Airports Designed For Layovers: Do They Exist?

Layovers are a necessary part of air travel, and while they may be inconvenient, some airports are better than others when it comes to providing a pleasant experience for passengers during these stopovers. A good layover airport should have efficient operations, a strategic location, and plenty of amenities to keep passengers comfortable and entertained. On the other hand, factors such as confusing layouts, frequent cancellations, and limited dining and shopping options can make a layover airport less desirable. Ultimately, the quality of a layover experience depends on various factors, and some airports are indeed better equipped than others to cater to the needs of connecting passengers.

What is a layover?

A layover is a stop between flights during air travel, where you change planes part-way through your journey. Sometimes there can be multiple layovers on one journey, and they can vary in length from a few hours to overnight. Layovers usually require you to disembark your flight and board a new one.

If you have booked your flights with a single airline, they will provide you with both boarding passes when you check in for your first flight. If your flights are with two different airlines, you may only receive your first boarding pass when you check in for the first time. In this case, you will need to find the correct ticket counter at the layover airport and get your second boarding pass. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to ask for help at the start of your journey.

Most airlines will not sell you a ticket with a layover that is too short. They will be aware of any delays and will inform your next flight. If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs.

During your layover, you will need to go through airport security, and possibly border control/immigration and customs, depending on which country and airport you are in. For most domestic and international layovers, your checked luggage will be sent through to your final destination. However, if you are flying into the US or Canada, you will need to collect and recheck your luggage, regardless of your second flight's destination.

What to do during a layover?

Layovers can be a great opportunity to recharge and refresh yourself before your next flight. Here are some tips on what to do during a layover:

Plan ahead

If you know you will have a long layover, research the airport to find out what facilities and services are available. Check if there are any great food options, art galleries, or shops you can visit. If you plan to sleep, check if there is a dedicated sleeping area or a hotel. Some airports even have swimming pools and gyms!

Explore the airport

Many airports have art galleries, museums, and other attractions worth visiting. For example, Miami International Airport boasts an impressive art collection, and San Francisco International Airport has the SFO Museum. You can also window shop at luxury boutiques and duty-free stores.

Lounge access

Airport lounges can be a great way to pass the time and provide amenities like food, drinks, showers, and comfortable seating. Some lounges are accessible through airline status, class of service, or credit card memberships. Otherwise, you may be able to purchase a day pass.

Sleep

Long-haul travel can be exhausting, so catching up on sleep during a layover is a great idea. Some airports have sleeping pods or short-term hotels where you can rest for a few hours. Alternatively, you can find a quiet corner in the airport and take a nap, but be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and set an alarm so you don't miss your flight.

Eat and drink

Most airports have a variety of food and beverage options, ranging from quick bites to gourmet meals prepared by celebrity chefs. Treat yourself to a nice meal, but be mindful of eating anything that might cause discomfort during your flight. If you drink alcohol, remember to stay hydrated and consume in moderation.

Step outside the airport

If you have a long enough layover and are permitted to leave the airport, consider exploring the nearby city or town. Some airports offer free or discounted tours. Just be sure to check any visa requirements and have your paperwork in order.

Entertainment

Bring a book, download movies or TV shows, or play games on your electronic devices to pass the time. Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can help block out the airport noise. You can also meditate or do some light stretching to relax and recharge.

Practical considerations

Keep your electronics charged, and set multiple alarms if you plan to sleep, to ensure you don't miss your flight. Keep your medications, chargers, money, and travel documents with you at all times.

Remember, layovers don't have to be boring or tedious. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make the most of your time and turn it into a memorable part of your trip!

Best airports for layovers

Layovers are often dreaded by travellers, but some airports have made it their mission to change that. Many airports now offer luxurious amenities, including IMAX theatres, swimming pools, mini golf, aquariums, gardens, and even pools. Here are some of the best airports for layovers:

Singapore Changi Airport

Changi Airport is a significant public civilian airport serving Singapore and is one of the largest hubs in Asia. The airport boasts a movie theatre, a butterfly garden, and the tallest airport slide in the world. It also has free internet access and movies, individual napping cubicles, and traditional-style Asian shophouses where you can buy local jewellery and embroidery. If you have a layover of more than four hours, you can take a two-hour bus tour of the city's cultural and colonial sights.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major international hub and a sophisticated stopover. The airport has a mini-art gallery with works from Dutch artists, duty-free shops, and an indoor park with bean bags and exercise bikes that charge your phone while you pedal. The airport also offers a unique experience with a casino and wedding planning services for travellers.

Munich International Airport

Munich International Airport is a great place to travel through year-round, but it's even more special during the Christmas season. The airport hosts a festive Christmas market that includes an ice skating rink, a carousel, and an open market selling handmade crafts, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. The airport also has a Bavarian tavern with its own beer garden and brewery, as well as nap cabins for travellers who need some rest.

Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is one of the biggest and most beautiful airports in the world, with a vast array of attractions and entertainment options. The airport has a large shopping area with luxury shops, including Chanel, Armani, and Tiffany & Co. It also has a 24-hour fitness centre with a pool and locker room, as well as several open-air gardens and "Snoozecubes" for travellers who need some rest.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the best US airports for layovers, offering premium lounges such as Amex Centurion and Delta Sky Club. The airport also has an on-site hotel directly in the terminal, making it convenient for travellers with long layovers.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another excellent option for layovers, as it offers easy access to upgraded terminals. The terminals are connected, and even domestic travellers can access the international terminal, which has better food, shops, and lounges. The Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) has comfortable seating, a range of food and bar options, and an exceptional Sky Club.

Worst airports for layovers

While some airports offer luxurious layovers, others can be a traveller's nightmare. Here is a list of some of the worst airports for layovers, where you might not want to get caught hanging around.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia

This airport is one of the worst for layovers due to frequent weather-related delays and cancellations. It is the world's busiest airport, and its many terminals can be overwhelming to navigate. Travellers cite confusing signage and crowded conditions as some of the main drawbacks.

London Heathrow Airport, UK

Heathrow has been described as an "atrocious" airport for connections. The large distance between terminals means getting from one to another can take upwards of 40 minutes, making it a poor choice for short layovers.

Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey

Newark has consistently ranked among the worst airports for summer and winter delays and cancellations. It has been in the top 10 for summer delays for the past 5 years and frequently experiences operational challenges. Travellers also complain about a lack of facilities, including limited dining options and insufficient power receptacles.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Maryland

This airport has a relatively high percentage of delayed and late arrivals. Passengers have cited a shortage of dining options as a significant downside, with crowded spaces and limited choices.

Los Angeles International Airport, California

Although LAX has upgraded terminals and is good for layovers in terms of access to food, shops, and lounges, its confusing layout and unhelpful staff can make for a frustrating experience when trying to navigate a connection.

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas

McCarran Airport in Las Vegas has a poor SkyTrax traveller rating of 6.1/10. Travellers have been appalled by the airport's lack of cleanliness, with reports of broken bathroom doors and an overall run-down appearance.

While some airports offer luxurious amenities and convenient connections, others can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. These airports, with their delays, confusing layouts, and lack of facilities, are ones you might want to avoid when booking flights with layovers.

International layovers

If you are flying with a single airline, you will likely receive both of your boarding passes when you check in for your first flight. If you are flying with two different airlines, you may only receive your first boarding pass, and will need to find the correct ticket counter at the layover airport to get your second boarding pass.

During your layover, you will need to go through airport security, and possibly immigration and customs, 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. However, when leaving the US and for most other countries, your luggage will be transferred for you, as long as your flights are with the same airline or partner airlines.

If you have a long layover and want to explore the city, you will need to go through immigration and customs to leave the airport.

Some of the best airports for international layovers include:

• Singapore Changi Airport: This airport offers local food, on-site hotels, and a range of activities, including a pool, a movie theatre, and a butterfly garden. The Jewel, a retail and entertainment complex, is a destination in itself, featuring a hedge maze, a topiary walk, and a ropes course.
• San Francisco International Airport: A $383 million renovation in 2008 transformed this airport into a luxury destination for shoppers, foodies, and art aficionados. The airport features high-end shopping, gourmet food, and an art collection.
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: This airport offers premium lounges, an airport hotel directly in the terminal, and plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Los Angeles International Airport: This airport offers easy access to upgraded terminals, with comfy seating, a range of food and bar options, and an exceptional Sky Club.
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: This airport has a modern and spacious design, eco-friendly features, and stunning views of the Pacific Northwest. It also offers a variety of local stores and easy navigation between terminals.

Frequently asked questions