What Is a Layover (Connecting Flight)?
A layover is a scheduled stop at an intermediate airport between two flights booked on the same itinerary, before you reach your final destination. "Layover" and "connection" are generally used interchangeably. Some airlines reserve "stopover" for a longer, deliberate stay - see the distinction below.
Layover vs stopover
- Layover: typically under 24 hours, essentially just a connection
- Stopover: over 24 hours, a planned stay at the connecting city, sometimes bookable as an add-on for free or a reduced fee on the same ticket
How connecting flights work
- On a single ticket, the airline (or its alliance partner) is generally responsible for rebooking you if you miss a connection due to its own delay
- On separate tickets, each flight is its own contract - a delay on the first isn't the second airline's responsibility
- Baggage is usually checked through to your final destination on a single itinerary, but may need to be collected and rechecked depending on the airports and countries involved
Minimum connection time (MCT)
Each airport sets its own minimum connection time, which varies by terminal and by whether the connection is domestic-to-domestic, domestic-to-international, or international-to-international. Booking systems shouldn't sell a connection shorter than the MCT, but delays can still eat into the buffer you're left with.
Tips for a smooth layover
- Check whether your baggage is checked through to the final destination or needs to be collected and rechecked
- Confirm visa or transit requirements for the layover country, even if you're not planning to leave the airport
- Build in extra time beyond the MCT whenever your connection involves changing terminals or re-clearing security