Many travelers shy away from layover flights. They worry about short connection times, lost luggage, and complicated airport maneuvers. But with a little awareness, a layover is not only not a hassle, but can be your wallet's best friend, and can get you to places where there may not even be a direct flight. At unifly.hu, we help travelers find the best routes every day, so now we're sharing the most important tips with you so you can confidently hunt for layover deals.
Why shouldn't you be afraid of layovers? In fact, take advantage of them!
The first and most important argument for layovers is the price. By adding an intermediate stop, you can often get to your destination much cheaper, especially for overseas trips. A Budapest-Bangkok route is often more affordable with a layover in Istanbul or Doha. The unifly.hu search engine automatically offers these options, so you can easily compare the prices of direct and layover flights. In addition, layovers create more opportunities. There may not be a direct flight to your dream destination from nearby airports, but with a single comfortable layover, almost any point in the world becomes accessible.
The golden rule: Always stay within a single booking
This is the most important advice an experienced traveler can give. When searching for a layover trip, you can do it in two ways: as a single ticket, with a booking code, or by purchasing the segments separately (this is called a “self-transfer”). Although the latter may sometimes seem cheaper, it carries a huge risk. If your first flight is delayed and you miss your second, the second airline has no obligation to you. You need to buy a new ticket, which can cost a fortune at the last minute. In contrast, if you purchase the trip as a single booking - as you can do in the unifly.hu system - the airline takes responsibility for you. In case of delay, they will rebook you on the next available flight free of charge, and provide accommodation and meals if necessary. The peace of mind and security are worth the minimal price difference.
How much is the ideal layover time?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule, but there are a few rules of thumb that can help. For domestic or intra-Schengen zone layovers, where there is no passport control, 60-90 minutes is usually sufficient. However, if you leave the Schengen area (e.g., with a layover in London or Istanbul), allow at least 2-3 hours for airport procedures: passport control, another security check. If you also need to change terminals during the layover at a huge airport, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam Schiphol, it is also worth allowing more time. The unifly.hu search engine usually filters out unfeasible connections, but always check the details before clicking the book button. A longer, 4-5 hour layover can even provide an opportunity for a quick visit to the intermediate city.
Pro tips for a smooth connection
A few small things can make your layover even smoother. Before booking, always check the transit visa rules for the layover country. Although you can transit visa-free in most places, there are exceptions. Always put a change of clothes, your most important medications, and a phone charger in your carry-on bag, so that a possible flight delay or baggage mix-up doesn't catch you unprepared. Before landing, it's also worth checking the airport map online to know where to go to the gate for your connecting flight. With the right preparation and a reliable booking site like unifly.hu, traveling with layovers is a smart and economical way to explore the world.