How Do I Book Flights with Layovers or Stopovers?

 Booking flights with layovers or stopovers can be an excellent way to save money, explore new destinations, or break up long journeys. While layovers are a standard part of most flight itineraries, stopovers offer a unique opportunity to explore a city or region before continuing to your final destination. Understanding how to book flights with layovers or stopovers, and knowing the difference between the two, can help you make the most of your travel time and sometimes even turn a long flight into an adventure.

In this blog, we'll explain the key differences between layovers and stopovers, how to book flights with layovers or stopovers, the benefits and downsides of each, and tips to make the most of your journey.

1. Understanding Layovers vs. Stopovers

Before diving into how to book flights with layovers or stopovers, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two terms:

1.1 Layovers

A layover refers to a short stop at an intermediate airport on your way to your final destination. Layovers typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, and they are a necessary part of connecting flights. If you are booking a flight with a layover, you will usually stay at the airport for a brief period before boarding your connecting flight.

Key Characteristics of Layovers:

• Duration: Short, generally between 30 minutes to 4 hours.

• Purpose: To catch a connecting flight to your final destination.

• Location: Layovers usually occur at major hub airports where flights from different regions or airlines converge.

1.2 Stopovers

A stopover, on the other hand, is a longer break in your journey. It is typically defined as a stopover lasting 4 hours or more for domestic flights and 24 hours or more for international flights. Stopovers give you the chance to leave the airport, explore a new city, and rest before continuing to your destination. Many airlines even offer special stopover packages that include hotel accommodations and tours of the city.

Key Characteristics of Stopovers:

• Duration: Longer than a layover, generally over 4 hours for domestic and 24 hours for international flights.

• Purpose: To break up long journeys and explore a city or region before continuing your travel.

• Location: Stopovers are often in major international cities that are key airline hubs, like Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha.

2. How to Book Flights with Layovers or Stopovers

Booking flights with layovers or stopovers requires a bit of planning. Here’s how you can find the best options for your journey:

2.1 Use Flight Search Engines

The easiest way to find flights with layovers or stopovers is to use flight search engines or booking websites. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo allow you to filter results based on layovers and stopovers. Here’s how you can use them:

• Filter for Layovers: When searching for flights, use the filter options to select flights that include layovers. Some flight search engines allow you to select a “layover” option, where you can specify the duration of the layover or choose flights with a specific connection time.

• Look for Stopover Options: Many airlines offer "stopover" deals on their websites. These offers allow you to book flights with longer stopovers, often at a discounted price, and sometimes with free hotel accommodations or city tours. Look for the “stopover” filter on the airline’s booking site or check the "multi-city" option to combine layovers with your trip.

2.2 Choose Your Layover Duration and Location

• Layovers: For layovers, you typically don't have much control over the duration unless you specifically choose flights with longer layovers. However, when booking connecting flights, try to select layovers that provide ample time to pass through security, immigration, and reach your next gate. Aim for at least a 1-2 hour layover for domestic flights and 2-3 hours for international connections.

• Stopovers: For stopovers, check with airlines or flight search engines that offer multi-leg flights. Some airlines, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines, provide special stopover packages where you can explore the city for 1-2 days at no extra charge, including hotel stays or city tours. When booking a stopover, choose the destination city that interests you most or one that’s a convenient halfway point in your journey.

2.3 Use Multi-City Booking Options

Many flight booking websites and airlines offer multi-city options for booking flights. These allow you to add extra destinations or longer stopovers at no additional cost. When booking a flight with a stopover, you can use the multi-city feature to add a stopover at a city of your choice for a longer stay.

For example, if you’re flying from New York to Tokyo, you might find a multi-city option that lets you add a stopover in Istanbul for a couple of days. The multi-city feature can sometimes be more cost-effective than booking two separate one-way tickets and may also result in a more enjoyable travel experience.

2.4 Book Through Airlines with Stopover Programs

Several airlines have dedicated stopover programs that are designed for travelers looking to explore a city during their layover. Here are some popular airlines with stopover programs:

• Icelandair: Offers a stopover in Reykjavik for up to 7 days when flying between North America and Europe.

• Qatar Airways: Allows for a stopover in Doha, offering discounted hotel stays and city tours.

• Singapore Airlines: Offers a stopover in Singapore with hotel accommodations for a few days.

• Emirates: Stopover packages in Dubai, including hotel stays and city tours.

Booking directly through these airlines' websites can give you access to special deals and packages that enhance your travel experience.

3. Benefits of Booking Flights with Layovers or Stopovers

Booking flights with layovers or stopovers offers several advantages:

3.1 Cost Savings

One of the biggest reasons travelers choose flights with layovers or stopovers is the potential for cost savings. Flights with multiple connections or extended stopovers can often be cheaper than booking direct flights. For example, flying to a destination with a layover or stopover might offer significant savings on your airfare, especially if you book far in advance.

3.2 Opportunity to Explore New Destinations

If you’re booking a stopover, you get the chance to explore a new city or country on the way to your final destination. This can be a unique opportunity to add another destination to your trip without incurring extra travel costs.

3.3 Avoiding Long Flights and Fatigue

Stopovers can help break up the long hours of travel, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, rest, and recuperate before continuing to your next flight. This can be particularly valuable for long-haul travelers or those who want to avoid the fatigue of a direct, non-stop flight.

3.4 Better Flight Connections

In some cases, layovers or stopovers can provide better flight connections that are more convenient for your schedule or travel preferences. Instead of booking a flight with a tight connection, you might find that a longer layover or stopover gives you a more relaxed travel experience.

4. Disadvantages of Booking Flights with Layovers or Stopovers

While there are many benefits, there are also some downsides to booking flights with layovers or stopovers:

4.1 Longer Travel Time

The most significant disadvantage of booking flights with layovers or stopovers is the longer travel time. Flights with layovers can extend your overall journey by several hours or even a full day. Stopovers, in particular, can add one or more days to your trip, depending on the duration.

4.2 Risk of Missing Connections

When booking flights with layovers, there’s always the risk of a delayed or missed connection, especially if your layover time is short. Airlines may not always accommodate missed connections, particularly on non-partner airlines. Be sure to leave ample time between connecting flights, especially for international connections.

4.3 Potentially More Complex Travel Plans

Booking flights with layovers or stopovers can make your travel itinerary more complex. You may need to navigate multiple airports, go through customs, and deal with longer wait times. If you’re not comfortable with this type of travel, it may not be the best option for you.

5. Tips for Booking Flights with Layovers or Stopovers

Here are some tips to make the most of your layovers or stopovers:

• Check Visa Requirements: If you plan to leave the airport during a stopover, make sure to check the visa requirements for that country.

• Choose Longer Layovers: If you’re worried about tight connections, book flights with longer layovers to reduce the stress of rushing between flights.

• Use Layover Time to Relax: If you don’t have time to leave the airport, consider using your layover to relax in airport lounges or enjoy available amenities.

• Consider Hotel Offers for Stopovers: Look for stopover programs that include free or discounted hotel stays, which can make your journey even more comfortable and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Booking flights with layovers or stopovers is an excellent way to enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re looking to save money, break up long journeys, or explore new destinations, layovers and stopovers offer numerous benefits. By using flight search engines, multi-city bookings, and airline stopover programs, you can plan an exciting and cost-effective trip that includes memorable experiences along the way. However, keep in mind the potential challenges of longer travel times and possible missed connections, and always plan accordingly to make the most of your journey. Happy travels!