Why you should always leave the airport during a long layover – and how to fit in a second holiday
TRAVELLERS should always leave the airport during a long layover, according to travel experts.
Nipping out to see some of the sites can make you feel like you’re getting a two-for-one holiday.
Obviously, this does depend to some extent on just how long the gap between flights is.
If it’s just an hour or two it may just be worth mooching around the airport shops for a possible bargain.
But when the layover is three or four hours or possibly more, it might be worth leaving the airport to go and explore.
Anyone considering heading outside should always consider how long it will take you to get into the city and just how easy it is to get there.
At some airports you might only need a few hours to leave the airport, see a famous site and be back in good time to board.
Elsewhere though you might need a minimum of half a day to make it worthwhile going past the security checkpoints.
Katy Nastro, Going’s resident travel expert told the Thrillist: “Filling your time during a lengthy layover with an impromptu city jaunt can feel like two adventures for the price of one.
“For example, I actively search for long connections through Copenhagen so I can bakery hop via bicycle.”
However, Katy did warn that you can’t expect that sort of flexibility at all airports.
She added: “When it comes to domestic layovers, you can get by with less time than an international one, mainly because there is no immigration to navigate through.
“International flights, especially to smaller cities or in more remote areas are not to be played with because these flights usually don’t have endless options to fall back on if missed.”
But if you take account of all these factors ahead of time will help making the decision easier.
The founder and CEO of Points Path, Julian Kheel, has managed to forge a career out of maximising every single travel opportunity.
He makes sure to find out how far it is between the airport and the city centre and how easily accessible the airport is.
Also considering how likely it is to encounter a traffic jam to and from the airport is also important to factor in.
Julian said: “For instance, if you’re going to have to return to the airport in the middle of rush hour, you’ll need to factor in plenty of additional time for traffic.
“You can also consider whether using mass transit like a train or subway is a good backup option.”
He added that it was also important to determine if you will need to pass through customs as you exit and re-enter the airport.
Julian said: “In some cases when traveling overseas, you may not be able to explore a city without getting an entry visa.
“Each country has different rules, but leaving an airport during an international connection can require additional paperwork that simply connecting through doesn’t.”
Then when you have calculated a number in your head, Katy recommends then doubling that figure.
She said: “Everyone’s propensity for risk and waiting is to each their own, but erring on the side of caution when catching your next flight will never be a regret.”
So, if you work out that you need two hours to get to and from the airport and back again through all the security checks, actually allow four hours.
Then you also need to consider just how much time you will need to actually see the tourist attraction you have gone to visit.
Julian says you should really have at least 3-4 hours of time to go and explore.
For most places, you will need a minimum of six hours of layover time to get there, look around and head back in time to get your connecting flight.
Airlines can be of help too so you can make your decision.
A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines said: “Delta recommends travellers follow their posted recommendations for airport arrival time.
“Since you would have to go through security again if you leave the airport on a layover, this may not always work well for passengers.”
Anyone considering venturing outside of the airport should always check your tickets and plan to be at your gate within 45 minutes of the boarding time – not the departure time.