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Staying at an airport hotel can be a great way to break up a long journey, but it's not a replacement for staying in the city centre and exploring downtown. Many airports offer full-service hotels with excellent amenities, and some even offer tours. If you're travelling internationally, leaving the airport during a layover can be complicated and may require a visa, but if you're travelling domestically, it's much easier to exit the airport and head downtown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying at the airport | Possible at some airports with hotels inside or attached to the terminal, or a short walk away |
| Visiting downtown from the airport | Possible in some cities via taxi, airport shuttle, bus, or rail |
| Visiting the airport without a ticket | Possible at some US airports with a special pass |
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What You'll Learn
Some airports offer tours
Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, has also seized the opportunity to showcase different aspects of Korean culture through layover tours. Similarly, Tokyo Narita Airport offers free excursions into the city with a local guide, providing an intimate experience. Taipei Taoyuan Airport was one of the first airports in the world to offer free layover tours, and guests are given a free keepsake of their stay.
Some airports also offer stopover programs that allow travelers to experience two countries for the price of one, and this may include a free hotel stay. Airport hotels are also becoming more full-service, offering amenities like spas, restaurants, and rooftop pools, making them a comfortable option for travelers.
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You can stay at an airport hotel
If you're travelling and need a place to stay, you can stay at an airport hotel. These hotels are strategically located near airports, either attached to a terminal or a short walk away, and cater to the needs of travellers. Many airport hotels offer full services, including beautiful spas, top-notch restaurants, and rooftop pools. Some examples of airport hotels include the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, the Sofitel at London Heathrow, and the Grand Hyatt at Dallas Fort Worth. These hotels provide a comfortable respite during long layovers or as a convenient stopover when visiting a new country.
Staying in an airport hotel can be a great option if you have a delayed flight, strangely timed layover, or simply want to break up the monotony of a long journey. They can also be useful if you need to stay overnight due to flight cancellations or visa requirements for entering certain countries. However, it's important to note that airport hotels may be more expensive than other accommodation options, and you may need to use a shuttle bus or taxi to reach them.
When choosing an airport hotel, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some hotels, like the Hilton ORD, are large and conveniently located, while others, like the airport hotel at BKK (Sofitel), offer amenities such as a swimming pool, good food, and comfortable rooms. It's also worth checking if your airline offers stopover programs that include a free hotel stay or if your credit card provides travel protections covering hotel expenses due to flight delays or cancellations.
While airport hotels provide easy access to the airport and can be a welcome break during long journeys, they are not meant to replace a stay in the city centre. If you plan to explore the surrounding area or visit downtown, you can easily hop on a train or bus and be on your way in just a few minutes. However, if you're looking for a comfortable and convenient option to rest during your travels, an airport hotel can be an excellent choice.
Overall, staying at an airport hotel can be a practical and enjoyable option for travellers. With the growing demand for better accommodation options, airport hotels have stepped up their game, offering full-service experiences to meet the needs of even the most demanding travellers. So, the next time you're facing a long layover or simply want to extend your trip, consider booking a stay at an airport hotel.
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Non-travellers can enter certain airports with a pass
Since the introduction of increased security measures and the implementation of the TSA after 9/11, non-ticketed passengers have generally not been allowed past security. However, some airports have started to allow non-travellers to enter the airport with a pass. Here are some examples of airports that allow non-travellers to enter with a pass:
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
The DTW Destination Pass allows visitors access to both the McNamara and Evans terminals. The pass can be applied for and used on the same day between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. To obtain the pass, visitors must scan a U.S. government-issued ID at the kiosk.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The ExperienceMCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-traveling guests to visit Terminal C, which features shops and eateries. Visitors can apply for the pass up to a week in advance on the airport website and will receive an approval email after midnight on the day of their visit.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
The PHL Wingmate Guest Pass allows non-ticketed visitors to access the airport for its amenities or to greet loved ones. The pass includes deals at select dining and shopping options. Visitors can apply up to seven days in advance or on the same day, and will receive their pass digitally if approved.
Tri-Cities Airport, Tennessee
The PSP Stay and Play Pass allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the airport. Applications must be submitted before 8:30 pm the day before the visit, and visitors will receive an email after midnight on the day of their requested visit confirming approval. Only 10 passes are available each day.
It is important to note that these programs may have specific requirements and limitations, such as restricted entry times and the need for a government-issued ID. Additionally, non-ticketed visitors are subject to the same security screening regulations as air travelers.
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You can leave the airport during a layover
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, depending on the destination's immigration laws and the length of your layover. If you are travelling internationally, you may need to secure a visa before leaving the airport. You will have to go through customs and immigration upon exiting and re-entering the airport, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security.
Some countries require travel visas for foreigners entering, so unless you have a visa, you won't be allowed to exit the secure area of the airport. For example, U.S. passport holders travelling to the European Union's Schengen countries are free to exit the airport during a layover, but if your originating flight was from a non-Schengen country, you will have to rescan your passport when you come back in.
If you are travelling domestically, you can walk right out of the airport and make your way into the city. For example, Boston's Logan International Airport is relatively close to the city centre and well-connected by public transportation. If you are travelling within the U.S., you don't need to worry about going through customs and immigration, but you should still plan to be back at the airport at least two hours before your connecting flight.
If you have a long layover, consider booking an airport hotel to get some sleep between flights. Some airlines offer stopover programs that allow travellers to experience two countries for the price of one, and you might even get a free hotel stay out of it. These hotels are not meant to replace a stay in the city centre, but they can serve as a comfort point on a long-haul trip.
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Downtown-to-airport transit is available in many cities
In Atlanta, you can take the MARTA Red or Gold Lines (metro rail) from the Airport Station at the main terminal into downtown (Five Points station). In Boston, you can take the Blue Line subway to the Airport Station, from where there are frequent, free shuttle buses to the airport. Alternatively, you can take the Silver Line bus rapid transit system, which runs in a tunnel through downtown and goes directly to the airport. In Charlotte, you can take the CATS route 5 bus from the terminal to the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown, where you can connect to the LYNX light rail, streetcar, and all other bus routes. In Chicago, you can take the CTA Blue Line rail from O'Hare Airport into downtown or take a free shuttle from the terminal to the O'Hare Transfer Metra commuter rail station and ride the North Central Service into Chicago Union Station.
In addition to these options, many airports now offer full-service hotels that are either attached to a terminal or a short walk away. These hotels often offer amenities such as spas, top-notch restaurants, and rooftop pools. Some examples include the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, the Sofitel at London Heathrow, and the Grand Hyatt at Dallas Fort Worth. These hotels can be a great option for travellers who want to rest and recharge during a long layover or when passing through on a connecting flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to stay at the airport during a layover. Some airports have in-terminal hotels, while others may have partner hotels nearby.
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. However, you should consider the time it will take to exit the airport, travel to and from your desired destination, and go through security again. If you are travelling internationally, you may need to secure a visa before leaving the airport.
Yes, some US airports allow non-ticketed visitors to go beyond security. You will need to apply for a special pass and show ID upon arrival.
There are several ways to get from the airport to downtown, depending on the city. Common options include taxis, airport shuttle vans, buses, and rail transit.
