A long layover due to two connecting flights is common today. Most people utilize the layover period to relax in the waiting area of a terminal. But some travelers might like to wander around the city of the layover. Whether you are traveling with business class tickets or economy class, leaving the airport at a layover can be both tricky and tempting. As exciting as it may seem to catch a quick glimpse of a nearby monument or just explore the city by careless wandering, there are risks involved. Risks like missing out on the next flight if you get late to check in! Check out these important considerations before you make an adventurous leap from the safe confines of the airport.
Consider the visa requirements:
First things first. Do you even have visa-free access to the city? This is a serious consideration where you need to know if you have the right to leave the international zone at all. Go through the visa requirements of a specific country.
Some countries allow visas on arrival and a transit visa which covers 36 to 72 hours. However, in a domestic layover, the visa requirement is not an issue in any country, so travelers can easily go out. Visit Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets for your next vacation.
Time duration of the layover:
A layover of fewer than 6 hours is not an ideal situation to leave the airport. It takes a few hours to pass customs and security, and leave the airport for the city or the destination you want to cover. And when you come back you will need time to go through security again and check-in for the next flight.
It can be tempting to wander in a new city without an additional cost but the situation might get worse in case you get late. Some airports can be well within the city, but many are pretty far from the main city. So, if there is no direct connectivity like a high-speed train into the city, you might get stuck in the unexpected traffic rush.
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Consider the traffic consideration:
Even when you get a transit visa, information on the traffic situation is necessary. Just imagine the scenario if you get delayed due to an unexpected traffic jam and fail to make it to the check-in counter on time. If the location you want to explore is on the other side of the town, chances are you might get stuck in traffic at some point. Add all the extra hours and then see if a comfortable adventure is possible.
If the nearest city is accessible through a super fast mode of transport, then you can easily wander off to the city. A train’s chances of delay are less but pre-arrange all the bookings well in advance. Just make a well-informed choice, especially if you are flying with luxurious business class tickets to your destination. It will be a waste of money in case you might need to make another last-minute booking.
Pre-arrange everything in case you get an advanced transit visa:
Even when you get a transit visa well in advance, it is very important to make advance bookings. If sightseeing is the idea, maybe select a tour guide who can cover the important tourist spots for a limited period.
Some airports even organize tours for long layovers. That is probably the best option. You can even plan a long-term stay in the layover destination if the visa-free option is there and club two vacations together. International holidaymakers today can avail of massive discounts by booking last minute flights online.
Is it worth the hassle?
Finally, is it worth the hassle? No matter the duration of the layover, it takes many checkpoints and steps to get out and get back into the airport. And what will happen in case you get late and miss the flight? Consider the backup plan in the worst-case scenario happens – you miss your connecting flight. There is no allowance or discount if you venture out on your own accord and don’t get back in time. It is highly unlikely that your travel insurance will cover any such issue.
There is no minimum time that is suitable for a layover adventure. But seasoned travelers with business class tickets consider 6 to 12 hours duration as appropriate to venture out of the airport.
Now, the idea to explore a new city is delightful. But if it means spending 2-3 hours at a place and spending 3-4 hours commuting and security check-ins, it is not even worth the rush. Also, you might not even get to witness the real vibe of the city. Such a small visit might blow up your budget unnecessarily while causing extra stress. Most airports have engaging areas where time passes quickly. So, make a wise and well-informed choice when it comes to utilizing your layover.
