Glossary
Layover
Definition: A layover is a brief stop at an intermediate airport during a connecting itinerary, typically lasting less than 24 hours, during which passengers wait for their next flight without leaving the transit area.
Layovers are a standard part of hub-and-spoke airline networks. Most connecting itineraries involve a layover of 1–4 hours at the connecting hub. Minimum connection times (MCTs) vary by airport and are typically 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether the connection is domestic-domestic, domestic-international, or international-international.
The quality of a layover depends heavily on the connecting airport’s facilities. Top-rated airports like Singapore Changi, Qatar Hamad, and Dubai International offer extensive food, shopping, entertainment, and rest facilities that make long layovers pleasant rather than tedious.
For business class passengers, layovers are significantly more comfortable thanks to lounge access. Airline lounges at major hubs provide hot meals, showers, work spaces, and rest areas. On longer layovers, business class passengers can also use arrival lounges, transit hotels, or day rooms. BookMyBusinessClass agents optimise connection times to balance cost savings with a comfortable layover experience.