Travel Explained
What Is a Layover?
Learn what a layover is, how connecting flights work, what happens to your checked luggage, and what to expect while traveling between two flights.
Flights, Tickets & Airline Rules • Travel Explained
The Quick Answer
A layover is the time you spend at an airport between two flights on the same journey. Instead of flying directly to your destination, your first flight lands at a connecting airport, where you change planes before taking another flight to your final destination.
During a layover, you may need to walk to another gate, pass through security or immigration, and occasionally collect and recheck your luggage. What happens depends on the airport, destination, airline, and whether your flights were booked together.
How Layovers and Connecting Flights Work
A layover is a scheduled break between two flights on the way to your final destination. Instead of flying nonstop, your first flight lands at a connecting airport, where you transfer to another flight. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fly Rights guide describes connections as itineraries that require passengers to change planes, either with the same airline or between different airlines.
After your first flight lands, check the airport monitors or your airline’s app for the gate assigned to your next flight. You normally leave the first aircraft, walk or take airport transportation to the new gate, and board a different plane. Depending on the airport, your connection could be in the same terminal or require a train, shuttle, or additional security screening.
If both flights were purchased as one itinerary, the airline generally schedules the connection and transfers checked luggage to the next flight. However, the Department of Transportation recommends confirming whether your bags will be transferred when a connection involves two airlines. Separate tickets can require you to collect your luggage, check in again, and pass through security before the next flight.
International layovers may involve additional steps. When entering the United States from another country, travelers generally complete immigration, collect checked luggage, pass through customs, and recheck their bags before continuing. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance for international visitors explains the inspection process travelers encounter when entering the country.
The amount of time you need depends on the airport, terminal locations, security procedures, and whether the connection is domestic or international. Airlines normally avoid selling one-ticket itineraries that fall below an airport’s permitted connection time, but that does not guarantee the transfer will feel comfortable. Travelers who need assistance can request help reaching a connecting gate under the Department of Transportation’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
A layover can be as simple as walking to a nearby gate, but some require immigration, security, or a terminal change. Before traveling, check whether your flights are on one reservation, confirm what will happen to your checked luggage, review the airport map, and leave enough time to reach the next gate without rushing.
Travel Explained in Practice
Imagine This…
You are flying from Phoenix to Dubrovnik, but there is no nonstop flight available. Your itinerary first takes you to another airport, where you have two hours before your next flight departs. After landing, you check the airline’s app, find your new gate, follow the airport signs, and board the connecting flight that continues your journey.
Between Your Flights
What Happens During a Layover?
Your exact experience depends on the airport, destination, airlines involved, and whether both flights were purchased together.
Check Your Next Gate
Open your airline’s app or check the airport monitors because gate assignments can change after your first flight lands.
Travel to the New Gate
Your next gate may be nearby or located in another concourse or terminal that requires a train, shuttle, or long walk.
Complete Any Required Checks
Some connections require additional security screening, passport control, immigration, customs, or the collection and rechecking of luggage.
The Route Matters
Domestic and International Layovers Can Work Differently
A domestic connection is usually simpler, while an international itinerary may require immigration, customs, passport control, or another security check.
Domestic Connection
Usually a Gate Change
On a typical domestic layover, you leave the aircraft and walk or take airport transportation to the gate for your next flight.
International Connection
Additional Entry Procedures
Depending on the country and itinerary, you may need to complete passport control, immigration, customs, security, or baggage rechecking.
Traveler Tips
Five Things to Check Before a Layover
Confirm that both flights are on one reservation.
A single itinerary generally provides more protection if a delay causes you to miss the connecting flight.
Check the length of the connection.
Consider the airport’s size, possible terminal changes, immigration procedures, and your comfort with moving quickly.
Ask what happens to your checked luggage.
Confirm whether it will be transferred automatically or must be collected and checked again during the connection.
Download the airline’s app.
Gate changes, delays, boarding times, and rebooking options may appear in the app before airport announcements.
Keep essential items with you.
Carry medication, identification, chargers, and other necessities in your personal item instead of your checked luggage.
Travel Explained Note
Did You Know?
A layover and a stopover are not always the same thing. A layover is generally a shorter connection between flights, while a stopover is an intentionally longer break that may allow you to spend meaningful time in the connecting destination.
Quick Review
Key Takeaways
A layover connects two flights.
It is the time spent at an intermediate airport before continuing to your final destination.
Most layovers require a plane change.
You normally leave the first aircraft and travel to the gate assigned to your connecting flight.
International connections may involve more steps.
Passport control, security, immigration, customs, or baggage rechecking may be required.
Separate tickets create additional risk.
The second airline may not rebook you for free if a delay on a separately purchased flight causes you to miss the connection.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get off the plane during a layover?
Usually, yes. Most layovers require you to leave the first aircraft and board a different plane for the next part of the journey.
What happens to checked luggage during a layover?
Checked luggage is often transferred automatically when the flights are booked together. You may need to collect and recheck it when entering certain countries, changing airlines, or traveling on separate tickets.
Do you have to go through security again during a layover?
Not during every layover. Another security check may be required when changing terminals, connecting internationally, leaving the secure area, or collecting and rechecking luggage.
Can you leave the airport during a layover?
You can sometimes leave during a long layover if entry rules allow it, but you must account for immigration, transportation, security screening, and the boarding time for your next flight.
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