Stopover Tips

Which airports allow you to exit the transit area? What do I need to consider when entering? Do I have enough time, and what do I do with my luggage? If you want to make the most of your stopover at the airport, there are several things to consider. I will show you the best tips and tricks so you can make the most of your waiting time!

Long wait times at the airport can be quite annoying, and after a few hours, you know every shop by heart and have walked the transit area ten times. What many forget is that you are not locked in at the airports like Tom Hanks in the movie Terminal, so make something out of your time. It's important to inform yourself about the respective entry requirements of the countries beforehand to avoid complications. Generally, international airports often issue a Visa on Arrival, allowing you to stay in the respective country as a tourist. In my tips for your stopover, you will find out where you can leave the airport and how to make your stay at the stopover as pleasant as possible.

In Canada, you should not have any problems, but for the entry into the USA, there is quite a bit to consider. In general: Anyone landing at a US airport from abroad must first go through customs. It doesn't matter if you are continuing to another airport within the USA or leaving the country directly. Unfortunately, this also includes bringing your luggage through customs and rechecking it. There is no classic transit area where you can remain without officially entering. Before you step onto US soil, you must always fill out the so-called ESTA form, regardless of whether you want to leave the airport later or not. This is usually quite simple, can be done online up to 72 hours before your flight, and costs $14. So if you have a longer stopover at a US airport, you can use this form to leave the airport. Of course, you should allow some time for entry, as this can take several hours. You should also find out how central the airport is so that you can be back at your gate on time for your next flight.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world and is located in the southwestern part of the city, about 25 kilometers from downtown.

The airport is situated on the coast, and if you like, you can visit nearby Venice Beach or the legendary Santa Monica Pier. Los Angeles is known for its heavy traffic, so it's worth planning a few extra minutes. The best way to reach the city's hotspots is by bus or taxi, and if you're up for it, you can rent a car for a day. With a taxi, the ride takes about 20 minutes, but it can take longer since traffic in LA is often unpredictable.

JFK Airport is only about 20 kilometers from Manhattan, giving you the chance to take a quick trip to the city that never sleeps.

If you want to be on the safe side, you should have at least 8 hours available and allow enough time for entry and so on. If you have not booked interconnected flights and your luggage will not be automatically transported to your destination, you even have the chance at the airport to securely store your bags to make a short excursion into downtown. With a fixed fare of usually $52, you can take a taxi to Manhattan within 20 minutes, but you can also take the subway from Jamaica Station into the city, which usually takes about 40 minutes. Buses and trains will also take you to the Big Apple.

Are you stranded during your stopover in the Windy City? No problem, as O'Hare International Airport (ORD) even has its own subway station that takes you directly to the hotspots in downtown.

In general, you will notice that Chicago has excellent public transportation and with the so-called 'L', which runs above and underground through the streets of the city, you can get anywhere! Within 40 minutes, you can reach downtown on the Blue Line for under $5. A taxi will get you there much faster, but then you'll pay around $50.

This airport is certainly one of the most visited in the world! When you travel to the USA, there's a good chance you'll make a small stop in Atlanta. From the airport, you can easily take the 'Marta', which has a station at the airport, to get to downtown in just over 20 minutes. Be sure to use the few hours you have during your layover in Atlanta to enjoy the Southern charm of the city in Georgia, perhaps by visiting one of the typical Waffle Houses or checking out the filming locations of the series The Walking Dead. Again, remember to allow enough time as entry and re-checking your luggage before traveling onwards can also take a while.

In Toronto, you do not need a visa for entry either. To leave the airport, you must fill out a form at Canadian immigration indicating that you are 'in transit'.

If you plan to stay for several days, you can instead indicate your accommodation. Then you can get started: A very inexpensive and fast way from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Downtown Toronto is the train service of the UP Express. A ride costs about €20, and when you get off at Union Station, you find yourself in the heart of the city. A few blocks on foot and you are in the Entertainment or Fashion District or right at the harbor. If you're in the area for a few days, I also recommend a trip to the Niagara Falls, which are only an hour and a half drive away. You can either book a tour or take the bus.

Whether you have a layover in the United Arab Emirates, China, or Thailand - in Asia, it's always worth stepping outside the (airport) door.

You have landed in Dubai and want to see a bit of the city before your onward journey? No problem, because if you arrive with a German passport, you can obtain a visitor visa for free at immigration that is valid for 30 days.

With a taxi, you can reach the city center for the equivalent of €20. An alternative is, for example, a sightseeing tour via metro, where you pass by the most beautiful attractions and can hop on and off as you please. Day tickets are available for about €3. Alternatively, you can also book one of the following cool tours:

The Hong Kong Airport is definitely worth a visit and has a lot to offer. From cinemas to shopping malls, everything is available here.

There are also beauty salons, shower and sleeping rooms, and play areas for children. However, if you feel tempted to explore the city, you can leave the airport for longer layovers. In Hong Kong, German citizens can easily enter without applying for a visa in advance for up to 90 days. The Airport Express takes you to the city within 24 minutes, and thanks to the excellent subway and taxi systems, you can explore every little corner of Hong Kong.

Changi Airport in Singapore has been awarded the title of best airport in the world multiple times due to its vast entertainment options and modern facilities. No wonder, because with offerings like a 24-hour fitness center, free foot massages, a swimming pool, and the 'Sunflower Garden' on the rooftop terrace, boredom will never set in. If you stay overnight, you can either book a room in the transit hotel or use one of the many lounges and sofas as free sleeping options for a nap.

Do you want to use your stay in Singapore for some sightseeing before you head to your next destination? Depending on the airline, you can directly check in your luggage for the next flight or leave it at the luggage storage for a few Singapore dollars. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free exploration of the city, as you won't need a special visa; just getting a Visa on Arrival will suffice. A taxi ride in the center is quite inexpensive; the trip takes about 30 minutes and typically costs around €15.

You have a few hours layover in Bangkok and want to make the most of it? If you're waiting more than six hours for your next flight, taking a short trip is worth considering.

If you like, you can even opt for an organized tour that can be booked directly at the airport and can be tailored to your schedule. The options vary from temple visits to city tours, and it's ensured that you return to the airport on time before your departure. Be sure to check with your airline whether your luggage will go directly to the destination airport or if you need to recheck the bags. With a stamp in your passport received directly at customs, leaving the airport won't be a problem.

The airport in Doha also offers an opportunity to explore the surroundings - especially if you've booked a flight with Qatar Airways with a longer stopover. Because you can get a cheap stay in a luxury hotel in Doha almost for free.

There, you can relax in your hotel, but I recommend taking a walk through the traditional Souq Waqif, which is near the promenade. Here, you can purchase spices or perfumes and experience the Arab culture in all its glory.

I have compiled a list of the airports in Europe that are best suited for a stopover. I have also gathered tips and offers for suitable tours.

Are you making a stop in Istanbul on your trip? Lucky you, because a long stay in this metropolis is perfect for a little exploration tour.

With a taxi, you can reach downtown for about €50 and back again. However, the metro will take you to the center for the equivalent of €1, where you can admire the port, the opulent buildings, and the beautiful streets of the city. It's really hard to top that! With a valid passport, entry is not a problem, and you can leave the airport in consultation with the airline.

Amsterdam is a popular airport. For EU citizens, it is of course no problem to leave the airport during the wait time.

However, you should also weigh whether it is worth leaving the transit area here in Amsterdam. Depending on whether you booked the flights separately or through the same airline, you will need to allow enough time for the security check at the airport and rechecking baggage. But if you have a stopover of eight hours or longer, you can use the time for a little city trip. For a flat rate of about €40, a taxi will take you directly to downtown, or you can take the train every ten minutes for about €4 and reach Amsterdam Central Station in under 20 minutes. Then you can stroll through the streets of the Dutch city and admire the picturesque bridges and small boats on the canals.

Do you have a layover in London and don't want to miss the chance for a small detour to this exciting city?

Once you've confirmed with your airline whether you can leave the airport, you can take the Heathrow Express, which will get you to Paddington Station in about 20 minutes. From there, you can either explore the city or travel to other highlights with a day ticket for the metro. Paddington Station is near Hyde Park, so you can also spend a few lovely hours there or take a leisurely walk to Buckingham Palace.

In general, it is possible to take a short city stroll during a longer stopover in Paris.

However, if your stay is shorter than nine hours, you should seriously consider whether the detour is worth it. The city center is easiest to reach by train; for example, you can get to Jardin du Luxembourg in about 35 minutes and enjoy a few hours by the Seine or sit in a small café before you have to make your way back. The ride costs about €10. It's much more expensive with a taxi. Therefore, my tip: book a shared taxi transfer that will get you to Paris in no time.

Is your flight delayed, overbooked, or even canceled? In such situations, it's important to assert your passenger rights. The same applies if your luggage gets lost - the worst nightmare of many travelers. But don't worry, there are regulations that protect passengers for each of these scenarios. This means you can receive compensation of up to €600 in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Inform yourself now with the market leader Flightright about your passenger rights and get your money back.

Of course, the airports listed here are only a few examples, and with prior research, you can add a stopover almost anywhere. Who knows, maybe your next stopover will turn into an interesting city trip with new, exciting experiences? Check out my flight search and plan your next trip with a stopover!