Tips For Making The Most Of Your Layovers

• If possible, when you are checking in for your flight, check your bags straight through to your final destination.  If your layover is too long, however, and you’re not planning on booking a hotel, most large airports will have lockers for your luggage.
• Pack your carry-on with just what you will need during your layover. Don’t forget a change of clothes if you’re staying overnight, or seasonal clothing depending on the location of your layover.  Also, don’t forget important identification, money, and any needed medication.
• Check with your airline to see if your ticket permits you to leave the transit area. Some tickets may not permit you to leave the airport.  
• If your layover is overnight, ask your airline if they provide a hotel room. Some airlines offer accommodation, and sometimes food. 

When you arrive at your layover destination:

• Head for the Immigration area (if you are flying internationally). Make sure you get in a line for foreigners. 
• After Immigration, you’ll have to go through Customs (also only for International travelers). Be prepared to have your bag searched and remember not to carry meat, fruit, drugs or pornography (including Playboy). You may need to fill out a form you got on the plane, depending on what country you’re coming from.
• The desks in the front of most airports will have money exchange centers, traveler information, free maps, and information on getting around – including bus routes, taxis, rental cars, subways and trains.  Take advantage of this area to make sure that you know the best and most efficient ways (depending on your price point) to take advantage of the time you have and be back to catch your connecting flight.