Cheapest flight with a long layover: pay less and get an extra city
A layover of several hours can make the ticket much cheaper and even add an extra city to your trip. See when it's worthwhile and how to find these flights.
Why long-distance connections are cheaper
Direct flights with quick connections are the most sought after, so airlines charge more for them. On the other hand, itineraries with long layovers attract fewer people, and to sell those seats, the price drops.
On many routes, the difference amounts to hundreds of reais per person. For a family, this can pay for the entire accommodation at the destination.
Some airlines go even further and allow you to turn your layover into a stop of one or more days in the connecting city, known as a stopover. In practice, you visit two places while paying for only one ticket.
Skyscanner
It shows all flight combinations for a given route and has filters for the number of stops and duration, making it easier to find the cheapest connections.
Why it's worth it:
- Filter by number of scales
- Shows the total duration of each option
- Calendar with the cheapest day
When is it worth accepting a long wait?
A long layover is worthwhile when the savings are significant and you're not in a hurry to arrive. Vacation trips, with a few days off, are the ideal scenario.
It ceases to be worthwhile when the price difference is small, when the wait is overnight at an airport lacking infrastructure, or when you arrive tired for an important appointment at your destination.
What to check before buying
- If both legs of the journey are on the same ticket, that guarantees rebooking in case of delays
- If you need to change terminals or airports
- If the connection requires a transit visa in the country of transit
- If the baggage goes directly to the final destination
- How much time is left to leave the airport in the case of a stopover?
How to find a flight with a long layover using your mobile phone
Step 1: Open the comparison tool
Open the app and tap on Flights. Search normally for the route you want to take.
Step 2: Provide dates and passengers
Choose the dates, or the entire month if you have flexibility, and the number of people.
Step 3: Open the filters
On the results screen, tap Filters. Select the option for one or more stops and deselect only direct flights.
Step 4: Sort by lowest price
Order them from cheapest to most expensive and note the duration of each option. The first ones on the list are usually the longest connections.
Step 5: Check the total duration
Before choosing, check how long the entire trip takes. Sometimes a slightly more expensive flight arrives many hours earlier.
How to turn a layover into a sightseeing experience
Even with a layover of eight or ten hours, you can leave the airport and explore the city a bit. Many large airports are less than an hour from the city center, accessible by direct train or bus.
- Store your carry-on luggage in an airport luggage storage facility
- Please return at least three hours in advance for international flights
- Check if your nationality requires a visa to enter the country of your layover
- Bring a charger and save your boarding pass on your phone
Precautions to avoid missing your flight
The biggest risk is buying the two legs of the journey separately. If the first flight is delayed, the second airline is not obligated to wait. Whenever possible, opt for tickets issued together in the same booking.
It's also worth checking the flight status on the airline's app on the day of travel. Gate and schedule changes appear there first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a long-distance connection secure?
It's the same as any other flight. The important thing is to have all the legs of the journey in the same booking.
Can I leave the airport during my layover?
Generally yes, provided you have the time and the documents required by the country.
Will my luggage go straight through?
Yes, for most single tickets. Confirm at check-in.
See also
Learn how to find late-night deals ➝
FIND OUT HOW TO PAY LESS FOR SALVADOR ➝
Learn how to use your FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund) to travel ➝
With a little patience during the layover, the trip becomes cheaper and you even get an extra destination on your itinerary.
