Air travel has become an integral part of our interconnected world, shrinking vast distances and making global exploration more accessible than ever before. For seasoned travelers and novices alike, the terms “stopover” and “layover” may seem interchangeable, yet they carry distinct meanings that significantly impact the overall travel experience.

So what is the difference between stopovers vs. layovers, and how do the two compare and contrast?

The difference between stopovers and layovers

A stopover and a layover are both periods of time when a traveler is not in the air but rather on the ground between connecting flights. However, the primary difference lies in the duration and purpose of these breaks.

Stopovers are generally considered to be longer than 24 hours, whereas layovers are shorter in duration. This is not a hard and fast rule, but more of a general consensus among carriers and operators in the travel industry.

Layovers

Layovers are typically short intervals between flights, usually lasting a few hours to a day. Their primary purpose is to allow passengers to change planes and catch connecting flights without spending an extended period at the connecting airport. Passengers often use layovers to grab a quick meal, explore the airport, or simply relax before their next flight.

Generally speaking, checked baggage stays checked in with the airline. The passenger, of course, has their carry on items with them between flights.

Layovers are essential for efficiency in air travel, enabling airlines to create more flexible and interconnected flight schedules. While layovers may offer brief respite, they are not designed for extensive exploration of the layover city.

Stopovers

Stopovers, on the other hand, involve a more extended stay in a connecting city, often exceeding 24 hours. Unlike layovers, which focus on facilitating seamless connections, stopovers are intentionally planned breaks that allow travelers to explore and experience the culture, attractions, and cuisine of the stopover destination.

As opposed to layovers, passengers claim their checked baggage as normal, and then check it in again when returning for their next flight leg of their journey to their ultimate destination.

Airlines and travel enthusiasts alike recognize the potential benefits of stopovers. Some airlines actively promote stopovers as a way to boost tourism for their hub cities, offering passengers the chance to turn a mundane layover into a mini-vacation. Popular stopover destinations include cities like Istanbul, Singapore, and Dubai.

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Choosing Between Layovers and Stopovers

When planning a trip, understanding the distinctions between layovers and stopovers is crucial. Travelers seeking efficiency and minimal downtime may prefer shorter layovers to ensure swift connections. On the other hand, those with a thirst for adventure and exploration may opt for longer stopovers, turning a journey into a multi-destination experience.

For many the whole stopovers vs. layovers discussion really comes down to time – does the traveler have extra time to commit to visiting the stopover destination, or do they really prefer or need to get on with it and press on to their ultimate destination? Perhaps you’ve already been to London or Honolulu, and we all have limited time to travel, so it might make more sense to do a shorter layover.

Stopovers vs. Layovers – a personal example

For me, I love Seoul and am happy to return anytime, but since I have already been there a half dozen times, is a stopover warranted vs. a few hours in the airport, long enough to do some duty-free shopping and take advantage of the opportunity to dive into some great Korean food?

Plus I know that I can even get a hotel room right in the terminal there in the Incheon International Airport, as I have done it, so for a long layover could be just the thing. In fact they have two hotels, one in Terminal 1 and another in Terminal 2.

Maybe the stopover in Seoul is still worth it to me, as it is a city I love to visit, but I’d have to weigh that against the extra time in my ultimate destination. So choosing between stopovers vs. layovers is usually a tough call, and there may not be a right or wrong answer.

What to do on long layovers?

Long layovers, often perceived as a traveler’s inconvenience, can be transformed into opportunities for exploration and relaxation with a strategic approach. In other words, take those long layover lemons and start cranking out that lemonade!

Obviously the answer depends on the length of the layover, but regardless some planning in advance will be needed. Here are some important considerations before planning your next. long layover.

Stopovers vs. Layovers – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the common questions I used to get regarding stopovers vs. layovers.

See our article on planning your next stopover in one of the best stopover cities in the world.

How to book flights with long layovers?

One of our travel affiliate partners Cheapo-Air offers this helpful article on how to plan and book flights with long layovers, and why you might want to do so.