Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover? What You Need to Know

Are You Allowed to Leave the Airport During a Layover?

If you find yourself facing a long layover, you may wonder whether or not you can exit the airport during a connection flight. This depends a lot on where the layover is, how long the layover is, what the airport transit rules are, and what the layover immigration requirements are. This may sound like a lot, but we are here to walk you through it!

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Layovers in the United States

If flying domestically within the United States and have a layover in some place like Chicago or New York, then it’s generally ok to leave the airport during a long layover. You simply need to keep in mind that many US airports are located far outside of cities with limited transportation options to reach downtown.

Domestic vs international flight rules

However, things get way more complicated if you are transiting from domestic to international or vice versa. If you’re flying out of the United States to another country, there should be no problem with leaving the airport as long as you allow yourself plenty of time to get back. If you’re from another country back to the U.S., you’ll have to go through immigration and customs, claim your luggage, and then recheck it before you are able to proceed to your next flight. This usually entails getting stamped in at immigration and then going through customs. Make sure to declare any items that exceed the legal limit.

Once you have gone through these procedures, you will be able to leave the airport. The wait times for immigration can be very lengthy, so leaving the airport is only really recommended if you have an extensive period of time. Different airports, and sometimes different terminals within the same airport, have a minimum connection time that you need to transfer between flights.

Layovers in the European Union

If you’re traveling within the European Union, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to leave the airport provided that you have a valid Schengen visa and that there is ample time. Citizens from over 60 countries are able to enter the Schengen Zone visa-free, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you’ll be able to enjoy visa-free transit privileges.

Keep in mind that the Schengen Zone is slightly different from the European Union, and some countries are EU but not Schengen, including Cyprus and Ireland. In addition, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, so you may need a separate visa if you hope to leave the airport during a layover.

Schengen vs Non-Schengen flights

If you’re flying between two Schengen countries (i.e., Italy to Germany), it is considered a Schengen flight. If you’re traveling outside of the Schengen zone, it’s considered non-Schengen. This could be short-haul flights, such as Italy to the U.K., or long-haul flights such as Italy to the United States.

If you’re flying within the Schengen Zone, you are unlikely to have to pass through immigration at any point and will only need to show your passport as a form of identification when boarding your flight. This usually means that you only need to be at the airport an hour before your flight departs, meaning that you may have more time than you expect for your layover!

Airports may also have their own policies regarding leaving the airport during a layover and how much time you’ll need to transfer from one flight to another. If you have a relatively short layover, it’s a good idea to check the airport website to see how much time you’ll need for your layover.

Factors That Determine If You Can Leave the Airport

There are many different factors that determine whether or not you can leave the airport. Most importantly, you need to understand the minimum layover time for that particular airport. These times are based on the airport itself and the estimated time that it takes to process through immigration and customs and to transfer between gates and terminals. There are usually no extra restrictions for leaving the airport during an overnight flight. In fact, some airports are not open overnight, so you may actually be forced to leave the airport during your layover.

How Long Is Your Layover?

As mentioned above, your minimum layover time is partially determined by which airport you're flying in and out of and whether or not you need to switch terminals, as this can make a huge difference in how much time you need to get to your next flight. It’s also important to keep in mind that the boarding time for international flights closes earlier than it does for domestic flights.

For domestic layovers, it’s a good idea to leave at least 90 minutes between flights, while for international flights, you will want to leave at least two hours for your international layover time. This allows for additional buffer time in case your flight is delayed arriving at the airport.

Domestic vs International Flight Rules

If you are flying between two domestic airports, you can generally leave the airport but you should always keep in mind that you’ll have to pass through security when coming back into the airport and follow all TSA re-entry procedures.

If you’re flying into a country on an international flight, you’ll also need to go through immigration and customs. Customs clearance times can differ greatly depending on the airport, the arrival time, and the nationality of the passport that you’re traveling on.

Luggage Storage Options

If you checked a bag at your departure destination, this should go all the way to your final destination. However, you may want to leave your carry-on bag behind while you explore the city during your layover. Many airports offer left luggage services where you can leave your bag for a few hours up to a few days.

If you’re ticket doesn’t include checked baggage and you’re flying domestically in the United States, you may also want to consider baggage forwarding services that can send your bag to your final destination. These services are often cheaper than checking a bag, and you simply need to drop your bag off a few days before your departure, and it should appear at your destination when you do!

It’s also a good idea to follow smart carry-on strategies and try to pack as little as possible. This makes it easier to move between destinations and can also help you save a lot of money.

Re-Entry Security Procedures

As mentioned before, you will need to go through security again when returning to the airport. It’s wise to check the security wait time averages for the airport where you have your layover to ensure that you have enough time. If possible, you may also want to consider getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Both of these programs offer special security lines that can help you get through the TSA procedures quickly.

Types of Layovers for Leaving the Airport

Stopover Programs

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Some airports and destinations are so eager to have visitors that they offer special stopover programs. These programs are designed to give travelers the chance to stop in their “hub” destination for up to one or two days while en route to their final destination. Some airports even schedule city tours that you can go on if you have a long layover.

Airlines offering this service include Copa Airlines (Panama), Emirates (Dubai), Iberia Airlines (Madrid), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon or Porto), and Qantas (Sydney).

What Can You Do When You Leave the Airport During a Layover?

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If you decide to leave the airport during a layover, make sure to be as efficient as possible and prioritize what you want to see. Planning this out in advance can help you save a lot of time when your flight lands and help you make the most of your layover. Depending on your layover destination, you may also be able to find lots of quick layover sightseeing tips online.

Some of the best layover activities include sightseeing tours, visiting some landmarks, or heading to some of the city’s best restaurants. With smart planning, you can turn transit time into a bonus adventure!