If you’ve ever been stuck at the airport waiting on a flight, then this post is for you. I’ve spent countless hours scouring the internet to find airlines with the best routes to make sure I have the shortest travel time as possible for my international flights. Direct flights are always best, but a long international layover in the right destination could deliver an unexpected adventure.
We all know that flight connections are the gateway to lost luggage, missed connections, long layovers and delayed flights. For most of us, the ideal travel day is one where you leave your house and arrive in your destination with zero hiccups along the way. I missed a connection between Barcelona and Madrid and ended up spending another 5 hours wandering aimlessly through an international airport. But that was a long time ago. With my new travel knowledge, I would have handled that totally different had I known better.
If you’ve ever felt stuck during a long layover, I have a strategy for international layovers that could turn that downtime into an unforgettable mini adventure. When planned right, a layover could be the thing you never knew you needed.
Maximizing Your International Layover: Insider Tips
There are two types of layovers, planned and unplanned. Unplanned layovers happen when you think everything is going well and out of no where there is a weather or mechanical issue that leaves you stuck. If you are lucky, it’s resolved quickly and you are on your way. But that’s not always the case. Some issues leave you grounded overnight. These can suck. But keep reading for simple, actionable steps to make every minute of your layover count.
The planned layovers happen when you knowingly book a flight with a very long connection. Perhaps to save a few dollars on your airfare. These are the best. With the right planning, you can have an unforgettable adventure. Keep reading and I’ll share how you can turn these type of layovers into a launchpad for your next adventure.
The Interruption of Everything!
You are all ready for your flight and you get the dreaded “flight delayed” or worse “flight cancelled” notification pops up. These are the worst, especially when you have limited time to spare. What you do when you are notified will inform how you move forward. First, don’t panic.
After you’ve taken care of the basics (indicated in the slides) you are now free to explore. If you have access to a map of the airport facilities, look for the nearest lounge. It doesn’t matter if you have a membership. While not advertised, many airport lounges have limited seating for non members. You just have to pay a nominal fee to enter.
Most lounges will have food, beverages, internet access and comfy seating. The better lounges will have the basics plus napping facilities, showers and some even have a gym/spa. Just be warned they sometimes will limit the amount of time you can stay. Typically it’s 2-3 hours.
If the delay turns into an overnight stay, get out of the airport as quickly as possible. Most airport facilities do not operate 24hours. At a certain time, all you will have access to are vending machines, bathrooms and water. So you want to leave the airport, check into a hotel and enjoy a meal that didn’t come from a vending machine.
Of course some airports have connected hotels. Just know that those go quickly especially when there is a major delay. That said, you shouldn’t waste time if you learn that you will have an unexpected overnight delay. And if you have done your research, you know exactly what facilities are available and will be ahead of the crowd.
Pro Tip: When you are booking your travel, check out the connecting airport and nearest city. It may be irrelevant or more important than you think!
Making the Most of a Planned International Layover
Planned layovers give you a few more options than unplanned ones. In these instances you are in control of what happens during this time. To be clear, not all options include hanging out in the airport. Here are a few tips that will help you make your layover epic. But only if you plan in advance.
Understand Visa and Entry Requirements
If you are planning a visit outside of the airport on your extended international layover, you should know that some countries require transit visas even for short layovers, while others allow visa-free entry for brief periods.
Make sure you check specific country regulations to avoid unexpected issues during layovers.
If you are planning to leave the airport, don’t be overly aggressive with your itinerary. Keep in mind, you will be coming off or a long flight with potentially another long flight ahead of you. So keep the plans light, unless you will be doing an official stopover which brings me to the next tip.
Research Stopover Programs
Did you know that some airlines offer free stopover programs? Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and quite a few others give you the option of spending up to 72 hours at another destination at no additional cost.
So if you’ve somehow scored a great deal on Turkish Airlines flight to Tanzania, you can stop in Istanbul for a couple of days and explore Turkey. They have even been known to include free accommodations and a tour of Istanbul with their program.
That means you can have two trips in one. Instead of wasting a day chilling in an airport on your international layover, you can break up a long journey with an overnight or a few nights stay in a cool destination.
Plan an Excursion Outside the Airport
This can be a bit tricky with visa requirements, etc but if you have enough time, you can spend the day in the layover city exploring. When passing through Doha,Qatar I noted there are tour companies that offer day tours from the airport with guarantees to get you back in time for your flight.
Instead of sitting in the airport waiting on time to pass, you could be having a cultural adventure in a country you’ve never explored.
If you choose this option, pay really close attention to travel times as they relate to your connecting flight time. Opt for fast, reliable transportation to minimize hiccups along the way. And keep in mind that you will need to go through immigration upon your return, so build in time for that. It’s all fun until you miss the connection because you didn’t factor in traffic or long lines for security.
Research airport amenities
If you are nervous about leaving the airport, then you should at least have fun in the airport you will be calling home for the next few hours.
Some airports are designed for layovers. Changi Airport in Singapore airport has a full park inside. People have been known to connect through this airport just to get the cool photos. Others have art installations, viewing decks and let’s not forget some amazing duty free shopping.
I took advantage of a 7 hour layover in Doha to indulge in some airport window shopping, have a delicious meal in the lounge and get a full 1 hour massage. It was the break I needed before jumping back on an airplane for another 12 hours. If you fill your time shopping, keep in mind you still have to meet the airline carry on requirements even if you purchase in the airport.
Pro Tip: Look for places where you can store your luggage safely while you explore the airport. It makes wandering a whole lot easier when you are not dragging a suitcase or heavy bag around with you.
My Perspective
International layovers, don’t have to steal your momentum or ruin your trip. Think of them as the gift that you never knew you needed. It’s an opportunity to relax and get you in the vacation mode or the break you needed to stand up for a few hours between long flights. Plan ahead and make sure you understand what options you have.
Ultimately, it all comes down to time and money. If you have enough time and a few extra dollars to spend on an adjacent holiday, then do it. Worst scenario, you get to explore another airport in a different country and explore local cuisine.
Ready to turn layovers into epic adventures? Subscribe for more insider travel tips and travel hacks to make your international travel dreams a reality.
FAQs About Maximizing International Layovers
Q: How can I ensure I don’t miss my connecting flight?
A: Always leave ample time for security and transit. Use reliable transportation options and keep an eye on real-time updates through airport apps to avoid any last-minute rushes.
Q: What’s the most important thing to do during a layover?
A: The most important thing is to plan ahead. Research your airport and nearby attractions so you can use your time efficiently and enjoy a stress-free mini-adventure.
Discover more from TwoBlackTravelers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
