Quick answer
- Under 4 hours: stay airside, eat, recharge and rest in a lounge or quiet area.
- 4–6 hours: a lounge with food, Wi-Fi and showers gives the most comfort for the money.
- 6–12 hours: consider a sleep pod, transit hotel or a short trip into the city if entry rules allow.
- Always check visa and transit rules, and keep at least 2–3 hours before your next flight.
First steps when you land
- Check your connection: gate, terminal and whether you need to clear security or passport control again.
- Check your bags: are they checked through to your final destination?
- Find your base: a lounge, quiet area or rest zone near your next gate.
- Set alarms for when to leave, not just for boarding time.
What to do, by layover length
| Layover | Best plan |
|---|---|
| 2–4 hours | Eat, charge devices, relax at the gate or in a lounge |
| 4–6 hours | Lounge with food, Wi-Fi and a shower; light work or a nap |
| 6–8 hours | Lounge plus rest area or sleep pod; short city trip only if very close |
| 8–12 hours | Transit hotel or day room, or a planned city visit if entry rules allow |
| Overnight | Airport hotel or sleep pod; check lounge opening hours |
Why a lounge makes long layovers easier
For layovers of four hours or more, a lounge solves most of the problems at once: seating, food, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging and toilets that are less crowded. Some lounges also have showers and rest areas.
Check opening hours — some lounges close overnight — and whether there is a maximum stay. On a 10-hour layover you may want to combine two lounges or a lounge and a hotel.
Plan your layover
Find lounges at your connecting airport →How to sleep at the airport
- Look for lounges with sleep pods or rest areas.
- Bring an eye mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and a light layer — terminals are often cold.
- Keep valuables on you and set more than one alarm.
- For six hours or more overnight, a transit hotel or day room is usually worth it.
Should you leave the airport?
Leaving the airport can turn a layover into a mini-trip, but only if:
- you are allowed to enter the country (check visa and transit rules for your passport)
- you have at least 6–8 hours in total
- the city centre is reachable quickly and reliably
- you are back at the airport with plenty of time to clear security and passport control again
Some airports, such as Istanbul and Singapore, are known for transit tours or attractions inside the airport — check what is offered at your hub.
Stay fresh and healthy
- Drink water regularly and limit alcohol.
- Walk around every hour or so.
- Take a shower before a long-haul flight if you can.
- Eat a proper meal rather than snacking constantly.
Layover packing checklist
- phone charger and power bank
- headphones, eye mask and earplugs
- change of clothes and toiletries (within liquid limits)
- reusable water bottle
- light jacket or scarf
- printed or offline copies of your booking
Good to know
Lounge facilities, opening hours, prices and access rules vary by location and can change. Always check the specific lounge before you travel.
Lounge facilities, opening hours, prices and access rules vary by location and can change. Always check the specific lounge before you travel.