Ah, the dreaded stopover! Is there anything worse than 3 or more hours in an airport? Actually, there might be! Despite the hatred that stopovers get, they don’t have to mean sitting at your gate watching the clock – you can sleep, eat, even go for a swim!
We have found some great tips for making the most of your long stopovers and ensuring you arrive to your destination feeling refreshed.
1. Work out
It might sound silly but with all the time in the world, why not do a bit of exercise? Be sure to pack a yoga mat and find a quiet space to do some stretching. It can help to get your blood flowing and circulation pumping. Some airports even have places specifically for travellers to exercise, or meditation centres.
2. Leave the airport
Some airports offer fast and affordable transportation to the nearby city such as Amsterdam, Chicago and Singapore.
To make sure you’ll have enough time, find out what kind of transport you’ll need to take to and from the airport and research the locations of attractions you want to visit. You may want to focus on a single attraction to save travel time. Also be sure to allow plenty of wiggle room for traffic, long airport security lines and other things that could go awry.
You will have to check ahead of time to see if you’ll need a visa to enter the country that you’re arriving at.
Generally your luggage will be checked to your final destination even on lengthy layovers of up to 24 hours. If you need to pick up or hold onto your luggage during your layover, you can always leave it in the airport at a locker or Left Luggage facility.
3. Sleep
Many airports have designated sleeping sections or special sleep chairs that can help you feel less awkward about it. Hong Kong International Airport, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Vancouver International Airport offer comfy lounge chairs and padded benches.
4. Get a room
Consider paying for a hotel room in the airport, even if it’s for a stopover that’s only a half-day or so long – you may find it’s really worth the cost.
5. Research the stopover airport
Find out if there are restaurants, shops, or other activities. Some have theatres, museums, gyms, or play areas for the kids; these usually are found in large cities. Check out the airport website for information. Make sure to find out if there is any service that allows you to deposit your baggage if you have some.
6. Try to get in the lounge
Most airlines have VIP clubs at major airports where you can enjoy food and drink. If you are a frequent flyer member, inquire about getting a day pass – it could be worth it if you have a long wait.
7. Freshen up
Most airports have showers and a place where you can freshen up. This is especially useful on a long-haul flight to Europe where you might feel a bit stale from sitting in a plane for 14+ hours.
Quick guide to popular airports for stopovers:
Singapore’s Changi airport is often the gateway to the rest of Asia and may be your first or last stop before Europe.
Travellers flying to Europe will typically stop in Dubai.
Another gateway to Asia, and a stop if flying with China Southern Airlines.
Travellers flying to Europe may stop in Abu Dhabi.