Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover? Here’s Everything You Should Know

Can you leave the airport during a layover? A most commonly asked question when it comes to a long stay at the airport.

The simple answer to this query is YES. You can leave the airport during a layover. However, it depends on various factors –  Is it a domestic or international connection? How long is the layover? What are the re-entry guidelines? What are international flight layover rules? And more!

To avoid confusion and help you understand the entire procedure, here are some tips that you should follow. 

What is Layover?

Layover refers to the time you spend at the airport in your itinerary during connecting flights. In other words, when you wait to board a new flight from another airport after getting off a plane is known as a layover. 

Things to Consider Before Leaving the Airport During a Layover

1. Is It a Domestic or International Flight?

With domestic connections, you can easily leave the airport. No visa is required because you’ll already be in the country legally. For instance, if you are traveling from New York to Chicago and you have a layover in Orlando, you’ll be able to exit the airport without any visa concerns. 

However, the scenario is different in international travel. You require a visa while traveling and leaving the airport during a layover. This is not the only concern. You will also have to go through immigration at the time of exiting and checking in again. Then you’ll have to go for the regular security check-in procedures. This entire process takes time. If the lines are long, the procedure may take more time than usual. Thus, it’s better to stay at the airport and enjoy the waiting time. 

2. Do You Need a Visa for the Layover?

As mentioned above, if you are traveling within your own country, you don’t require a visa. But for international travel, many countries ask for a transit visa. A transit visa is a short-term visa with conditions. When you have a layover in another country, a visa is necessary. Hence, it is advisable to always check the visa requirements of your destination and layover country while planning your trip. 

3. What is the Duration of Your Layover?

Time is one of the most important factors to decide whether to leave the airport during a layover or not. When you plan to exit the airport and roam in the country it includes, de-boarding the plane, leaving the airport, visiting the city, coming back, and going through customs, immigration, & security check-in. If the layover is just a few hours, don’t risk it and avoid any last-minute complications. 

4. What are the COVID-19 Entry Guidelines

Another important factor to consider is the COVID-19 regulations of the layover country. Each country has its own guidelines for international travelers. The most common things you require are vaccination certificates, a COVID-19 test report (negative), your passport, and a visa, of course. The guidelines keep changing according to the pandemic situation. Therefore, always check the directive of the destination and layover countries before heading. 

5. What to do with the Luggage During a Layover?

Firstly, verify with the airlines if they are going to transfer your baggage to the connecting flight or not. In most domestic flights, the checked bags are automatically routed to your destination. In the case of international travel, if the airlines are different and they ask you to collect the luggage. In such a case, you can opt for an airport locker or book a luggage storage solution. Store your luggage at a reliable place and take the essential things (ID, money, etc) before heading to the city. 

6. How far are the City Attractions from the Airport?

In most cities, the airports are far away from the city centre. While visiting the attractions of the city, make sure you check the complete distance. See how much time it takes to reach the location, traffic conditions, and the amount of time you want to spend in the city. If it is distant from the airport, avoid the trip because you might miss your flight. Always check the connectivity of the airport with the place you want to explore.

Tips for Leaving the Airport & Surviving a Long Layover

Leaving the airport during a layover is a great way to kill time and explore something new. After considering the above points, if you decide to visit the city during a layover, these points might help you. Make sure you don’t miss your flight and make your mini-break a success.

• Many airports organize tours to the city during long layovers. It’s a great opportunity to utilize these tours.
• Check the visa requirement of the country for leaving the airport.
• Research about the city, the distance of main attractions, and how much money is required. 
• Check if your airline allows passengers to exit the transit area in case of connecting flights.
• Plan your visit in advance. Make sure you leave some extra time to tackle any unexpected event. 

Best Airports in India to Spend a Good Time During Layover

Layovers don’t have to be boring when you have so many options to spend your time. From shopping stores and eateries to spa outlets, Indian airports have everything you need for a fun mini-break. The major airports in India for a fruitful layover are:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad 
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Best Airports in the USA for a Layover

Airports are figuring out ways to make the layovers better. When it comes to the United States, several airports provide the best layover experience such as:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• McCarran International Airport Las Vegas (LAS)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Things to do During a Layover | How to Survive a Long Layover?

Layovers are not as bad as we think. You can enjoy the break between flights and make the most of it. There are plenty of things to do at the airport during a layover that will surprise you. Here are some activities to turn your boring break into a memorable part of your itinerary.

• Take advantage of the airport’s internet and binge-watch a web series or movies.
• If you start feeling tired while sitting on a chair, it’s better to take a long walk and explore the airport.
• Pass the time by reading a book or playing games.
• Hit the lounge and enjoy its facilities.
• If you are feeling stressed and sleepy, take a power nap.
• Eat your heart out and relax your taste buds.

Wrapping Up

“Can you leave the airport during a layover?” There is more to this question than meets the eye. It depends on various factors. Some of them are mentioned above. So, consider all those points and plan your airport exit accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave the airport during a 3-hour layover?

Answer: Yes, you can exit the airport during a 3-hour layover. However, it’s not recommended to risk leaving the airport for just a few hours. You may have to go through other formalities and you might end up missing your flight. 

Can you leave the airport during a long layover?

Answer: Yes, of course, you can leave the airport during a long layover. If you get enough time for a mini break in your itinerary, you can exit the airport premises and take a small tour of the city.