Layover tips: Things to do to make connecting flights smooth and stress free

Layovers are a common feature of longer air travel, breaking up your journey and likely leaving you with time on your hands in a transit airport.

It is generally a short stop at an airport when you switch from one flight to another, with the wait time varying depending on your route or airline.

However, even longer layovers don’t have to be an inconvenience – they can be a great way to see a new city or refresh ahead of the next leg of your journey.

And if you’re worried about making your connection and the formalities required, booking a personalised transfer service will provide you with one-on-one assistance right the way through to your next flight.

Find out all you need to know about layovers with this guide from marhaba’s experts and start your journey with a plan of how best to spend your connection time.

Whatever the length of your layover, there are few things to keep in mind to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Keep an eye on the time

First of all, it’s important to keep a close eye on the time during your layover.

A couple of hours can slip by very quickly, and factors like your initial flight being slightly delayed, security checkpoints and early boarding times can leave you under pressure to catch your connecting flight.

For longer layovers, it’s equally important to watch the clock – particularly if you’re planning to leave the airport. Consider the time it will take to get back to the airport and pass through security and immigration – and give yourself a buffer in case of any delays.

Stay near your gate

Particularly for short layovers and the final few hours of a longer layover, you should stay close to your departure gate, so you don’t have to rush across the airport to catch your flight.

It’s easy to become relaxed on layover – you can feel like the most taxing part of your journey is already over – and forget you have some distance to travel to your next gate. Get yourself in position early and save yourself the stress.

Monitor your flight

Tracking your next flight is definitely worthwhile on your layover. You might be in position at your departure gate, then be caught off guard by late changes and need to race across the airport to catch your connecting flight.

The best way to be sure you’re where you need to be is by downloading your airline’s official app and turning notifications on. Alternatively, position yourself near a departure board at the airport and intermittently check your flight information.

Keep your bags with you

It can be tempting to leave your bags unattended when you’re exploring the airport during your layover – but this is forbidden for security reasons.

You’ll need to keep your bags with you at all times – or use a baggage storage locker to relieve yourself of the burden, which is particularly handy if you’re planning to leave the airport.

For shorter layovers (less than four hours), you’ll have more limited options for things to do – but there are still a few steps you can take to make the most of your time.

Find your next gate

Once you pass through any security checkpoints on your layover, you should find your next gate as a priority.

At some airports, departure gates can be a significant walk away from where you arrive – over half an hour in some cases – or even require a train journey.

On shorter layovers, it’s best to get to your gate as soon as possible so you don’t have a last-minute panic.

Even on longer layovers, it’s a good idea to go to your gate so you know exactly where it is and how long it will take to get to – then you can explore with peace of mind.

Stretch and walk

Even if you don’t have much time, a layover is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing.

Sitting on a plane for hours can be uncomfortable and lead to aches and cramps. Before you board your next flight and do it all over again, get some steps in around the airport.

You could even find a quiet corner and do some light stretching to loosen your muscles. This will make your next flight far more comfortable.

Eat and drink

The most obvious way to spend a couple of hours on a layover is by getting something to eat or drink.

Most airports will have some form of eatery or bar open at all hours, so you’ll be able to find somewhere to refuel whatever time you’re connecting.

Deciding where to eat or simply finding somewhere that’s open can be great way to spend some time before your flight.

Download your inflight entertainment

Watched all your downloaded movies or TV shows on your first flight? A short layover can be a welcome chance to have a refresh of your inflight entertainment.

Most airports have a WiFi connection available, so get connected and start downloading when you land. You’ll thank yourself on your next flight!

Longer layovers (more than five hours) can leave you with a significant period of time before your next flight, and sitting waiting at your departure gate simply isn’t an option.

However, there are plenty of ways you can make the hours slip by during these longer connections.

Relax in an airport lounge

An airport lounge is a fantastic way to make your longer layover a pleasant experience.

These peaceful, stylish spaces offers an escape from the noise of the main airport – and include several facilities and benefits.

You’ll likely get a wide selection of food and drink to choose from throughout your time in the lounge, so you can even have multiple meals across a longer stay.

There will be spaces for you to relax or work, along with a private internet connection, which will be more reliable than the public WiFi.

You’ll probably have exclusive facilities too, like restrooms or even showers, meaning you can completely refresh yourself ahead of your next flight.

Be sure to check that the airport lounge you’re booking is in the same terminal as your next flight is departing from.

Sleep

Longer journeys are an exhausting experience, but having a layover gives you the perfect time to catch up on some rest.

Many airports have dedicated sleeping rooms or pods you can rent for a few hours, or even onsite hotel rooms you can book to enjoy additional space and facilities.

Explore the airport

Some airports – particularly with more modern facilities – are worth exploring themselves, with attractions (like Singapore Changi’s indoor waterfall), museums and more.

There are plenty of ways to pass the time within the airport on a longer layover.

Shopping

Airports are awash with shopping options, from endless duty-free stores and gift shops to international fashion and technology brands.

Take your time browsing and treat yourself to something for your trip, or grab a last-minute souvenir if you’re on your way home.

Relaxation

There are usually plenty of ways you can relax and unwind at the airport on your layover – look out for spa facilities where you can completely decompress for a few hours.

After a massage, cold plunge and a sauna session, you’ll feel like you’re starting the next leg of your journey completely afresh.

Workout

On a longer layover, you can go further than just a few stretches at your departure gate.

See if your connection airport has gym facilities and get a workout in – it’ll help shake the jetlag and loosen your muscles, which will likely be tight from your earlier flight. Just remember to pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage.

For a more leisurely way to get the blood pumping, you might be able to find an onsite hotel with a swimming pool – a few lengths will pass some time and leave you feeling relaxed for your next flight.

Visit the local area

One of the most exciting ways to spend a longer layover is by venturing into the city you’re transiting through.

On shorter layovers, this simply isn’t feasible – passing through airport formalities and reaching the city itself would leave you with next to no time to explore.

However, the beauty of longer layovers is that leaving the airport becomes a viable option.

It’s crucial to check the local visa requirements – given you’re leaving the airport, you’ll need to pass through immigration. Some countries may offer short-stay visas for tourists on layovers - for example, in Dubai you can get a Visa on Arrival by visiting one of marhaba’s airport counters - but you should always check the rules before your journey.

And of course, it’s important to keep a close eye on the time, factoring in potential traffic or hold ups on public transport, and going back through immigration and security at the airport.

Check how long before a flight your departure airport recommends arriving, add the time needed to reach the city via taxi or public transport and add an hour or so on for delays.

Take this time away from your total layover time – and this is how long you will have to explore the local area, providing your initial flight arrives on schedule.

You can then put together a loose itinerary to take in a few sights and sample some local cuisine – sticking to a rough plan can stop you getting carried away and missing your next flight.

This is a brilliant way to extend your trip, see a new country you may not have otherwise visited and make your layover an enjoyable experience rather than an inconvenience.