Wherever you’re heading next, there are many tips for flying that are fairly universal. But some itineraries, like those with layovers, introduce additional considerations.
Even if you already know exactly what a layover is (and even what is the difference between a layover and a stopover), you may not have all the intel on how to transform it from an inconvenience into a bonus.
In this post
What is a layover?
What is a stopover?
What is the difference between a layover and a stopover?
Layover planning checklist
Common questions about layovers
What is a layover?
For passengers, a layover occurs when you briefly change planes on your way to your final destination. While the normal duration of time spent between flights can change between domestic and international layovers, the principle remains the same: A break of less than a day is almost always a layover.
Passengers may also see these called connecting flights. These definitions change for airline employees when layovers become connections with overnight breaks, but passengers do not need to consider this distinction. For the common traveler, layover and connection are interchangeable terms.
Know your layovers
- Layover: A connection between flights where the time between arrival and departure is typically under 24 hours (international) or under 4 hours (domestic).
- Connection: Often used interchangeably with layover.
- Stopover: A longer break between flights – typically 4+ hours on domestic trips or 24+ hours on international ones.
How does a layover work?
Layovers happen when passengers have to change flights en route to their final destination. This step requires passengers to disembark and then later board another aircraft, and it can increase the chance of disruptions to your itinerary, especially if your original flight is delayed.
Many travelers prefer to take direct flights when possible to avoid the hassle and extra time that come with connecting ones. However, flights with layovers are often cheaper than nonstop flights.
How to book a flight with a layover on KAYAK?
If you prefer a flight with a layover – say, you want to break up a long day of flying – it’s easy to find options on KAYAK. When you compare the flight results, you can choose between nonstop, one or 2+ stops simply by selecting (or unselecting) the filter box to the left of your search results.
How to book a flight without a layover on KAYAK?
It’s as easy as booking a flight with a layover. When you start your search, simply check the box that says “Direct Flights Only” to find flights without a layover. Alternatively, you can also complete your search without checking that box to compare prices between nonstop flights and flights with layovers.
What is a stopover?
When a layover becomes lengthy, it verges into stopover territory. For domestic flights, this is generally considered anything over 4 hours.
International itineraries, meanwhile, don’t typically reach stopover territory until the break extends to 24 hours or more. In these cases, passengers are rarely expected to remain in the airport, and will generally retrieve their luggage and stay overnight at a hotel before returning to the airport for the rest of their onward journeys.
What is the difference between a layover and a stopover?
The biggest difference between a layover and a stopover is that a layover is much shorter, and most passengers do not leave the airport during a layover, especially for those that are just a few hours long.
With stopovers, meanwhile, leaving the airport is the whole idea, since the time between connecting flights is usually 24 hours or longer.
| Layover | Stopover | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Under 4 hours (domestic) Under 24 hours (international) | 4+ hours (domestic) 24+ hours (international) |
| Leave airport? | Usually no | Yes – that’s the point |
| Planned vs. required | Often required by routing | Usually intentionally scheduled |
Layover planning checklist
Before your next trip with a connection, run through this quick checklist to set yourself up for success:
- Check minimum connection time (MCT): Airlines set minimum times needed between flights – typically 45-90 minutes domestic and 1-3 hours international. Don’t cut it too close.
- Know your terminals: Will you need to change terminals? Factor in extra time for shuttles or walks.
- Understand your customs situation: If entering a new country, you’ll clear immigration at your first port of entry.
- Confirm baggage handling: Check whether your bags are checked through or if you’ll need to collect and recheck them.
- Have a backup plan: Know what happens if you miss your connection.
Common questions about layovers answered.
Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about layovers so that you’ll embark on your next trip armed with both information and inspiration.
A layover airport is the airport where you’ll spend your layover. You can also think of it as the airport where you’ll catch your connecting flight.
Almost always. You’ll disembark your original flight (make sure you don’t forget anything!), spend your layover in the airport (or, if you have enough time, perhaps leave for some quick exploration), and board your next flight.
The rare exception is when you’re on a flight that has a stop but no plane change. This happens on some occasions on long-haul flights where an aircraft needs to refuel (however, passengers may be required to disembark during the refueling process).
If your trip involves international destinations, yes. Here’s how it typically works:
- Returning to the U.S. from abroad: You’ll pass through passport control at your first port of entry. So if you have a connecting flight at your first U.S. destination after being abroad, you’ll go through customs on your layover.
- Traveling from the U.S. to another country: In most cases, you’ll clear customs at your first international destination. For example, if you’re flying from Boston to Paris via Amsterdam, you’ll go through customs in Amsterdam Schiphol but won’t need to again when you arrive in Paris.
- Within the Schengen Area: If you’re traveling between the 27 countries where border controls have been abolished, you won’t need to pass through customs or passport control. However, you will need to complete that step if you’re traveling to a country outside the Schengen Area.
For your connecting flight on a layover, you do not have to check in again, even for international flights. When you check in for your trip at your originating flight, that takes care of all the connecting flights on your itinerary.
- Carry-on only: You’ll keep all your bags with you throughout your trip, whether domestic or international.
- Checked bag on a domestic U.S. flight: You’ll check it at your originating airport and pick it up at baggage claim at your final destination. (Exception: If you booked two separate tickets with different airlines, you’d need to grab your bag and start the check-in process over again.)
- Checked bag on an international trip: If you’re traveling to a European country within the Schengen Area, your bag will usually be checked to your final destination. But rules can change, so confirm with your airline.
