Understanding Layovers and Stopovers: What Travellers Need to Know

When booking flights that aren’t non-stop, you might come across terms like “layover,” “stopover,” or “direct flight with a stop.” Although they may sound similar, each refers to a different type of break in your journey, and understanding the distinction can help you better plan your travel and avoid confusion along the way.

According to Loulu Lima, founder of the travel agency Book Here Give Here, these terms can impact both your itinerary flexibility and the kind of assistance you can expect if things go awry.

What Exactly Is a Layover?

A layover is the most common form of a break in air travel. It generally refers to the time between connecting flights within a single itinerary. Most layovers are short, ranging from around 35 minutes — which is considered the minimum legal connection time — to up to 14 hours. On international routes, layovers can even extend overnight.

During a layover, you’re usually not leaving the airport. If you’re flying on one ticket, your bags are often transferred automatically to your final destination. However, in some situations — especially when moving from an international to a domestic flight — you might need to collect your luggage and go through customs before checking it in again.

In cases where the layover lasts several hours or overnight, some airlines may allow you to leave the airport, claim your baggage, and even stay at a nearby hotel before continuing your journey the next day.

How Is That Different From a Stopover?

Unlike layovers, a stopover is a longer break between flights and typically lasts more than 24 hours for international travel (or more than 4 hours on domestic routes). Stopovers are often used as an opportunity to explore a second city or country along the way. Rather than simply waiting for your next flight, a stopover is part of your travel experience, offering a built-in mini holiday.

For example, if you’re flying from Sydney to London via Dubai, you might choose a stopover in Dubai to spend a couple of days exploring the city before continuing on. Airlines sometimes offer special stopover packages to encourage this type of extended stay, and it’s usually something that needs to be planned in advance as part of your ticket.

What About Direct Flights With Stops?

Then there’s the direct flight with a stop, which can be the most confusing. Despite the name, this doesn’t mean you’ll remain in the same seat all the way through. A direct flight can include a scheduled stop at an airport for refuelling or for letting other passengers on and off — but the flight number remains the same throughout.

You typically won’t change planes during these stops, but you might need to stay onboard or re-board after a brief wait. It’s not a layover or stopover in the traditional sense, but it’s still a pause in your journey.

Why These Differences Matter

Understanding whether you have a layover, stopover, or direct flight with a stop is important for several reasons. It affects what you can do between flights, whether you need to go through customs, and how your baggage is handled. It also determines your passenger rights in case of delays or missed connections.

For instance, if all your flights are on the same ticket and a delay causes you to miss a connection, the airline is generally responsible for rebooking you. But if your connecting flights are booked separately, you may need to sort out the problem on your own — often at your own expense.

Planning with these definitions in mind can help make your journey smoother, whether you’re heading overseas or just across the country. Knowing what kind of travel break you’re dealing with can save time, reduce stress, and even open up opportunities to see more of the world along the way.