Stopover vs. Layover — What's the Difference?

A stopover is a deliberate pause in a journey, lasting longer than 24 hours for international flights or more than 4 hours for domestic flights. Stopovers provide travelers with an opportunity to explore a new city or country, turning a lengthy journey into a multi-destination trip. A layover is a brief interval between connecting flights, typically necessitated by flight schedules and routes. Passengers usually stay within the airport during a layover, waiting for their next flight. Layovers are common in long-distance travel, especially when direct flights are unavailable or impractical.

Layovers are often short, sometimes just enough time to transfer from one gate to another. They rarely offer an opportunity to leave the airport or explore the surrounding area. Conversely, stopovers are planned into the itinerary, allowing for sightseeing, business meetings, or rest outside the airport environment. Airlines may offer accommodations or deals for stopovers, encouraging travelers to visit the country of the airline's hub.

The duration of a layover can vary, but it is generally a few hours. It is seen as a necessary inconvenience rather than an opportunity. Stopovers, however, are considered an added value to the journey, offering a chance to visit another destination without the cost of additional flights.

While layovers are usually included in the ticket price and do not affect the fare, stopovers may require an additional fee or a different ticketing arrangement. Some airlines, however, promote stopovers at their hubs without extra charges to boost tourism in their home country.

Wile both layovers and stopovers involve breaks in a journey, their duration, purpose, and the opportunities they offer to travelers differ significantly. Layovers are short and confined to the airport, whereas stopovers are longer, allowing for exploration and activities beyond the airport.