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When booking a flight with a layover, it's important to understand the rules and restrictions that come with it. While it may be tempting to explore the city during your layover, it's crucial to prioritize making your next flight. Additionally, attempting to skiplag, or starting your journey at the layover airport, is generally not recommended as it may result in the cancellation of your entire ticket. Understanding the specific policies of your airline and layover destination will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you start a ticket at your layover airport? | No, this is called "hidden city ticketing" and is forbidden in the airline's contract of carriage. |
| What happens if you don't board the first flight? | The whole ticket cancels out. |
| Can you change your flight to start at the layover airport? | Maybe. It depends on whether your ticket offers changes or refunds. |
| What if you want to board at the layover airport? | You will have to buy a new ticket. |
| What if you want to leave the airport during a layover? | Yes, you can, so long as you follow all the immigration rules of your layover destination. |
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What You'll Learn
Boarding a flight at the layover airport
A layover occurs when you have to change planes partway through your journey. Generally, you will be what is called a "transit passenger", meaning that you will not leave the airport or stay in the country you have landed in. As a transit passenger, you bypass border control when you step off the plane and simply need to follow the signs that indicate transfers or connecting flights.
During your layover, you will, at some point, have to go through airport security. Even if you don't need to go through immigration, you will most likely have to go through security before boarding your next flight. Make sure you finish any water you took off the plane and throw away the bottle before going through security again, as you cannot carry liquids over 100ml.
If you are flying with two different airlines, you might only receive your first boarding pass when you first check in. In this case, you will have to find the correct ticket counter at the layover airport and get your second boarding pass for the new flight. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to ask for help at the start of your journey. They will be able to tell you if you receive both boarding passes or if you need to collect the pass for your connecting flight during your layover.
For most domestic and international layovers, your checked luggage will be sent through to your final destination. However, this varies depending on the country and airport. If you are flying into the US or Canada, you will need to collect and recheck your luggage, no matter the destination of your second flight. For international layovers, you typically need to go through customs and may need a visa to enter the country.
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Leaving the layover airport during a stopover
Secondly, your passport and visa requirements play a role. Some countries mandate visas for foreign visitors, so without the necessary visa, you won't be allowed to exit the secure airport area. For example, U.S. passport holders can exit the airport during a layover in the European Union's Schengen countries, but they need to rescan their passports upon return. In contrast, the United Kingdom requires a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) even for transiting passengers who don't intend to leave the airport security area.
Additionally, the type of ticket you have booked is essential to consider. If you have checked luggage, you will need to collect and recheck it, which can be inconvenient and reduce your available time for exploration. Also, if you are booking two separate flights, ensure you allow ample time between your arrival and the next departure to collect and recheck your luggage and clear security again.
Some airlines and airports offer stopover programs that facilitate sightseeing without the need for independent planning. For instance, Changi International Airport in Singapore offers tours that ensure you return in time for your flight. Etihad Airways provides up to two free hotel nights for passengers passing through Abu Dhabi, and TAP Air Portugal and Icelandair also offer similar perks.
Lastly, it is important to remember that missing your first flight on a ticket will likely result in the cancellation of the entire ticket, including any return flights. Therefore, if you plan to leave the layover airport during a stopover, ensure you carefully consider the time needed for transportation, security, and any potential delays to avoid missing your connecting flight.
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Changing your flight to start at the layover airport
When booking a flight with a layover, you are typically purchasing a ticket that includes multiple flights on the same itinerary. This means that if you do not board your first flight, your entire ticket will likely be cancelled.
However, it may be possible to change your ticket so that you can board at the layover airport. This will depend on the terms of your ticket, including the airline, route, ticket class, and whether you booked directly with the airline or through a third party. If your ticket allows for changes or refunds, you may be able to cancel your first flight and receive credit that can be applied to a new flight.
Keep in mind that booking a flight from the midpoint city may be more expensive than booking from your original starting city, even for a shorter distance. Additionally, if you have checked luggage, you may need to collect and re-check it at the layover airport. This can add time to your journey, so it is recommended to allow for at least two to three hours between flights.
To find out if you can change your flight, contact the airline or booking platform directly. They will be able to advise you on the specific options available for your ticket.
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Border control and customs at the layover airport
When you're travelling with a layover, you will usually only be considered a
However, there are some exceptions to this. The need to go through immigration and customs depends on which airport and country you are in. For example, if you are flying from France to Mexico with a layover in the US, you will need to fill out the customs form, have your passport checked, and collect and recheck your luggage.
In most cases, you will go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country. However, there are some mutual agreements between countries intended to speed travellers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board your connecting flight. For example, when flying from Ireland to the US, you will go through US customs in Ireland. But when arriving in the US from most other countries, you will go through customs upon your first arrival in the US, even if you have a connecting flight.
Additionally, if your departure country and connecting country are both within the Schengen Zone, you will not need to go through customs during your layover. The Schengen Zone is an agreement between several European countries that abolishes border controls at the mutual borders. So, if you are flying from France to South Korea with a layover in Greece, you will only need to clear customs once you arrive in South Korea.
It is important to note that if you have a long layover and want to leave the airport to explore the city, you will need to go through immigration and customs.
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Getting a boarding pass for your connecting flight
If you are travelling with a single airline, you will most likely receive both boarding passes when you check in for your first flight. However, if you are travelling with two different airlines, you might only receive your first boarding pass when you check in. In this case, you will need to find the correct ticket counter at the layover airport and get your second boarding pass for the new flight.
It is always a good idea to ask someone for help at the start of your journey. They will be able to tell you if you receive both boarding passes or if you need to collect the pass for your connecting flight during your layover. If you are booking two separate flights, you must give yourself as much time as possible between your flight’s arrival and the next departure. This guarantees enough time to collect your luggage, re-check it, and get through security again. A minimum of two to three hours between flights is recommended.
If you are unable to get your boarding pass for your connecting flight before your first flight, you can usually go to the desk and buy an "upgraded boarding position". Alternatively, you can see a gate agent or visit the help desk or customer service at the layover airport. It is important to have all your information readily available and know where to find customer service.
To make the process smoother, it is recommended to take a screenshot of your mobile pass in case you have data issues when checking in. You should also write down your confirmation number and put that in your phone, along with your connecting flight info, ID or passport, and baggage claim tickets. Additionally, take a picture of your connecting terminal and gate number as soon as you see it, and download any airport maps with customer service desk and gate locations, as well as terminal info. Asking a flight attendant on your first flight about where to go once you land can also be helpful.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot start your journey at your layover airport. If you do not show up for your original flight, your entire ticket will be canceled.
It depends on the terms of your ticket. Some tickets allow changes or refunds, while others do not. Contact the airline or third-party site you bought the ticket from to find out.
A ticket from the layover city to your destination may be more expensive than a ticket from your original starting city, even if the distance is shorter. Additionally, you will need to ensure you have enough time between your new first flight and your next departure to collect your luggage, re-check it, and get through security.
This practice is called "hidden city ticketing" or "skiplagging" and is forbidden in airline contracts of carriage. If you are caught, the airline may pursue you for the difference in fare, refuse to board you on future flights, or confiscate your miles if you are a member of their frequent flyer program.
