Layovers - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Airport Layovers 

Maybe it's just me, but when I'm in a layover, I like to walk around the airport looking at all the airplanes, and watching them all take off. I mean, If it's a big airport, it can be interesting to walk around and see all the airplanes/flights, to kind of soak in the idea that everyone there is traveling and on the same mission as you are. I simply enjoy sightseeing, because I don't travel often, so when I do, it's refreshing to observe just...all the people around the world...traveling the same time as you are. Might this be a pro to layovers?

Singapore Changi airport is the best for layovers. Free 24 hour cinema, amazing gardens to chill out in, an actual chill out area with soft music & recliner chairs, massage chairs everywhere, tons of restaurants. If only every airport was like that :)

BTW you can't always leave the airport during long layovers. If you have a layover in Russia for example, no matter how long it is, you can't leave the airport unless you have a visa.

I had a cool 12hr layover in Suoel, South Korea. Pretty easy to take the train to the city. Saw a festival, got a good lunch and shopped at a street market. It was like a second trip.

I like talking to people you meet while waiting. Everyone has an interesting story and because of the extended period of time along with the fact you will probably only see each other once people are really open.

I was in Helsinki airport for 6 hours, so I put my bag in a locker and walked out of the airport. Yes walked out. I ended up finding a Plane Museum down a kind of forest road and spent a couple of hours there. I was lucky enough that the day I was there, there was when a restoration group who were there working on their latest plane that day, some of them WWII veterans, and I had a good long conversation with one of them about it. Best lay-over I've ever had.

One way you could deal with a layover is by striking up a conversation with someone if they don't mind. Also have the potential of meeting new people and becoming friends.

My favourite thing about layovers is the people watching...so many people going to many different places... And the plane spotting, since now with post-9/11 security, you can only ever access the tarmac viewing windows with a boarding pass. My favourite airport so far is Munich: free coffee, free newspapers, free WiFi and plenty of power outlets located conveniently on chairs' armrests, and all that in the general lounge, no elite flyer status required. Another recent development seems to be the sleeping pods...pay by the hour to have a tiny private room where you can nap or get some work done, found in many European and Asian airports.

4-6 hours are the worst layovers. Not quite long enough to leave the airport. Long enough to be bored to tears. I had a great 8 hour layover in Paris with the family. Hopped on the Metro and saw some sights. The only problem was that we were all exhausted from a transatlantic red-eye.

I think one of the best things about having a longer layover is that you're less likely to miss a connecting flight if your original flight is delayed. I was coming back to Australia from France via Singapore last January and my first plane was delayed by about an hour due to the need for deicing and then the route just taking longer than expected (it was at the time when they were changing all the routes to not fly over the Ukraine but not actually updating the flight time). Originally my layover was three hours, but by the time we actually got into Singapore and off the plane I really only had just over an hour and a half which once I got to the next gate and then through security meant that I, and the people I was with, were running to make sure we got on the plane. If my layover had been any shorter I would have missed that connection and it would have taken who knows how long to actually get home.

Some national airlines have figured out that they can boost tourism by intentionally offering long layovers in their home country. When I was looking for a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, Fiji Airways popped up on the search results with two flights; one with a 3 hour layover in Nadi airport and one with 12 hours; from 6am to 6pm. I took the latter. On arrival I got my passport stamped, stored my luggage, and signed up for a half day tour. The tour left at 8:30, which gave me just the right amount of time to do all that and get some breakfast at a leisurely pace before being picked up at the airport by the tour van. The whole thing was arranged to appeal to travelers that would otherwise just be passing through, and they did an excellent job.

Thanks, Mark. One more positive thing about a long layover -- at least it wasn't TOO SHORT. I once planned a trip with a short plane-change layover, thinking I was saving time. Unfortunately, my first flight got a late start and arrived behind schedule, and there wasn't enough time to make it to the gate for the connecting flight -- I ran all the way, but it was a VERY BIG airport (Dulles). The airline obligingly put me on a different flight, but by the time I arrived at my destination (Paris), I had lost about five or six hours and my subsequent plans were spoiled. Moral of the story: It is difficult to anticipate the requisite travel time on foot in an unfamiliar airport. Leave a margin for error.

Have a 22 hour layover in Paris. Am going to Versailles to see it. Otherwise I would not have had the chance to get out to see the Palace.

Layovers in London and Stockholm.. best people watching ever😍

I literally just came back from my trip to Peru, & on my stop at El Salvador, they got me on a 5 hour layover! If it wasn't because I saw this video, I would of never known about the VIP Lounges,,, it was $30, but it was WORTH IT! Unlimited wifi, food, alcohol, soda, etc etc. Those 5 hours felt like heaven :) Thanks for your advice!

The last time I was at the airport I calculating the volume and area of the place.

I have an idea for a video, if you haven't done one on this already. You could do a video on what to expect and what might surprise you when it happens that your flight is canceled. Now people know in the States what they can expect. The video could be about differences in the laws over in Europe as to what the airlines will and will not do for you. Things that people need to be aware of. Like the obvious is that they might not get you a hotel or you might not get a refund, but only a voucher. This could be good food for thought. And I hope you get some rest because you look tired. As always, love your videos. And I always recommend your channel to people wanting to travel abroad because you give people what they don't get in travel guides.

Ideal is a couple of hours but I easily prefer a 4 hour layover than a 55 minute connection and always book my flights accordingly. My flight to Warsaw last year was a bit delayed and while everyone was freaking out, I was as cool as can be. Besides, I actually like spending time in Schiphol. :) So, one positive is less anxiety about making your connection.

I agree with Naked Soul on Changi Airport in Singapore (makes a long layover bearable) SO many free entertainment and sightseeing options, actually in the airport. They offer a free 2-4 hour bus tour too (if I'm not mistaken). Also the Incheon Airport in Seoul offers free access to showers (with free toiletries and even hair dryer use) which can be soooo refreshing and needed too, lol! If you have time and some US$60 or so to spend, they have an awesome spa as well with great therapists and a variety of relaxing treatments. Incheon also has awesome wifi access too - comes in handy you have work to do or movies to stream...

I was stuck in Heathrow once for about 5-6 hours, so I just purchased the lounge privileges and it made a big difference, because the general area in Heathrow can be compared to a zoo. Now the lounge was nicer, (comfy with well upholstered armchairs), whisper quiet since there was hardly anyone there, yet it was not business or first class lounge and it was not affiliated with any particular airline either. For example, there was no elaborate buffet service and so forth. I only nursed a large cup of club soda, still I felt it was worth it. I heard that a few airports made available for a modest fee small private cabins with a cot for long layover travellers. Now that is thoughtful.

A fun video. Singapore Changi airport has free city tours for layovers of more than a few hours. If your airport has cheap hotels or sleeping cubicles it's great to sleep your lay over. I once had 12 hours in London. Caught the train saw a few things and went back to the airport, and they have showers for rent! Absolute bliss to shower and be fresh for next flight.

Incheon in Korea is the BEST place to have a long layover. They offer an amazing Transfer Lounge with areas with plenty of plugs, comfortable seating, areas to sleep, even showers for free. If you want privacy you have the option to book a room in the transfer hotel - all without leaving the terminal. All amenities are exceptionally clean, conveniently and mostly free or low-cost. By far my favorite thing the offer though is their transit tours - you can go into Seoul or the surrounding cities on guided tours with transportation all free of cost. They will ensure you are back on time for your flight as well. These tours can be as short as an hour up to 5 hours - so you have a lot of choices. Absolutely incredible airport and cannot recommend it enough as a layover point for those long haul flights to/from Asia.

One advantage of a long layover is peace of mind, I'm always anxious about being late for things so a 5 hour layover gives me that extra security

#4 YES Wolter those gate changes can really catch someone slipping. Very smart of you to point this out. When I booked flights for St Thomas USVI and Willemstad, Curacao, I made sure I signed up for SMS and email updates with the airline and they sent me alerts directly to my phone in case of things like gates changes, cancellations, etc. Oh boy did I need it! Good looking out, Wolter!

I actually find airports fun and exciting, including layovers. Why? Because I love the feel of traveling and being in a new place. Even if it's an airport I've been to many times, it's the excitement of going somewhere different. I also like seeing and meeting new people, especially from different cultures. Keeping some alcohol on-hand or purchasing some there can sometimes "improve" the situation as well. Another reason, and why I also don't mind waiting for trains at a station, for example, is that there are limited things that can be done, which I find to be a good once-in-a-while change. This means there isn't much to worry or think about because there isn't much you can do in the first place! Maybe relax, take a nap, catch-up on some movie/show or book you keep putting off or don't have time for. People watch, explore the airport (or city if more time and possible and you want to). It's nice and very convenient to have Wi-Fi or data, and I'd always prefer to have it than not to, but if not easily available, it may have (some pros)... like forcing you do some of the things I mentioned above.

One general tip if you have children. Go outside the terminal to a place where you can see planes taking off and landing - and 'plainspot'. One specific tip for Heathrow - it is not far from Windsor Castle, though you will need a taxi! One specifc tip for Copenhagen Kastrup - it is not far from Malmo (Sweden), though currently there are immigration checks in the Swedish direction (only). The train crosses the massive Oresund bridge!

Thanks, Mark! You mentioned a portable charger. I highly recommend a power bank or battery charger. I recently returned from a European trip (2023). I carried a power bank, a real asset. I used my iPhone a lot, especially as a camera. The power bank came in handy numerous times, where no power was otherwise available, and it was sufficient for quite a few phone recharges before the bank itself had to be replenished. Not permitted in checked airflight luggage, it would have to be packed in carry-on or personal bag. It adds a little weight to your personal bag, but it’s worth it. Be sure to have appropriate charger cords.

Layovers is a great opportunity to talk/have a conversation with other travelers and share your experiences, tips, etc.

Had a 5 hour layover in Brussels early this year. Spent the $25 for the lounge. Wi Fi, good beer, a decent wine list and frequently refreshed food selections.. Couldn't help but to compare it with being stuck in Buffalo, NY some years ago (snow). The best I could do was buy the NY Times and read it cover to cover,...twice.

LOL I hate it when you have to go use the restroom but feel like you have to get your suitcase in the tiny stall with you because you're fearful of someone swiping it ...

I've never been bored during a layover but then I like window shopping and people watching and interacting with international customer service.

When I have a moderately long (4-5 hour) layover, I look for a gym near the airport. The big hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton) are a good place to start. They usually have a location near the airport, usually have nice athletic facilities, and usually offer day passes for $15-30. Don't assume though; call ahead to verify.

I've been doing a lot of traveling this past year. Just want to say I've enjoyed your videos, keep them coming. Thank you!

So, I just discovered this channel and I'm loving it. I am currently watching almost every video and thumbs up to all...Thank you for taking the time to share your advice and also I hope to find plenty videos related to Japan and France being those two locations are at the top of my bucket list.

I've had a 12 hour layover at Changi Airport once. Thankfully the airport had a lot of entertainment facilities, like a FREE movie theatre, games corner, hundreds of restaurants and a pool. spend the first half sleeping in the airport hotel and the remainder trying to find stuff to do. I would of went into the city if it wasn't for the fact that it was 12AM. D: So these things helped reduce the boredom.

If you fly Turkish airlines and have a layover in Istanbul of at least 6 hours, they will provide free tours for you, depending on how long your layover is. I had a 6 hour layover in Istanbul flying from Manila to Atlanta. Once I arrived, went through immigration, and registered for the free tour. Since its a short layover, our tour is only about 3.5 hours, giving you enough time to go through security again for your next flight. Those who have 12 hours or more gets to see some famous sights and may even include entrance tickets. I have been to those places (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, etc) so its all well worth it.

If you're going to be stuck between flights do it in Singapore. I had a 9 or 10 hour wait a few years ago. It was great I booked myself into the airport hotel, dumped my bag and spent a few hours by the airport pool drinking Singapore slings - bizarre, but fun. Then had a short nap and shower before my onward flight.

Here is a fun layover in Brussels I once had: We were coming from Paris and should have had a quick airplane change in Brussels but the transatlantic flight home was cancelled for some reason so we were sent to a hotel. Next day, we woke up at 4 AM and were taken back to the airport. By noon nothing had happened - they did give us vouchers for food. About 2 PM they called about half of the passengers - those seated up to row "x" - and they boarded and departed. The rest of us were just a little envious and waited for our call. Then, around 6 PM, we finally boarded, only to find those same passengers (the ones who took off 4 hours earlier) inside the very same airplane! They had no idea what the h*ll was going on, all they knew is that they were sent off to somewhere in Germany, waited some more, came back to Brussels just to pick us up. And we finally went home. Oh yes, this airline ceased operations a short time after that. I wonder why.

A positive... Layovers can sometimes turn into a bump - and bumps often mean travel vouchers. :) We got nearly all of the cost of a round-trip to Vegas by the two of us being bumped. A nice little weekend we hadn't planned - but sure appreciated! Oh, and if you have someone to stay with an extra night (headed back to the folks place for one more night before returning home), it makes it extra nice.

extra tip: before you travel find a series that you just love to binge, you would be surprised just how fast 10 hours can pass when you're invested in that series. I was in Doha for 12 hours and had just discovered Vikings series and spent most of my time there just sitting at a terminal watching this show. Most airports have free wifi and i assume you have a laptop, tablet or at least a smartphone and there are usb chargers everywhere, this will make your 10 hour layover feel like 2 seriously

i don't know why, i always like layover and flights that have +22 hours stop. specially if i don't have much luggage. and the stop is in interesting city or a place that i haven't visit before. sometimes i enjoy it more than the final destination.

a friend of mine, had a layover in an airport for a week, and he didn't even about to travel anywhere, just like that. he want to live the experience of living in the airport and to know people more. maybe he watched The Terminal movie and he got exited. but i really like that type of craziness ;p

My first international trip had a layover in Dublin both ways. One at 4 in the morning. I was so tired and excited at the same time. I have to say Dublin was very confusing for my first international airport and I was going solo too! I think I had tears of frustration in my eyes after I asked the 4 or 5th person where I could find gate information and gate numbers! Luckily, I made both flights, but I wouldn't suggest to go solo your first time. My trip was amazing and I'm glad I did it! FYI....your videos helped me feel secure traveling to Budapest solo. I did not ever feel unsafe walking or taking public transportation at night.

I love layovers because I get a chance to see and explore another city or country in addition to my travel destination.

Some airports have art museums and other things of interest while on a layover. Great video

one thing I used to love about long layovers was meeting people... I remember meeting other travelers all of the time during layovers.. it seems nowadays though this doesn't happen so much as everyone's on their phones... including myself...

This is exactly where I have my layovers on the way to and from Narita next April, so very useful 😁

I like how much planning and time you put together for your travel and videos. You would be one happy man after travelling to all those different countries and experiencing different cultures. I really envy you..

I NEVER get bored in layovers. I love to walk around and watch people. I love exploring the airport. I love to relax on a chair near a big window and watch the planes landing or taking off or just taxiing. I don't have to eat anything I'll survive for a few hours (I do intermittent fasting I'm used to it). About gate changes you don't have to watch it all the time. About an hour before your flight it's a good time to search for your gate. Besides there are apps nowadays that you upload your flight and the app notifies you about the changes, f.e I use FLIO! I love Copenhagen airport. It's my favorite!

Omg obsessed with ur channel!!!!

I have never been on an airplane before so watching your videos are preparing me for when I *do* get on a plane.

Yep it is hard to find something to love. Lounges are the best when you have access . Took my daughter to Europe in May out of ORD and told her we want to get there in plenty of time to enjoy the Flagship Lounge. I have status with AA. She was like OMG this is where the other people go ! Lol . We’re economy flyers so it was a treat to use the lounges on this trip .

A few of the Detla lounges have showers. Awesome after an overnight flight.

I agree with Naked Soul on the Singapore Airport. I used to fly between Chicago USA and Brisbane Australia with JAL. The flights were routed Via Japan. AUST to USA was a night layover and you were booked into a hotel, Sleep on a Bed...... Amazing. On the way back, the layover was 7 hours in daylight time. I used to get a sleep pod at the airport and the staff would track your departure and wake you in time for you to make your contacting flight.

I had two long layovers: One in Hong Kong, and one in San Francisco. In the Hong Kong layover, we decided not to leave the airport, even though the layover was 8 hours. However, I found my layover experience in the Hong Kong airport to be positive. In the San Fransicso layover, it took 12 hours for our next flight to arrive. So we decided to take a small vacation, and we enjoyed it!

Listening to your videos should be mandatory for first time travellers... Great information given on all your videos !

What I love the most about long layovers is talking with other travellers at the bar.

Always check if there's a free tour! This is especially the case for layovers in cities where you usually have to pay a visa to enter the country. This is the case for Doha, Qatar. If you are there for 5-12 hours, you can have a 3 hour tour of the city for free! It's all included and they'll bring you back to the airport with plenty of time to go through security and catch your next flight.

I love airports with spa's in them or attached to a airport hotel. Sometimes its $30-40 bucks to use the gym and swimming pool for the day. Even the little chair massages can help cure the travel aches. YVR is good for this and the Skytrain is only 25 minutes to downtown Vancouver.

As an artist I always carry some pencil or pen with me and some notebook to draw on or write things. Reading helps too. I was waiting in line to see Sagrada Familia in Barcelona for example and made some good drawings I use for a joblater on. The same thing waiting my plane in Porto to Madrid.

Great video, as always, Mark! :) Relevant-ish to the subject: I'm glad that a railway between Helsinki-Vantaa airport and the centre of Helsinki is being built, I have always wondered why don't we have a train connection to the city. Makes a layover in Helsinki a lot easier!

walk around the terminal for exercise

Incheon Airport in Seoul have free plug everywhere and USB Port with plenty of places to sleep... It's a lifesaver lol

I love seeing transportation systems enough that I would be content with taking the train to city, looking at the main station and going right back.

From LA - PHX our flight got delayed for 8 hours, well everyone else got switched to a different flight except one other family (who got bumped to 1st class for free. LUCKY) but then entire cabin consisted of just us. It was really cool being the only ones on the plane and everyone getting a window seat.

Singapore and Seoul are my fave layovers.

Even though it is a pain to be stuck in the airport for several hours, I think it can be a luxury to not have to do anything. I'm going to London in a few months, with a 7 hour layover in Abu Dhabi on the way home back to Sydney. I'm already looking forward to the down time! Might have to get myself a pass to a lounge though...

I agree the airport lounges are well worth the daytime fee. The ones in Australia have playstations set up for the kids ! We also had a long layover in South Korea because Sydney, our destination has a very harsh curfew, so our arrival had to be after 7am. It is worth checking out these things. We were not caught out next time, we booked a 3 day layover in Singapore and enjoyed it rather than a long transit time in Changi airport. Also , the cheapest duty free in the world is actually Sydney airport

I was flying to Cameroon, Africa from Toronto, Canada and had a layover in Turkey which was supposed to be 5 hours long, I looked forward to exploring the airport in Turkey. As soon as we got off the plane and cleared I noticed the sign board say that our connecting flight was boarding now. We started running across the airport at least 2 km (or that's what it felt like) and finally made it to the gate. We were the last ones to board the plane. From what I seen the airport was beautiful and had so many small shops to check out. I was so sad we got bumped up, I really wanted to spend my 5 hours in Istanbul, Turkey to explore. I always said I will return and one day and I will. I look forward to long layovers.

I had a 21 hour layover in Taipei on PURPOSE!! I slept at a hostel and woke up @ 4 AM. I hiked for 3 hours, took a shower, and then visited 5 tourist spots. I'll do it more often to get a little taste of the city.

Whenever I have along layover I'm with a large group. SO I've never had this bored problem.

First "love" is really true. I got to see London for the first time during a 7 hour layover.

Guangzhou Airport 7 hours lay over on the way back from sunny Sydney to London. It was cold. WiFi and data didn't work not many people spoke English and not many good food places. Not to mention I had a cold from consuming all the cold drinks in Australia... So that 7 hour wait was like hell. When I eventually got back to Heathrow I had backacke and bad knees from long flight, it was cold but I was the happiest person ever to be back home.

Hey! Watched your video for the first time. And i must say you're a very like minded person and really liked your behaviour and your video. Good job , keep it up.✌

I love your videos they're very informative :)

If you have a Priority Pass or flying one leg in Business you can get in a Lounge. It's much nicer to relax and eat and drink and maybe take a shower. It's always nice to have a couple hour layover especially if a connecting flight has a delay, or else you are running through the airport like the Hertz commercial.

I always take two electronic devices to keep myself busy. I can watch movies on my tablet and when it dies, I still have my phone (which usually needs the external battery because I've used it on the plane too). Yay for plane spotting!

I will be visiting italy next April 2022. I have a 19hr layover at Heathrow Airport. This is a trip of a lifetime that I am extremely grateful to be doing. I hope to do more travel also. I hope I never get jaded enough wth traveling that a layover annoys me. I feel like this long layover is like a mini-trip in itself. I'm going to explore the airport and hopefully see a few sights close by. I just look at this pitstop as the cherry on top of a European trip I've been looking forward to my whole life.

hey it was a pretty dam good video!!! being able to see another city during a layover is awesome!

Love all your vids woltersworld extremely informative stuff, once I get the opportunity to head to Europe I'll be all set.

Had a six hour layover in Germany. I took the advice of my mythology professor and read the Odyssey. It makes you feel better because as bad as the travel is for you at least you aren't fighting monsters, angry gods, overly attached nymphs, and idiotic crew mates.

I like moderate layovers because I count steps each day and have a daily goal of at least 5,000 to 8,000 steps per day. Walking around the airport helps me reach my goal and helps burn some of the extra calories I'll take in on vacation. I also like layovers when I'm on long flights, like Atlanta to Hawaii. Sitting 9-1/2 hours nonstop is too long for so I break it up in LA and get to stretch my legs in the airport.

I have an 18hr layover in Munich soon and I'm excited. Have lots of activities planned during it before heading on to my next destination. It's all about what you make of things I suppose.

I find long layovers less stressful. A few years ago we had a layover in Beijing and it took 3.5 hours of standing in lines just to get off the plane we landed in, and get through security and into the outbound international airport. Without an 8 hour stop over that would have been so stressful. As it was there were a lot of frustrated people!

Do your research beforehand because some airports have hotels located within the terminals that allow you to book rooms for 4-6-8 hours. This is great for long layovers if you just had a long flight. It lets you go rest, order room service (or eat your snack from home) and take a shower. Great for business travelers or families....I did this in Vancouver and my 3 year old and 3 month old didn’t sleep much on our 9 hour flight so we took advantage of our 6.5 hour layover. They had Mac n cheese / bottle, I gave them, my husband and myself a quick shower/bath and we got a good 3 hour nap, we charged devices...

I like to go planespotting, especially at a large airport where there may be an A380. Also, I recommend walking the airport, from end-to-end. You’re about to be sitting for ten hours, so why not get some exercise beforehand? When my kids were young, walking the airport helped to ensure that they would sleep on the flight.

I’ve never flown before but two things come to mind. If your feeling cramp in small space like the plane a layover in a long destination can be a bit of a relief to,some people. Also I’ve browsed prices for plane tickets and notice layovers can be cheaper than a direct flight by several hundred dollars.

If you ever get layover here in Singapore you can take the train from Changi Airport to Expo as there's a mall beside. If you want to go to town say Orchard Road, it'll take around 30mins

When I was leaving Spain, I had some euros left over that I spent my layover buying more postcards, books, or other souvenirs that either I couldn't find or things I did not think I would have money for. It falls under duty-free shopping, but its a good way to avoid the fee to change it back to USD.

Biggest don’t is don’t do a layover in Kansas City, worst designed airport I’ve been to. If you want any food/drink you have to go out of security and then go back in since the gates have nothing but the gates

Amsterdam's Scipohl Airport is a blessing and a curse. Close to the city even closer is the on premises casino. Paying a fee for an airport lounge is money well spent for the solo pilgrim. They are clean, quiet, warm and inviting with ample charging stations, fast WiFi and comfortable chairs. Some even have showers. 3 plus hours of airport noise can be headache inducing.

Exploring somewhere closer than the city center is also an option. I've never tried this yet but not needing public transport or taxis makes it much easier to predict how much time you need.

Dear Mark, I would just like to say great improvisation on your video of layovers

You finally get to read that book you never got around to reading! Especially as a father traveling solo😂

With lounges, not all but some, they have showers. This is something I recommend not to kill time mainly but freshen you up a little. Being on a 8+ hour flight I feel dirty and sometimes if you are traveling from Milwaukee to Atlanta to Orlando we may need to wake up a little or just feel cleaner.

One important note is to make sure your flight leaves at the same airport you arrived at. I flew to milan Linate from LHR but my flight to tokyo was leaving Milan Malpensa, fortunately I was told this by the checkin lady and had time to cross from the north of the city to the south.

Another excellent video. Good tips as always. I tend to edit videos on longer layovers. You've inspired me to try making a video instead next time instead. Safe travels.

I live in Reston near Dulles Airport. If you are at Dulles International Airport (IAD) in the Washington D.C. area and you have a long layover, the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is right on the Dulles grounds. You can have a great time at the Smithsonian, and it's a great idea if you have kids. There's also a shuttle into the Wiehle -Reston Metro Station and from the kiss and ride area you can catch a cab to Reston Town Center. There, you can grab a nice meal, go to a movie, and stretch your legs.

On my way to Genoa 7 years ago..I had a 10 hour layover in Paris. Although I had no sleep for a day and a half..I decided "what the heck? When will I ever be here again?" I bought an all day transit pass(at the time, it was €18.) I rode the train into Paris and wandered around. I don't speak French, but had fun watching the crepe maker under the Eiffel tower.

I have a plus (positive) for layovers. We had an 8 hour layover in Buenos Aires once after a 12 hour flight. During our layover we had the chance to change our clothes, freshen up and walk around the entire departure area... 3 times. Plus, take a nap. In actuality it sucked big time.