I intentionally booked a longer layover in Istanbul and it totally changed the trip

Terminal_HopperOPApr 27

I used to optimize every itinerary for the shortest total travel time, but this time I intentionally built in a longer stop in Istanbul.

What made it work was huge route network and strong airline support. The part I had to watch most carefully was slow landside transfers at peak times.

Curious how other people decide when a longer layover is a travel upgrade instead of just extra complexity.

Replies (4)

Olivia ParkApr 27

This is the sweet spot of layover planning: using the hub as part of the trip rather than treating it like dead time you just have to endure.

Noah JacksonApr 27

The best intentional layovers usually happen in airports where huge route network gives you room to breathe instead of forcing constant clock-watching.

Emily JohnsonApr 27

I started doing this more once I accepted that an extra few hours can improve the whole trip if the airport and city are a good fit.

Eli CooperApr 27

The key is respecting slow landside transfers at peak times enough to keep the plan disciplined instead of trying to squeeze in one more thing.