What Should You Do During a Layover?
You've finally landed; now, you have one short stop before you reach your destination. What should you do now? Sure, it's easy to disembark from the plane, find your next gate, then sit there until it's time for boarding. But if you've just come off a long-haul flight, that's probably not the best choice for your body. Want to make the most of your trip, including the places you land in between? Make sure not to make these mistakes during your layover, and to take up some smarter habits instead.
1. Don’t Leave the Airport Without Calculating the Time
Leaving the airport during a layover can sound tempting, especially if you’re connecting through a city you’ve always wanted to see. The problem is that airport security and boarding times (not to mention traffic in general) can eat up far more time than you expect. Unless your layover is long enough to allow a comfortable buffer, stepping outside the airport can quickly turn a simple connection into a missed flight.
2. Don’t Ignore Your Boarding Time
Many travelers focus only on the departure time printed on their ticket, but boarding usually begins much earlier. If you arrive at the gate right at departure time, the door may already be closed and the plane may be preparing to push back. Always treat your boarding time as the real deadline, because that’s the time that matters most once you’re inside the terminal.
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3. Don’t Fall Asleep Without a Backup Alarm
A nap can feel irresistible during a long layover, especially after an early flight or an overnight trip. Still, sleeping without setting multiple alarms can be risky when announcements are easy to miss and you don't have a travel buddy to wake you. You'll definitely want to use your phone or smartwatch as backup so you don’t wake up after your plane has already boarded.
4. Don’t Wander Too Far from Your Gate
Airports can be much larger than they seem, and some terminals require long, maze-like walks, train rides, or extra security checks. If your layover is tight, exploring shops or restaurants in another concourse may cost you valuable time. It’s better to locate your gate first, understand how long it takes to get there, and only then decide whether you have room to move around.
5. Don’t Assume Your Gate Won’t Change
Gate changes happen often, and they can happen with little notice. If you sit down near the original gate and stop checking the flight information screens or airline app, you could miss an update that sends your flight to another part of the airport. Keep an eye on your flight details throughout the layover, especially during weather delays or busy travel periods.
6. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
A drink between flights may seem harmless, but too much alcohol can make travel more stressful and uncomfortable. It can dehydrate you, affect your judgment, and make it harder to respond quickly if your flight changes gates or boards earlier than expected. Airlines can also deny boarding to passengers who appear intoxicated, so it’s worth being careful.
7. Don’t Spend All Your Money
Airport shops can be surprisingly tempting, especially when you have time to browse between flights. It's easy to pick up souvenirs, snacks, and other nifty knick-knacks that don't seem like much in the moment. If you keep adding items to your basket, though, you can quickly eat into your travel budget and may even find yourself needing extra luggage space before the trip is over.
8. Don’t Spend All Your Time Sitting
It’s easy to sit down after landing and stay there until the next flight, but long stretches of sitting can leave you stiff and uncomfortable. This is especially true if you’ve already been on a long-haul flight or have another one ahead. So go explore! Even a short walk through the terminal can help your body feel less cramped before you board again.
9. Don’t Exchange Currency Just Yet
Airport currency exchange counters are convenient, especially when you have time to kill, but that convenience often comes with less favorable rates and higher fees. Rushing into a transaction without comparing options can leave you with significantly less spending money than expected. Before exchanging cash during a layover, take a moment to check rates, fees, and whether using an ATM or travel card might actually be the better choice.
10. Don’t Eat Something Risky Right Before Boarding
Airport food can be tempting (though not to mention notoriously expensive), but you probably shouldn't eat a questionable meal right before your flight; it could make the next leg miserable. Coupled with cramped seats and a semi-long ride, you'll regret it as soon as your plane takes off. So, as much as you want to try something new, you're better off sticking with foods you know sit well with you.
Now that you know what you shouldn't do during a layover, let's jump into how you can use the short break to make the rest of your trip more memorable and far less stressful.
1. Confirm Your Next Gate as Soon as You Land
Before you think about anything else, check where your next flight is leaving from. Airline apps, airport screens, and gate agents can all help you confirm the most current information. Once you know where you need to be, you can make better decisions about how to spend the rest of your layover.
2. Make a Bathroom Trip
Before boarding your next flight, take advantage of the airport restroom rather than waiting until you're in the air. Airplane bathrooms are often cramped, and you may end up stuck waiting if there's a line once the flight is underway. Taking care of it during your layover can make the next leg of your journey a little more comfortable and convenient.
3. Walk Around the Terminal
Instead of sitting the entire time, use part of your layover to stretch your legs; going for a quick walk through the terminal can help reduce stiffness and make the next flight feel less uncomfortable. Plus, if it's your first time at this airport, why use the extra time to go explore?
4. Juice Up Your Devices
As soon as you have a chance, plug in your phone, tablet, headphones, or portable charger. Outlets can fill up quickly, and waiting until your battery is nearly empty adds unnecessary pressure. Charging early gives you more flexibility if your flight is delayed, your gate changes, or you need entertainment for the next leg.
5. Check Whether You Need to Recheck Your Bag
Baggage rules can vary depending on your airline, route, and whether you’re traveling internationally. Some checked bags go straight through to the final destination, while others need to be collected and checked again during a connection. Confirming this early can save you from confusion later, especially in unfamiliar airports.
6. Eat Something Balanced and Familiar
A layover is a smart time to have a meal or snack, but choose something that will help you feel steady rather than sluggish. Look for familiar foods with a reasonable mix of protein, carbohydrates, and hydration. You’ll likely feel better boarding with enough energy than relying on limited in-flight snacks.
7. Freshen Up Before Your Next Flight
Beyond making a bathroom trip, a few minutes of freshening up in the restroom can make a big difference as well, particularly on longer travel days. Brushing your teeth, washing your face, changing socks (or entire outfits), or applying deodorant can help you feel more comfortable before boarding again. Keep a small essentials pouch in your carry-on so you don’t have to dig through your whole bag.
8. Review Your Travel Documents
Use the layover to make sure everything you need, including your passport, boarding pass, visa documents, money, and hotel information, is easy to access. This is especially helpful if you’re connecting internationally or arriving somewhere late at night. Organizing documents before you need them reduces stress when you’re tired or moving through crowded arrival areas.
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9. Download Entertainment or Travel Information
Airport Wi-Fi can be useful, so take advantage of it while you have time. Download shows, music, podcasts, maps, translation tools, hotel confirmations, or ride-share details before boarding. You can also use the time to search up how to get to your accommodation once you land at your destination. Once you’re on the plane or landing in a new place, you may not have reliable service right away, so it's best to do it during your layover.
10. Purchase a Travel SIM
A layover is a convenient time to prepare for staying connected once you reach your destination. If you'll need mobile data abroad and you haven't already set one up, consider purchasing and activating a travel SIM or eSIM before boarding your next flight. If you're already in the country of your destination, you can do it in person at a counter rather than making purchases over public Wi-Fi as well.
