When using the aircraft, enjoy 100% of the “direct flights & transfers & layovers (Layover, Stopover)” the perfect guide (1)

When using the aircraft, enjoy 100% of the “direct flights & transfers & layovers (Layover, Stopover)” the perfect guide (1) ✈️

First, since direct flights are generally easy to understand without special explanation, let’s focus on the concepts, differences, and precautions of transfer/transit and layover/stopover, which are often confused when flying.

### 1. Brief explanation of direct flights, transfers, and layovers

– Non-stop flight: A flight that goes from departure to destination in one go without transferring between other cities or airports. Travel time is short, and you don’t need to retrieve your luggage or re-board, making it convenient.

– Transfer / Transit: This refers to departing from City A, transferring to another plane at Airport B, and traveling to City C. The flight number changes.

– Layover / Stopover: This means the plane makes a brief stop at an intermediate airport for refueling or passenger boarding/disembarking. Currently, the passenger continues the same plane.

### 2. Cases where the time spent at intermediate airports (layovers) are distinguished by the flight itinerary

– Layover: Refers to a short stay at an intermediate hub airport (usually less than 24 hours for international flights).

– Stopover: Refers to staying at an intermediate airport or city for more than 24 hours (several days) to enjoy a mid-range trip.

### 3. Key differences between Transfer and Layover / Stopover

If there is a route from Incheon Airport (ICN) via Beijing to New York Airport (JFK), the stopover is 17 hours and 45 minutes, making it a layover.

– Aircraft change status: The flight number has been changed; usually, the plane is replaced, but for Transit flights, the same plane is maintained.

– Duration: Usually a quick transfer within a few hours (Layover: less than 24 hours, Stopover: Stay for more than 24 hours)

– Baggage (baggage) handling: Usually automatically linked to the destination (found at the destination), (Layover: often automatically linked, stopover: must pick up luggage directly at the intermediate airport)

– Immigration inspection: If you stay only in the transfer area (Airside), no immigration is required; if you leave the airport and travel to the city, immigration inspection is required for the respective country.

 So, for transfers and layovers, if you take Air China Flight 132 and then change your flight number from Beijing to Air China 989 and head to New York, that’s called a transfer. In other words, when the flight number of the plane you took changes to a transfer, that’s called a transfer.

If that’s difficult, consider transferring to the subway. Transferring from Line 1 to Line 2 is called a transfer. Conversely, if you take the same flight you came, it’s called a transit. As the name suggests, you only go through intermediate stops to reach your destination.

### 4. About Layover / Stopover

## 1) Layover

A layover refers to staying at a stopover for less than 24 hours during a flight

Generally, layover is also called connection. The precise meaning is that when you are on a plane and make a stopover or transfer at a stopover, you stay within 24 hours before departing.

Depending on how you prepare, a layover (usually less than 24 hours of stay) can be wasted time or a fun part of your trip. If you prepare everything from basic preparations to overnight stays in advance, you’ll never have to worry about a boring trip.

※ Main features of layover (waiting time): usually a few hours to less than 24 hours. Airport stay: Usually, you wait inside the airport for your next flight. Going out: If the waiting time is long, you can go through immigration and take a short break outside the airport to explore the city.

※ For example, if you are traveling from Incheon International Airport (ICN) via Tokyo Narita Airport to San Francisco, if your stay at Tokyo Narita Airport is within 24 hours, it will be considered a layover.

# (1) Essential Pre-departure Checklist

– Visa and entry requirements (most important)

If you plan to leave the airport, you need to check whether the country can enter without a visa or whether a transit visa is required. (For example: 144-hour visa-free transit in China, U.S. ESTA, etc.)

-Baggage Linking Procedures (Through Check-in)

* If you pay in one transaction through the same airline or partner airline, your luggage will be automatically sent to your destination.

* However, when transiting through the United States, you must collect your luggage in your first city of entry before sending it back. If the layover is very long or you need to pick up your luggage when changing to another terminal/airline, please check “Do you need to collect your luggage at the stopover” when checking in for the first time?

* Free stopover/STPC service available

Some airlines (e.g., Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, etc.) offer free hotels, complimentary city tours, and meal coupons (STPC service) to passengers with long waiting times (usually 8~12 hours or more). Please check the airline’s official website to see if advance registration is possible.

# (2) Strategies for Using Layover by Time Zone

– Less than 3 hours: Considering travel and security screening times, it is safer to rest near the gate.

– 3 hours ~ 6 hours: Use airport lounges, shower facilities, shopping and dining inside the airport.

– 6 hours ~ 12 hours: If visa is not an issue, enjoy a short city tour or stay at a capsule hotel inside or near the airport.

– Over 12 hours: Book accommodation and relax comfortably or enjoy proper city sightseeing.

# (3) All Ways to Handle Overnight Layover

We have listed options you can choose from when spending the night at the airport or at a transit point, sorted by comfort.

-Transit 호텔 (Transit Hotel/ Airside Hotel)

* Features: This hotel is located inside the departure hall/transfer area (Airside), that is, in the **entry area without immigration**.

* Advantages: You can use it without a visa, and you don’t have to go through security again, saving a lot of time.

* Tip: Booking often requires payment by the hour (e.g., 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours), so please check the airport’s website in advance for location and reservations.

– Capsule Hotel and Slip Ford (Capsule Hotel & Sleep Pods)

* Features: Single-person sleeping spaces installed inside major airports such as Singapore Changi, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Tokyo Narita.

* Advantages: Cheaper than regular hotels and operated on a timed basis, ideal for a few hours of deep sleep. Inside, there are charging ports, lighting, and beds.

– Standard hotels near the airport (Landside Airport Hotel)

* Features: This is a hotel you use after completing immigration and leaving the airport.

* Advantages: Enjoy the best relaxation with proper sleep, showers, and room service.

* Tip: Choosing a hotel that operates a free airport shuttle bus can save on travel costs for late at night or early morning.

– Access to airport lounges operating 24 hours a day

* Features: Access and exit using PP Card (Priority Pass), lounge key, or credit card benefits.

* Advantages: Drinks, meals, Wi-Fi, comfortable sofas, and some lounges even have showers.

* Note: Not all lounges operate 24 hours, so be sure to check in advance whether lounges are open late at night.

– Find free airport sleeping areas: If you want to save on accommodation and spend the night inside the airport, use the tips below.

– Use of Rest Zone/Nap Zone: Large airports such as Singapore, Incheon, Tokyo, and Dubai offer free rest areas with recliner chairs for recliner chairs to lie down and rest.

– Essential items for sleeping out (to pack in carry-on luggage) 

* Blindfolds & earplugs: The airport is bright even at night and announcements are continuously playing.

* Lightweight padded jacket or outerwear/neck pillow: The air conditioning at the airport at night is much colder than expected.

* Portable Battery and Multi-Purpose Adapter: Secure a power outlet near the chair in advance.

* Lock/wire lock: Attach the bag to the leg of a chair or body to prevent pickpocketing.