How to Book Flights with Long Layovers: The Easy Way

Updated: 09/01/2025

Let’s be honest— many of us solo travelers are overlooking flights with long layovers in favor of more direct itineraries. But did you know booking layover flights can be an exciting, budget-friendly way to explore many destinations in a single trip? Learning how to book flights with long layovers opens up unique opportunities to see new cities without added airfare.

With a bit of planning, you can find flights with extended layovers and make use of top stopover programs that allow you to immerse yourself in additional cities, experiencing new cultures and sights along the way. I’ll show you how to book flights with long layovers and stopovers to maximize every trip.

• Are you thinking layover when you really mean stopover? Learn what a stopover is-and how to book one in this guide

What is a Layover?

A layover is a break in your flight journey, typically lasting from 30 minutes to 24 hours. For adventure seekers, long layovers can provide time to explore a new city before continuing to their final destination. Stopovers, in contrast, are extended layovers that are often several days. They allow travelers to stop in different locations en route to their destination. Whether you’re wondering how to book flights with long layovers or stopovers instead, I’ll walk through making it to your next adventure.

Benefits of Booking Flights with Long Layovers

Booking flights with long layovers or stopovers offers several benefits:

1. Additional Destination: A long layover turns your travel route into a multi-city experience.
2. Reduced Travel Cost: Major airlines often offer free or discounted stopovers in their home cities.
3. Flexibility in Scheduling: Using tools like Skyscanner’s multi-city flight search allows you to customize your route and select layovers that suit your itinerary.

Popular Airlines and Stopover Programs

Certain airlines provide travelers with structured stopover programs that make it easy to explore their hub cities. Here are some top options:

• Icelandair Stopover: Icelandair allows a stopover in Reykjavik at no extra charge. This program is ideal for travelers flying between North America and Europe.
• Turkish Airlines Stopover Program: Turkish Airlines offers a free hotel stay for travelers with long layovers in Istanbul, providing an affordable and enriching layover experience.
• Qatar Airways Stopover Program: This program provides discounted hotel rates for travelers passing through Doha, giving them a chance to experience Qatari culture.
• Emirates Stopover Program: Emirates offers stopover packages in Dubai, including accommodation and airport transfers, ideal for travelers flying between North America, Europe, and Asia.

These airlines are renowned for offering immersive layover experiences that allow travelers to explore the city while waiting for their next flight.

How to Find Flights with Long Layovers

1. Use Skyscanner’s Multi-City Search: Skyscanner’s multi-city feature lets you add multiple destinations to your itinerary, helping you find flights with layovers in the cities you want to explore.
2. Set Layover Preferences: When booking flights on major airlines, you can select “extended layover” options to increase your stopover duration in preferred cities.
3. Utilize Skiplagged: Skiplagged specializes in finding hidden-city tickets, which are itineraries where a layover city is your real destination.

Booking Flights with Long Layovers: Step-by-Step

1. Plan Your Destinations: Decide which cities you’d like to explore during layovers, whether it’s Reykjavik, Istanbul, Doha, or another layover-friendly city.
2. Search on Skyscanner Multi-City: Enter your desired destinations and dates. The multi-city search is ideal for finding layover flights and scheduling each leg of your trip.
3. Consider Stopover Programs: Check if your airline offers a stopover program. Some programs allow free hotel accommodations for overnight layovers.
4. Check Visa Requirements: Before booking, confirm whether you’ll need a visa to leave the airport, especially if you’re considering leaving the airport during an international layover.

Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover?

The answer to “can you leave the airport during a layover?” depends on several factors, including your nationality, the country of your layover, and the layover duration. For layovers over four hours, many travelers choose to leave the airport to sightsee. Keep these points in mind:

• Visa Requirements: Some countries require a visa for travelers leaving the airport during a layover.
• Overnight Layovers: If you have an overnight layover, most countries permit you to exit the airport as long as you have the proper documentation.
• Layover Duration: For shorter layovers, airport facilities may offer entertainment options, allowing you to stay within the airport if leaving isn’t feasible.

How Long Should a Layover Be?

For those planning to explore a layover city, the ideal layover duration is usually 6–12 hours. This provides enough time to leave the airport, explore the city, and return for the next leg of your journey. For more in-depth exploration, consider stopover programs that allow 1–3 days in the layover city.

Tips for Enjoying Layovers in Popular Stopover Cities

• Reykjavik, Iceland (Icelandair Stopover): Start with a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon before exploring Reykjavik’s vibrant cultural scene.
• Istanbul, Turkey (Turkish Airlines Stopover): Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar for a unique blend of history and shopping.
• Doha, Qatar (Qatar Stopover Program): Discover the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif, giving you a taste of Qatari culture.

How Layovers Work and What to Expect

Layovers vary by airline and airport. Generally, your baggage will be checked through to your final destination, especially on international flights, allowing you to roam freely during your layover without worrying about luggage. However, always check with your airline, as some layovers may require re-checking bags, particularly on multi-city flights or routes with different airlines.

Wrapping Up: Making the Most of Your Long Layover

Flights with long layovers provide unique travel opportunities, allowing you to experience new places without the cost of a separate trip. By using Skyscanner’s multi-city tool and exploring stopover programs offered by airlines like Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, you can create a memorable journey with enriching layover experiences.