The main difference between stopovers and layovers is the duration and purpose. Stopovers are extended breaks between flights, where a passenger usually leaves the airport to enjoy the location for more than 24 hours and then returns the next day to catch their connecting flight. Layovers are shorter stops, where a passenger stays in the connecting airport for no more than 4 hours for a domestic flight or less than 24 hours for an international one. Airlines like Iberia and Turkish Airlines offer specific stopover packages for travelers, while layovers are often included automatically in the ticket price.
Stopovers Explained
Stopovers are the longer of the two options. They occur when a traveler spends 24 hours or more in a connecting city before boarding the next leg of their journey. Unlike a brief layover, a stopover allows passengers to venture out of the airport and experience the city, rather than being stuck in the terminal for all that time. It’s like a little vacation in between flights.
For example, a traveler flying from Tokyo to London might schedule a 28-hour stopover in Dubai. This would give them the chance to experience Dubai before returning to the airport for their onward flight the next day.
What to Expect on a Stopover
When someone books a stopover, in most cases, they’ll leave the airport to see the city. But before you can do that, you first need to go through immigration like everyone else exiting. That means if any visas or immigration forms are required, you must have them, or you won’t be allowed to leave. Then you’ll need to clear customs. You should be familiar with the customs rules for that country and make sure you’re not carrying anything prohibited, or you could face a hefty fine. Based on your ticket type, you might not be able to collect your bags, so it’s wise to pack a few essentials separately just in case. Once all the boring stuff is out of the way, you’re free to check out the city until your next flight.
Airlines That Encourage Stopovers
While it’s possible to arrange a stopover without the help of an airline, some carriers out there provide dedicated stopover packages. These often include hotel bookings, airport transfers, and even curated experiences during your time on the ground, so everything is planned for you without having to make any reservations yourself. Here are a few of the most popular programs:
Layovers Explained
A layover is another way of describing a connecting flight, where a person has to stop in another city on the way to their final destination because there isn’t a direct option. For domestic flights, a layover typically lasts no longer than four hours, while for international flights, it’s usually 24 hours or less. During that layover, the passenger will get off one plane and wait inside the airport for their next flight, unlike a stopover, where they exit.
An easy way of understanding layovers is, let’s say, you wanted to fly from Athens to Mexico City, but there weren’t any direct flights. You could book a route with a layover for a few hours in Rome before continuing to CDMX.
What to Expect on a Layover
Layovers can be kind of intimidating if it’s your first time. The main thing people freak out about is missing their connection, but as long as you’re prepared, it’s no big deal.
After you disembark the plane, you’ll usually stay airside and follow the signs that say ‘connecting flights’ in the terminal. Depending on where you’re going, you might need to clear immigration and security again before getting through your departure gate. The annoying part is when your flights are on different tickets because then you’ve got to collect your bags and check in again. So if you can, try to stick to one ticket to keep things smooth.
What’s the Difference Between a Stopover and a Layover
Purpose
People go for stopovers and layovers for different reasons. A stopover is great if you want to sneak in a mini trip, while a layover is for those who just want to arrive at their destination as soon as possible.
Time
Time is one of the main differences between stopovers and layovers. Think of it like this: stopovers are long, usually for a day or more. On the other hand, layovers are short, not exceeding 24 hours.
Procedure
If a passenger decides to take advantage of a stopover, they’ll have to follow the same procedures as if the city were their final destination, clearing customs and security, then do it all again when they continue their journey. In comparison, with a layover, you can usually stay airside without going through all the extra hurdles.
Price
One thing people don’t always think about is how stopovers and layovers can affect your ticket price. Stopovers can sometimes cost more because airlines know travelers might be willing to pay extra for a longer break or extra perks. A handy way around this is using Kiwi’s multi-city feature, which lets you hit up multiple places on one itinerary, breaking up the legs separately. Layovers, on the other hand, are usually already built into the ticket price, so there’s no surprise fees there.
| Factor | Stopover (24+ hrs) | Layover (< 24 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Explore a new city, break up long travel | Get to final destination quickly |
| Procedure | Immigration + customs + re-check | Usually stay airside, less hassle |
| Cost | Sometimes extra (unless airline includes) | Usually included in ticket |
| Duration | 24 hours or more | A few hours up to 24 hours |
Deciding Between a Stopover and a Layover
If you have no choice but to make a stop in between flights, you’ll have to pick between a stopover and a layover. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but each appeals to different kinds of travelers. Here’s a breakdown:
Stopovers Are Great For
- Someone who wants to travel around a new city.
- People who suffer from jet lag on long-haul flights and want to break up the journey.
- Anybody traveling for business who has a brief meeting somewhere before advancing to another place.
Layovers Are Great For
- A person in a hurry to reach their final stop quickly, with no time to waste.
- Individuals traveling on a tight budget who are looking for all kinds of different ways to reduce the cost of their flights.
Stopover or Layover: What’s the Right Fit for You?
Stopovers and layovers both have their place, but which one fits best for your upcoming trip? Is the adventurous side of you saying, ‘Let’s sneak in another city break before heading back home,’ or is the practical side insisting, ‘Get back as fast as you can’? Only you can decide.
Do I have to get off the plane during a layover?
In most cases, passengers need to disembark the aircraft during a layover and find their departure gate to catch their connecting flight. In rare cases, when the same plane continues to a passenger’s final destination, some airlines may allow everybody to stay on board. If you’re ever unsure about the procedure for your flight, check with the cabin crew for guidance before takeoff.
What happens to my luggage during a stopover?
The rules differ according to the tickets you purchased. If you booked all the legs of the trip with one airline, most airlines will check your bags through to your final destination. However, whenever you book an itinerary with multiple legs and airlines, you may need to recheck your bags. Keep in mind that each airline has its own procedures, so always confirm the details with the check-in agent at the first airport.
Are stopovers free?
If you went through an airline and paid extra for a stopover package, then no, the stopover won’t be free. But if you used a multicity feature on a third-party site, a stopover can be free. Don’t forget that some airlines, like Turkish Airlines, do offer free stopovers with a place to stay included.
How much time is enough for a layover?
It depends on factors like the airport’s layout, security procedures, and possible risks. Generally, 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to catch a connecting flight during a layover, but sometimes, like with a domestic layover, you might need less time if the airport isn’t big. That said, everyone’s situation is different, so choose the option that works for your plans.