have a layover

Meaning

To have a layover means to have a temporary stop or pause in a journey, typically between connecting flights at an airport. It can range from a quick one-hour rush to a long overnight stay. The phrase is neutral and standard in air travel.

Examples

• We have a layover in Munich for three hours on our way to Athens.

  We have a layover in Munich for three hours on our way to Athens.

• I prefer to have a layover of at least two hours so I don't miss my connection.

  I prefer to have a layover of at least two hours so I don't miss my connection.

• If you have a layover longer than eight hours, you might want to visit the city.

  If you have a layover longer than eight hours, you might want to visit the city.

• We had to have a layover overnight because there were no other flights that evening.

  We had to have a layover overnight because there were no other flights that evening.

• I usually read a book or explore the duty-free shops when I have a layover.

  I usually read a book or explore the duty-free shops when I have a layover.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We made a layover in Paris for two hours.

  ✓ We had a layover in Paris for two hours.

  The standard collocation is 'have a layover' or 'stop over', not 'make a layover'.

• ✗ I have a stopover flight tomorrow.

  ✓ I have a flight with a layover tomorrow.

  A layover is the stop itself, not an adjective to describe the flight directly in this way.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't mind long flights, but I hate when I have to ___ at a busy airport.

  💡 To stop temporarily between flights.

  Show answer

  have a layover

• On our way to Australia, we will ___ in Singapore for five hours.

  💡 To pause your journey at an intermediate airport.

  Show answer

  have a layover