4 minute read

Can you leave the airport during a layover?

Krista

By Krista

Travel & Tech Writer

Can you leave the airport during a layover

Short layovers can be stressful, especially if your flight doesn't leave on time. Long layovers can be painfully tedious. In general, many travellers agree that layovers aren't exactly a pleasant experience.

Maybe you’re anxious to start your holiday or hoping to squeeze in some more fun on your way back home. If you have a few hours in between flights in a city you’d like to explore, you might consider if you can leave the airport during a layover. 

The answer might surprise you but, yes, depending on a few factors, you technically can leave the airport during a layover!

Before you head out, you’ll need to consider how much time you have, your baggage situation, and how long it might take to get back through security.

Here are some things you should keep in mind when deciding whether to stay or go. 

Can you leave the airport during a layover on domestic flights?

A domestic layover tends to be the easiest since you’ve already cleared security for your first flight. At this point, leaving the airport will come down to timing. 

Some general rules:

  • 4 hours or fewer - stay at the airport
  • 4-6 hours - a nearby attraction or restaurant could be a safe bet
  • 6+ hours - you should be okay for a quick exploration of the city

Account for returning to the airport, clearing security, and then getting to your gate before boarding.

Depending on the season and size of the city, you’ll also need to consider traffic or transit as well as long security lines (hello Chritsmas time) that could eat into your layover galavanting. 

Can you leave the airport during a layover on international flights?

An international layover requires more planning if you’re hoping to sneak away between flights. You might need to clear immigration (customs) before you exit security and then go through with your passport again when you re-enter. 

There’s also a chance that you’ll need to verify if you're allowed to enter the country, which might depend on your passport. If you require a visa (even for a visit of a few hours) leaving the airport might not be in the cards for you. 

What about checked baggage?

The other determining factor when you wonder if you can leave the airport during a layover is your baggage situation. 

Assuming your bags are checked through to your final destination, you’re good to go. Just leave the airport for your bonus adventure and return for your connecting flight. 

However, if your luggage needs to be collected and then re-checked, that will require extra time. Unless you’re packed ultra-light, you likely don’t want to worry about dragging your suitcase around town for hours on end. 

As always, another win for the carry-on column, which would be the easiest scenario. 

Security wait times matter

Never underestimate airport security lines. During peak travel seasons, airport lines can become exceptionally long, adding wait time to your carefully-planned layover escape. 

Before ducking out of the airport, check:

  • Current security wait times
  • Distance to the nearest attraction or restaurant
  • Local transportation
  • Boarding time of your connecting flight (not departure time)

Give yourself two hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic departure. 

When it's worth leaving the airport

  • Layovers longer than six hours
  • The excitement of a new destination is calling
  • Transportation is easy and affordable
  • Your bags are checked
  • Security and immigration are straightforward

When you should stay put

  • Layovers shorter than four hours
  • Lengthy security lines
  • Airport is remote and far from the city
  • You’re tired (take advantage of time to rest)
  • Weather (or traffic) is unpredictable

With many modern airports offering lounges, spas, restaurants, (and sometimes even sleep pods), staying put is still a worthwhile option when considering whether it makes sense to leave the airport during a layover.

Stay connected outside the airport

If you decide to go the adventurous route and leave the airport during a long layover, it's important to stay connected!

aloSIM is a travel app that enables travellers to stay connected with eSIM plans in over 200 destinations.

With an eSIM, you'll get access to fast mobile data on the go when you leave the airport, so you can navigate, seek out restaurants, or just browse the internet at your leisure.

Go ahead … travel the world, never pay roaming charges

Shop aloSIM in the app or online

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