What to Do During a Short Layover

✈️ What to Do During a Short Layover (Without Losing Your Mind)

So you’ve booked a flight with a short layover, great for getting to your destination faster, but stressful if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you’ve got 45 minutes or just under two hours, here’s how to make the most of your time (and not miss your next flight).

🕐 What Counts as a “Short” Layover?

Let’s keep it simple:

Under 1 hour for domestic flights? That’s tight.
Under 2 hours for international connections? Even tighter.

Short layovers can work but only if you know how to handle them.

✅ What to Do First: Get Your Bearings

Check your next gate as soon as your first flight lands.
Skip the bathroom break (for now). Head toward your connection first.
Don’t wander off—you may not have time to explore.

If you’re lucky, your gate’s nearby. If not? You’ll be glad you didn’t stop for coffee.

🧳 Do You Need to Go Through Immigration Again?

It depends on the airport and your airline setup:

Same airline or same ticket? You’ll probably stay airside.
Switching airlines or separate tickets? You might need to go through immigration, security, and even baggage claim again.

Pro tip: Always double-check if your bags are checked through to your final destination.

**🧘 What You Can Do During a Short Layover (If There’s Time)**

If things are going smoothly and your gate isn’t a mile away, here are a few quick wins:

Use the restroom before boarding
Top up your water bottle or grab a snack
Charge your phone while watching the gate
Stretch your legs and take a quick walk (but keep an eye on time)

Set a reminder to head to the gate at least 20 minutes before boarding—earlier if it’s a large international flight.

🧠 Bonus Tips for Short Layovers

Sit near the front of the plane so you can get off faster.
Know the airport layout. Some hubs (like Heathrow or Dubai) need extra time to get between terminals.
Ask the flight crew if your next gate is far—they’ll often know before you land.
Download the airport app to track real-time gate changes and maps.

Things to keep in mind before your short layover:

Airport size: Larger airports often mean longer walks, shuttle rides, or even changing terminals—build in extra time.
Airline connection: Booking flights with the same airline (or a partner airline) usually means smoother transfers and protection under official connection times.
Security & customs: International layovers might require passport checks, security re-screening, or customs—which can eat into your connection time.
Checked baggage: On separate tickets? You may need to collect and re-check your bags between flights, which adds another layer of delay.

❌ What Happens If You Miss Your Connection?

If your flights are on one ticket, the airline should rebook you. But if it’s a self-transfer with two separate bookings, you’re on your own. That’s why it’s safer to book both legs on the same itinerary—or use a platform like Fly Fairly that gives you booking transparency upfront.

🧭 Should You Leave the Airport During a Short Layover?

In most cases: No. Unless you’ve got a layover longer than 6 hours, leaving the airport just adds stress.

You’ll need to factor in:

Immigration queues
Transportation time
Re-checking security
Risk of missing your next flight

For anything under 3 hours, it’s better to stay put and chill by the gate.

✈️ Fly Fairly Tip: Plan Better, Stress Less

When you book with Fly Fairly, we show you:

Exactly how long your layover is
Whether it’s a safe connection
Which payment options work best for you
And no surprise fees—ever.

Plus, you can book now, pay later with Klarna, Afterpay, Atome, and even crypto—because flexibility shouldn’t stop at the gate.

Final Thoughts

Short layovers don’t have to be a nightmare. Know your gates, don’t waste time, and always move with a purpose. It’s not about rushing. It’s about planning smart.

So breathe. You’ve got this.

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