Here Are Our Top 10 Insider Tips to Surviving a Long Layover

Thanks to a certain pandemic, more Canadians than ever are booking trips with connecting flights. Tightened flight schedules mean that it’s become very common to have two legs of your journey (especially if your home airport isn’t YVR or YYZ). Fortunately, a long layover doesn’t have to be a drag. Our travel consultants have been there and are here to help you make your travel plans easy.

Keep reading to make sense of what a layover is, what you can (and can’t) do with a layover and how you can pass the time in style.

• What is a layover flight?
• What are the rules for a layover flight?
• What to do on a long layover

If your flight isn’t direct or non-stop to your final destination, you’ll have what’s known as a layover or connecting flight. During a layover, you’ll switch planes for the next leg of your trip. Some layovers are quite short (just enough time to find a restroom and then catch your next flight), while longer layovers give you an opportunity to add some fun experiences to your getaway.

If you have questions about an upcoming layover, you've come to the right place!

In most cases, the answer is yes. Keep in mind that unless your flights are all domestic, you should expect to go through customs on your way out of the airport.  Also, when you return for your next flight, you'll need to plan for enough time to proceed through airport security before making your way to your gate.

Some countries, including Canada, require passengers to be subject to random arrival COVID-19 testing before exiting the airport. If someone is selected for a random test, they must self isolate until their results come back negative. (If you're flying from a Canadian airport to another Canadian airport for your layover, you don't need to worry about this step).

Obviously, getting picked for a random arrival test is not ideal if you're hoping for a quick look around your layover city. We recommend checking whether your connecting destination is doing random testing; if it is, you're better off finding ways to enjoy your layover within the airport. More on that to come!

If you're planning on exploring outside the airport during your layover, you should double check the visa requirements for your connecting destination. For Canadian passport holders, most international destinations either do not require a travel visa or a travel visa can be obtained at customs. Some notable exceptions include India, China, Nigeria, Ghana and Venezuela, for example.

If you're ever in doubt, just ask your travel consultant for some assistance!

Typically, if your flights are operated by the same airline, your baggage will be transferred directly to your destination for you. If you're flying with separate airlines (or booked on multiple tickets), however, you'll need to claim and re-check your luggage before boarding.

Either way, we think the easiest approach is to simply pack your essentials in your carry-on. Rummaging through a big suitcase to find your charger is never a good look!

There are so many things you can do on a long layover, including these 10 activities.

Complimentary food and drinks. Charging outlets everywhere. Super-cozy seats. Showers! Once you experience the comforts of an airport lounge, it's hard to go back. If you don't already get access to your airline's lounge through points or your seat class, you can simply purchase a day pass at the entrance.

There's no need to overdo it with a challenging HIIT routine, but one of the best ways you can spend your layover is by moving your body. Whether that means just exploring the airport terminal, taking the kids to a park or finding a quiet area to do some gentle stretching, your body will thank you.

We can't all be blessed with a reliable internal compass. If you want to explore your layover city, but you're worried about getting lost or losing track of time, we highly recommend booking a guided sightseeing tour.

Stick to the classic double-decker bus or go for something as unique as you! History walking tours, wine tastings, street art crawls and guided shopping trips are just the tip of the iceberg.

For many people, it's not easy or even possible to observe religious practices on a plane. So, it's helpful to know that most airports have dedicated quiet spaces for interfaith prayer and reflection. These spaces welcome people of all or no faiths.

Whether you're grabbing the chance to visit a friend in the city, adding a beach break to your trip or checking a destination off your travel wish list, there are plenty of reasons to turn your long layover into a rewarding stopover. Ask our savvy travel consultants how you can make the most of a multi-city getaway!