Choosing flights with layovers instead of non-stop options can lead to substantial savings, especially on longer routes. By planning your layovers strategically, you can reduce your flight costs and even enjoy an additional destination on your trip. Here’s how to use layovers to save on airfare.

1. Select Flights with Layovers for Lower Fares

Non-stop flights are often more convenient but come at a premium price. Opting for a flight with one or more layovers can be much cheaper, especially on international routes. Use flight search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner to filter for layover options.

• Pro tip: Compare layover flights to non-stop options in terms of both cost and travel time to find a balance that works for you.

2. Look for Extended Layovers for a Bonus Destination

Some flights offer long layovers, sometimes 12 hours or more, allowing you to explore an additional city before continuing to your final destination. Known as “stopover” flights, these can be a great way to add a new experience without extra cost.

• Where to find them: Some airlines, like Icelandair, Qatar Airways, and Finnair, offer stopover programs that allow you to stay for days in their hub city at no extra cost.

3. Use Multi-City Booking for Flexible Layover Options

A multi-city search lets you create a custom itinerary with extended layovers in different cities, rather than relying on traditional round-trip options. This strategy works well if you want to explore multiple destinations without purchasing separate tickets.

• Best practice: On flight search engines, select “multi-city” and enter your desired layover city as an additional destination.

4. Choose Layover Hubs with Free City Tours or Visa-Free Access

Many airports in popular layover hubs offer free city tours for passengers with long layovers, such as Incheon (Seoul) and Changi (Singapore). Some countries also allow visa-free entry for short layovers, making it easier to explore without additional expenses.

• How to check: Look up layover city airport websites or consult your airline to see if they offer free tours or easy entry options for transit passengers.

5. Use Tools Like AirWander to Find Layover Opportunities

AirWander is a specialized flight search engine that helps you find layover options, allowing you to search for cheaper flights with longer layovers in specific cities. This tool is useful if you’re looking to add an extra destination to your journey.

• How to use it: Enter your origin and final destination on AirWander, and the platform will suggest layover options with potential savings.

6. Check Airport Amenities for Long Layovers

If a layover is unavoidable but too short for city exploration, some airports offer amenities like sleep pods, showers, and free Wi-Fi to make long waits more comfortable. Researching airport facilities ahead of time can make your layover experience more enjoyable.

• Tip: Use apps like LoungeBuddy to find airport lounges where you can relax during extended layovers.

7. Stay Within a Single Airline Alliance for Smoother Transfers

Booking layovers within the same airline alliance (e.g., Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld) ensures smoother connections and lower chances of missed flights. Alliance partners coordinate layovers and often have transfer policies that protect your connecting flight.

• How it helps: In case of delays, airlines within the same alliance are more likely to assist with rebooking and support through the entire layover process.

8. Double-Check Visa Requirements for Layover Destinations

Some countries require transit visas for layovers that exceed a certain number of hours, while others offer visa-free entry or transit without a visa. Always check visa requirements for your layover city to avoid unexpected costs or entry issues.

• Where to check: Consult the destination country’s immigration website or use an app like iVisa to verify transit visa requirements.

9. Look for Open-Jaw Flights for Flexibility and Savings

Open-jaw flights allow you to fly into one city and out of another, with the freedom to add a separate segment or layover in between. These flights can be cost-effective for multi-city trips, especially in regions like Europe or Asia where land travel is inexpensive.

• How to book: On your flight search engine, select the open-jaw option under “multi-city” to arrange flights into and out of different cities.

10. Be Aware of Additional Baggage Fees on Layover Flights

If your itinerary includes different airlines for layover segments, double-check each airline’s baggage policies. Some budget carriers charge for checked baggage on connecting flights, even if you’ve paid for luggage on the first leg of the journey.

• Pro tip: Opt for carry-on only if possible to avoid baggage fees on separate airline segments during layovers.

Conclusion: Saving Big with Strategic Layovers

Layovers can be an effective way to save on airfare and enhance your travel experience by exploring new cities. By using these strategies, you can make layovers work to your advantage, whether through cost savings, extra destinations, or access to airport amenities.