How to Make the Most of a Long Layover

A long layover does not have to be hours of fluorescent boredom. Handled well, it can be a comfortable rest, a chance to recharge, or even a bonus mini-trip into a city you never planned to visit. The key is to decide in advance how you want to use the time and to prepare for it before you fly.

Here is how to turn a long layover into one of the better parts of your journey.

Decide whether to leave the airport

The first question is whether to stay airside or head out into the city. The answer depends on your time, your visa and your energy.

• Check whether your nationality needs a transit or entry visa.
• Make sure you have enough time to clear immigration both ways.
• Factor in travel time to and from the city centre.
• Consider how tired you are and how long your onward flight is.

Plan a mini city trip

If you have six hours or more and the paperwork allows, a short city visit can be a real highlight. A little planning makes it stress-free.

• Pick one or two nearby sights rather than trying to see everything.
• Use fast, reliable airport transport like a train or metro.
• Keep your essentials with you and store the rest in left luggage.
• Set a firm return time with a generous buffer before your flight.

Make the airport work for you

Sometimes staying inside is the smarter choice. Modern airports offer far more than a row of gates, so explore what is available.

• Find quiet rest zones, sleep pods or recliners to nap.
• Visit a lounge, which you can often pay to enter for showers and food.
• Refresh with a shower, a change of clothes and a meal.
• Use the time to charge devices and back up your photos.

Stay comfortable and rested

Long waits are tiring, so protecting your comfort and rest pays off when you reach your destination. Treat the layover as recovery time.

• Carry an eye mask, earplugs and a light layer for sleeping.
• Stay hydrated and eat a proper meal rather than just snacks.
• Walk around regularly to keep your circulation going.
• Avoid heavy caffeine if you are trying to sleep before a night flight.

Get organised for the next leg

A layover is a useful pause to sort out the rest of your journey, so you board the next flight calm and prepared.

• Confirm your onward gate and any terminal changes.
• Re-check your boarding pass and document requirements.
• Sort out connectivity, such as activating an eSIM for arrival.
• Set an alarm so a nap does not turn into a missed flight.

Handle your luggage smartly

Luggage logistics can make or break a layover, especially if you plan to leave the airport. Knowing where your bags are removes a lot of worry.

• Check whether your bags are checked through to your final destination.
• Use airport left-luggage storage if you want to explore unburdened.
• Keep valuables, documents and medication with you at all times.
• Confirm where to collect bags if you must re-check them for the next leg.

Watch the clock carefully

The single biggest layover mistake is misjudging time. Build in margins so nothing goes wrong, whether you venture out or stay put.

• Always know your boarding time, not just your departure time.
• Allow extra time for security and immigration queues.
• Keep an eye on flight status in case of gate changes.
• Head back to the gate area well before boarding starts.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a layover be before I leave the airport?

As a rough guide, aim for at least six hours so you have time to clear immigration both ways, travel to the city and back, and still return with a comfortable buffer. Shorter layovers are usually better spent resting inside the airport.

Do I need a visa to leave the airport during a layover?

Often yes, depending on your nationality and the country. Some places offer visa-free transit or special transit visas, while others require a full entry visa to leave the airport. Always check the specific rules for that country before planning a city visit.

What is the best way to sleep during a long layover?

Look for designated quiet zones, recliners or sleep pods, or pay to use a lounge with comfortable seating. Bring an eye mask and earplugs, keep your valuables secure on your body, and set an alarm so you do not oversleep and miss your connection.

Choose layovers wisely when you book

The best way to enjoy a layover is to plan for it before you even buy your ticket. A little forethought at the booking stage turns connections from a chore into an opportunity.

• Look for connections through airports known for good facilities.
• Avoid uncomfortably tight connections that risk a missed flight.
• Consider a deliberately long layover to break up an exhausting route.
• Some airlines offer free or discounted stopover programmes worth exploring.

With a clear plan and a careful eye on the clock, a long layover stops being dead time and becomes a genuine bonus, whether you spend it resting in comfort or exploring somewhere new. Approached the right way, those in-between hours can become a small, unexpected highlight of the whole journey rather than something simply to be endured.