Between two connecting flights a passenger waits in an intermediate airport for the next departure. That waiting period is a layover. Duration can range from under an hour to many hours or even an overnight stay.

Short layovers demand efficient movement through the terminal and create stress when the incoming flight is late. Long layovers may allow leaving the airport to see something of the city, subject to visa rules and security re-entry. Airport facilities—lounges, showers, quiet areas—shape how tolerable the wait feels.

Airlines schedule layovers according to aircraft rotations and hub connections. Passengers choose itineraries partly on the basis of layover length and airport quality. A well-timed layover can be restful; a poorly timed one dominates the memory of the trip.

• Waiting period between connecting flights
• Can be brief or extend many hours
• Influenced by delays and airport layout
• May allow brief city visits on longer stops