover and How Long Does It Last
A layover is a common occurrence during air travel. A layover is what happens when a person has to wait between flights while traveling. It’s often used when connecting two flights to get you to your final destination.
A layover can range in duration from minutes to multiple days! Whether a person experiences a long layover or short layover depends on the airports they’re connecting through, their airline, and the route they’re taking. Flights with really long layovers are often cheaper than direct flights or flights with short layovers.
Air travelers sometimes use a longer layover as an opportunity to see new places, allowing them to experience more than just the airport during their journey.
Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover
Layovers can be difficult when you’re traveling by plane, often lengthening your trip long past what it could otherwise be. But did you know that in some cases, you can actually leave the airport during a layover? Many airports allow people to do this provided they can make it back in time for their connecting flight. Even a short visit in a layover destination can be full of fun. So next time you take to the skies, don’t let your layovers weigh on your mind – with a little preparation, it can turn into an opportunity for sightseeing and exploration!
Leaving the Airport for a Layover during a Domestic Flight
Can you leave the airport during a layover during a domestic flight? Yes! Even during a domestic flight you can leave the airport in between flights.
A domestic layover can be just as fun as an international one, especially if there is time to reach the city and do a little sightseeing. This can provide an opportunity to explore a new city or get something to eat away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Be aware that you will still have to go through security again upon returning. Make sure to give yourself enough time for this process so that you can make it back to your gate for your connecting flight!
Leaving the Airport for a Layover During an International Flight
International flights often come with layovers in major cities and perhaps even countries you have never visited. This can be the perfect opportunity to see a new country on your travels with no added cost to you. Some airlines even offer stopovers, a day or two long layover, in the country they are based out of for free!
If you’re going on an international flight and have a long layover, why not make the most of your time and leave the airport? Leaving the airport during a layover to explore the city or country you stopped in is a great way to stretch your travel legs and get a sampling of a new place. So whether it’s for just an hour or two in the city or for a longer excursion, leaving the airport during a layover can really enhance your international experience!
More Helpful Flight Tips and Tricks:
- Flight Essentials You Need When Traveling by Airplane
- How to Spend a Long Layover in Amsterdam, Holland
- How to Spend a Long Layover in New York City (Coming Soon)
Considerations to Make Before Leaving the Airport During a Layover
When faced with a long layover, often travelers may consider leaving the airport to explore their destination city, but there are various considerations you should take into account first.
Length of Layover
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when planning to leave the airport during a layover is how long your layover is. If it is too short of a layover then you risk missing your second flight and you would have to purchase a new plane ticket out of pocket to reach your final destination. And who knows when the next available flight is!
Things like long lines at security, transportation and customs processes can leave you without as much time as you originally planned on. Budget in extra time beyond what you need IF everything goes smoothly.
Time of Day
Another point to consider is the time of day you layover takes place. If your layover is in the middle of the night most sights close and public transportation becomes more infrequent. Plus it is less safe to be out at night wandering the streets especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
If you are hoping to leave the airport during your layover, a daytime layover will work much better.
Luggage
Furthermore, it is worth noting that you have to figure out what to do with your luggage during your layover. You must find a place for your luggage or keep it with you when exploring or else it will be seen as abandoned at the airport.
If you check your bags through to your final destination then you won’t have anything to worry about. A few select countries require that you always collect your checked luggage when going through customs. However, if you can’t recheck them right away this may be an issue.
If that is the case or you are traveling with carry-on luggage only them there are a couple other solutions. Some airports offer storage lockers for a very affordable price where you can leave luggage when you leave the airport.
If not, them you can check LuggageHero.com to see if any hotels in your layover city allow you to drop off your luggage for the day while you explore. The price is very affordable and this will allow you to explore without lugging your luggage around. Just make sure you factor in the time to drop off and pick up your suitcase into the time you have available to explore during your layover.
Visa Laws
Additionally, if you are traveling internationally you should make sure to know the visa laws of the country you are entering. This will depend on your passport, the country and the length of your stay.
In some countries for short visits your passport essentially is your visa, meaning you do not have to obtain one. This visa-free entry is a great perk offered with certain passports. For other countries you will be required to get a transit visa or a tourist visa either in advance or upon arrival. There will be fees associated with a visa and these fees vary by country. Make sure you look up the visa requirements ahead of time if you are trying to leave the airport during a layover.
Customs and Immigrations
Don’t forget that when you leave the airport during an international layover, if it is a different country than your country of origin you will be going through customs and immigration. This will take extra time that needs to be taken into account when planning your outing and deciding if you have enough time to leave the airport.
All these considerations are important whenever considering leaving an airport during a layover and will help ensure a more enjoyable experience while away from home.
Read More:
- Best Way to Pack Makeup for Travel on a Plane
- TSA Airport Security Tips and Guidelines
- Leaving Home Checklist: Things to Do Before Leaving on Vacation
How Long Should a Layover be to Leave the Airport?
When considering leaving the airport for a few hours during your layover, it is important to plan and factor in all the necessary details. As I mentioned before, before leaving, you should consider how long it would take to get through airport security and customs both leaving and returning for your flights – this can actually take up quite a bit of time! Additionally, if you plan on leaving the airport and exploring the city, you have to assess the amount of time it will take to get into the city center, as well as transit back to the airport prior to your next flight. Airports are not always close to the major cities they are named for.
As a general rule of thumb, I recommended that passengers have at least a 5-6 hour layover in order to comfortably leave the airport if they choose. Certain factors may mean you need a longer or shorter time frame. But that is a good amount of time to start considering leaving the airport during a layover. An 8-9 hour layover time is almost always plenty of time to leave the airport and an overnight layover leaves even more leeway.
Ways to Pass Time at the Airport During a Layover
If you only have a relatively short time during your flight layovers then your best option is to stay in the airport. No one likes a layover, but being stuck in an airport for hours doesn’t have to be a total drag. There are plenty of ways to pass the time during your layover even if you can’t leave the airport.
You can treat yourself to a meal at an airport restaurant – it can sometimes be a great chance to enjoy the local cuisine of your layover! Another option is to explore the airport and see what lounges are available, they often offer extra comforts such as food and drink, reading materials or sometimes games or nap rooms. Access to airport lounges is one of my favorite perks from travel credit cards.
If you’re feeling adventurous go for a stroll – many airports have walking paths or famous artwork worth checking out. Shopping is also an option, duty free stores or souvenirs can make great gifts for friends and family back home.
Not feeling energetic? Some airports offer nap pods or even movie theaters. However you decide to spend your time at the airport, make sure you enjoy it as much as you can and that you’ll be ready to embark on your journey when it’s finally time to fly onward!
Leaving the Airport During a Layover
In conclusion, depending on where you are going and how long your layover is will determine if you can leave the airport during a layover or not. Whether you’re on a domestic or international flight, be sure to consider all the factors before deciding to walk out of the airport doors. Domestic flights tend to have shorter layovers in general but if you have enough time, you are welcome to leave the airport.
For international flights regulations from each country vary so make sure you check details like visas ahead of time. All in all, if your layover is longer than 5-6 hours, it may be worth giving yourself some time away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
These factors aside make sure that your time outside the airport fits into your travel itinerary otherwise a missed flight could make for an undesirable vacation experience. Would you ever leave the airport during a layover? Let me know your thoughts!
