Here’s what you should know before leaving the airport during your next long layover.
Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure
Long layovers are often part of travel.
And thats a whole lot of time to browse the racks at Hudson News.
A passenger walks through an airport.Credit:Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure
DuKai photographer/Getty Images
Are you allowed to leave the airport during a layover?
The short answer is it depends on the destination.
Here are just a few scenarios.
View of a plane from the airport gate.DuKai photographer/Getty Images
You will have to pass through security when you return for your connecting flight.
Though much of it boils down to your tolerance for risk, here are some points to consider.
As it is, connections can be tight and tough to maneuver so Id want at least 5-7 hours.
A traveler waiting for a train.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
But others might be more willing to take the risk.
But what about getting back to the airport?
What if its rush hour and trains are backed up or you cant find a cab?
And once there, how long will it take you to get through security and on to your gate?
Be flexible, cautions Dundas, and always leave more time than you oughta return to the airport!
With all this in mind, look at your layover time and start subtracting.
A six-hour layover here simply wouldnt allow enough time to leave the terminal between flights.
Remember that when you return to the airport, you have to go through security again.
Standard recommendations are to allow two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
Another option for an overnight layover is a transit hotel.
This was cheaper than flying direct and it also gave me time to do somesightseeing in Auckland.
I didnt find the process stressful; I just left plenty of time to return to the airport.
Look up distances and transport options.
And dont always assume Uber or a taxi will be the quickest option.
The same journey would take an hour or more by car.
Study opening times.
I took advantage of the trips offered byChangi International Airportin Singapore and loved it, says Greenwood-Davis.
Airline stopover programs vary in their perks and flexibility.
For the risk-averse like Greenwood-Davis, its a great compromise.
