Stuck with a long layover? Here's exactly what to do with 2, 4, 6, or 8+ hours between flights. Plus a way to actually build your reward balance while you wait. Part of our guide on how to make money while waiting.
Layovers can feel like wasted time. You're stuck in an airport terminal with nothing to do but stare at departure boards and overpriced coffee shops. It's not exactly fun.
But here's the thing. Layovers don't have to be dead time. With the right approach, you can rest, explore, get work done, or even accumulate rewards while waiting for your next flight. The reason this matters is that your time has real value, even when you're stuck between gates.
This guide covers exactly what to do based on how much time you have. We'll talk about whether you can leave the airport and how to turn those idle hours into something productive or rewarding.
Turn Your Layover Into Accumulated Rewards
Most people waste layover time scrolling their phones. VISU lets you accumulate rewards by scanning QR codes at partner locations.
Before You Do Anything: The Layover Checklist
Before deciding how to spend your layover, you need to answer a few quick questions.
How much time do you actually have? Subtract at least 60 to 90 minutes for security, walking between terminals, and boarding. That "4 hour layover" might really be 2.5 hours of free time.
Do you need a visa to exit? Some countries require transit visas even for short city visits. Don't assume you can just walk out.
Is your baggage checked through? If not, you may need to collect and re-check bags. This eats time.
Are your terminals connected? Some airports require re-clearing security between terminals. This is more common than you'd think.
What's the airport like? Some airports like Changi and Incheon are destinations themselves. Others are bare-bones. Knowing this changes your strategy.
Once you know your real available time, pick your approach below.
Short Layover (1-2 Hours): Stay Near Your Gate
With under 2 hours, don't wander far. Your priority is making your connection without stress. That's it.
What to Do
Find your departure gate first. Know exactly where you need to be before you do anything else. Then grab food near the gate if you're hungry. Your next flight might not have good options, so eat now.
Charge your devices while you can. Look for charging stations or outlets near seating areas. Use the bathroom too. Airport bathrooms beat airplane bathrooms every time.
If you've been sitting on a long flight, stretch your legs. Walk the terminal a bit. It helps more than you'd think.
What to Skip
Don't explore other terminals. Don't bother with lounges since they're not worth the money for just 1-2 hours. And definitely don't leave the airport.
Medium Layover (3-5 Hours): Explore and Relax
This is the sweet spot. You have enough time to do something meaningful but you're not stuck forever.
Best Options
Visit an airport lounge. Day passes typically cost $30 to $60 and include food, drinks, wifi, and comfortable seating. Top US lounges include the Centurion Lounge for Amex holders, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass locations. Worth it for this length of wait.
Explore the airport. Major hubs like Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon, and Amsterdam Schiphol have gardens, museums, and real entertainment. Don't just sit at your gate.
Get some work done. Find a quiet spot with wifi and power outlets. Coffee shop or lounge, your call. Three hours is enough to actually accomplish something.
Eat a real meal. Skip the fast food and find a sit-down restaurant. You have time. Enjoy it.
Spa or massage. Many airports have XpresSpa or Be Relax locations for quick treatments. A 30-minute massage can reset your whole travel mood.
Duty-free shopping. Browse without the pressure of catching a flight in 10 minutes. Just don't go crazy on things you don't need.
Long Layover (6-8 Hours): Consider Leaving the Airport
With 6+ hours, staying inside the airport can feel like punishment. If logistics allow, get out and see something real.
Before Leaving the Airport
Check visa requirements. Some countries like UAE, Singapore, and Japan offer transit visas or visa-free entry for short stays. Others don't. Look this up before you land.
Confirm your baggage situation. Make sure bags are checked through to your final destination. If you have to pick them up and re-check, that changes everything.
Research transportation. Know how to get to the city and back. Train, taxi, shuttle. Know the options and costs.
Set a return deadline. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours buffer for international flights and 90 minutes for domestic. Traffic happens. Lines happen. Don't cut it close.
What to Do Outside
Quick city tour. Many airports offer organized layover tours. Singapore, Istanbul, and Seoul all have official programs. They handle the logistics so you don't have to worry.
One landmark visit. Pick one thing close to the airport and do it well. Don't try to cram in five attractions. That's how you miss your flight.
Local food. Skip airport prices and eat where locals eat. This alone can make a layover memorable.
Day hotel. Services like DayUse.com let you book rooms by the hour near airports. Sometimes a shower and a nap beats sightseeing.
If You Stay Inside
Some airports have airside hotels where you don't need to clear immigration. Sleeping pods are available at airports like Munich, Helsinki, and Dubai. Lounge day passes become more worth it for longer waits. And major hubs have gyms, showers, cinemas, and more.
Overnight Layover (8+ Hours): Sleep Strategy
Overnight layovers require a real plan. Sleeping on airport chairs is possible but it's pretty miserable. You have better options.
Best Options for Overnight
Airport hotel. Airside options at Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and others let you sleep without clearing immigration. Book ahead if you can.
Transit hotel or capsule. Budget-friendly pods at airports like Narita, Munich, and Doha. Not luxurious but you'll actually sleep.
Lounge with sleeping facilities. Some business class lounges have quiet rooms and showers. If you have access, use it.
City hotel. If you have 10+ hours and can easily exit, a real bed might be worth the extra effort.
If You Must Sleep in the Terminal
Research the airport on SleepingInAirports.net for the best spots. Look for quiet gates or designated rest zones. Keep valuables secure, either under your head or in a locked bag. Use earplugs and an eye mask. And set multiple alarms. Missing your flight after all that would be brutal.
How to Accumulate Rewards During Your Layover
Here's what most layover guides won't tell you. You can turn those idle hours into accumulated rewards. These options work best in high-traffic environments like airports, malls, and transit hubs.
While everyone else is doom-scrolling or overspending at Hudson News, you could be building your reward balance. Several apps now reward users for activities that are perfect for airport downtime.
Reward Options During Layovers
Location-based rewards. Apps like VISU let you accumulate rewards for verified visits to partner locations, including some airports and nearby businesses. You're there anyway, so you might as well build your balance.
Survey apps. Complete quick surveys while waiting. Check our complete guide to money-making apps for the legit ones.
Cashback on purchases. If you're buying food or products anyway, use cashback apps to get money back. Small amounts add up.
Walking rewards. Many airports are huge. Apps that pay you to walk can reward your terminal exploration. You're walking anyway.
You can also earn from apps that pay for store visits at airport shops and restaurants. Every verified check-in counts.
Users who set up their accounts early are already building their VISU balance. The sooner you start, the more you'll have accumulated when withdrawals become available.
Build Your Balance While You Wait
VISU rewards verified activity at real locations. Scan QR codes at partner spots in and around airports to accumulate rewards while other travelers waste time. No purchases required. Availability depends on location.
Airport-Specific Tips
Not all airports are created equal. Here's what to expect at different types.
World-Class Airports (Worth a Long Layover)
| Airport | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Changi (SIN) | Butterfly garden, rooftop pool, movie theater, free city tours | Any layover length |
| Seoul Incheon (ICN) | Korean culture museum, spa, ice skating, free transit tours | 4+ hours |
| Doha Hamad (DOH) | Art installations, quiet rooms, squash courts, pool | 6+ hours |
| Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) | Rijksmuseum annex, library, park, easy city access | 3+ hours |
| Munich (MUC) | Airbrau brewery, sleeping pods, visitor terrace | 4+ hours |
US Airports: What to Expect
American airports generally have fewer amenities than Asian or European hubs. But major ones have improved recently.
JFK in New York has the iconic TWA Hotel and Terminal 4 has decent food options now. LAX in Los Angeles has a solid new Tom Bradley terminal. With 6+ hours you can Uber to nearby attractions pretty easily.
ATL in Atlanta is efficient but boring. Good lounges are your best bet there. ORD in Chicago is large and spread out. There's a Yoga Room in Terminal 3 and a decent food hall. DFW in Dallas has a Grand Hyatt inside security and a good Centurion Lounge.
What to Pack for Better Layovers
A few small items can dramatically improve your layover experience.
Bring a portable charger so you don't depend on finding outlets. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs help you block out terminal noise. An eye mask is essential for sleeping in bright terminals.
A refillable water bottle saves money and keeps you hydrated. Fill it after security. Pack some snacks to avoid overpriced airport food. Download your entertainment beforehand. Netflix, podcasts, ebooks. Get them ready offline.
Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on so you can freshen up during long waits. And a travel pillow makes sleeping anywhere more viable.
Common Layover Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting it too close. Always leave more buffer than you think you need. Seriously. More than that.
Not checking visa requirements. Getting denied re-entry is a nightmare you don't want.
Forgetting about security lines. Especially at busy airports or during peak hours. They can be brutal.
Overspending out of boredom. Airport prices are inflated. Don't buy things you don't need just because you're bored.
Drinking too much. Alcohol plus altitude plus dehydration equals a bad combination. Go easy.
Not setting alarms. If you nap, set multiple alarms on multiple devices. Don't be that person.
Ignoring your body. Stretch, walk, hydrate. Don't just sit for hours. You'll feel terrible on your next flight.
Not using reward apps. Time you could use productively gets wasted. Set up apps like VISU before your trip.
Final Tips: Making Any Layover Better
Reframe your mindset. A layover is free time, not wasted time. How you think about it changes everything.
Plan ahead. Research your layover airport before you travel. Five minutes of research saves hours of wandering.
Set up apps beforehand. Lounge apps, maps, reward apps like VISU. Get them ready before you land.
Stay flexible. Sometimes the best layover moments are unplanned. Leave room for that.
Use the time productively. Whether that's rest, work, exploration, or building your reward balance. Do something intentional.
The difference between a miserable layover and a great one is almost never the airport itself. It's whether you showed up with a plan.
FAQ: Layover Guide
How long is considered a long layover?
Generally, anything over 4 hours is considered a long layover. Under 2 hours is short and sometimes tight. 2-4 hours is comfortable. And 6+ hours gives you time to leave the airport if logistics allow.
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
It depends on three factors. Whether you need a visa to enter the country, whether your bags are checked through, and how much time you have. For international layovers, always verify visa requirements first. Give yourself at least 3 hours buffer when returning to the airport.
Are airport lounges worth it for layovers?
For layovers of 3+ hours, yes. Lounges typically cost $30-60 for day passes and include food, drinks, wifi, comfortable seating, and sometimes showers. The value increases with longer waits. Many credit cards offer free lounge access through Priority Pass or similar programs.
What should I do during an overnight layover?
Your best options are airside transit hotels at major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Sleeping pods work too. Lounge access with quiet rooms is another option. Or exit to a nearby hotel if you have enough time and proper documentation.
Can I accumulate rewards during a layover?
Yes. Apps like VISU let you accumulate rewards for verified activity at partner locations, including some airports. You can also use survey apps, cashback apps on purchases, or walking reward apps while exploring large terminals. It's a productive way to use otherwise dead time.
What are the best airports for long layovers?
Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon, and Doha Hamad consistently rank as the best airports for layovers. They have great amenities, free city tours, sleeping facilities, and entertainment options. In the US, JFK and DFW have improved significantly.
Ready to Make Your Next Layover Count?
Create your VISU account before your trip and start accumulating rewards at airports worldwide. Every layover becomes an opportunity to build your balance.