Are Layovers Worth the Savings? How To Maximize Them for Cheaper Travel
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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For many travelers, a direct flight to their vacation destination is the holy grail of ease and convenience. But layovers can add a fun twist to your travel adventures if you plan properly.
First, let’s address the financial aspects: Does a layover always represent the best deal?
“Layovers don’t always save you money,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, adding that they often do cost less. “Whenever you book plane travel, you want to assess all your flight options, including direct flights and flights with layovers, so you can guarantee you’re getting the best price.”
Here are more details on whether layovers are worth the savings and how to maximize them for cheaper travel.
Save Money by Booking Flights Individually
Amy Poulton, digital nomad and founder of Page Traveller, agreed that layovers aren’t always cheaper. But she recently saved money on a flight from the country of Georgia to Birmingham in the U.K. with a stop in Istanbul by booking two separate flights.
On this journey, Poulton had only five hours in Turkey, but she wasn’t opposed to staying overnight if she missed her connection, she wrote on her blog.
Reduce Travel Stress With an Overnight Stopover
On another trip, Poulton booked flights with a one-day layover in Doha, Qatar.
“It was perfect for seeing the city’s main sights and breaking up a long journey, but without the stress of missing a connecting flight,” she said.
Book a Multi-Day Layover
You can also use a layover to book a vacation within a vacation.
For instance, Icelandair currently offers a stopover for up to seven days in Iceland on flights between the U.S. and Europe. “Layovers let travelers experience an extra destination without needing a separate trip,” said Gísli S. Brynjólfsson, global marketing director at Icelandair.
Consider the Risks
Layovers come with a risk of missing your connecting flight. If you’re visiting someplace where you can choose from multiple flights daily, missing your connection may not be a big deal. Likewise, if you have flexibility in your travel plans, a layover can be a safer, more affordable choice.
“Look at the timings of the flights and consider how risk-averse you are,” Poulton said. “Don’t push yourself to squeeze a layover into a short time if you know you’re the type of person who will feel anxious about rushing to get to the next flight.”
Poulton also advised packing light if your flight has a layover. “If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, there’s less risk of losing your luggage during a short layover or missed connection,” she said.
Do Your Research
Poulton emphasized that it’s important to put time into researching your layover. “Treat it as you would any short break,” she said. “Do your research to make sure the layover trip fits into your plans and budget.”
That includes budgeting for food, attractions and accommodations, as well as ensuring you’ll have enough time to do everything on your list in your layover city.
“If you have a layover that lasts one night or more, don’t just assume that you will save the most money by staying at a hotel near the airport,” Schwab said. “Instead, weigh all of your options by looking into alternatives like short-term rentals and other lodging a bit further away from the hotel.”
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