What is a layover in aviation?

A layover in aviation specifically refers to the time a passenger or crew spends at an intermediate stop between flights, in a city that is not their home base. This typically involves waiting for the next flight to continue their journey. Layovers can vary in duration, ranging from a short stopover of just a few minutes to extended stays for several hours or even overnight.

Understanding the context of this choice is crucial. While there are other activities that occur during layovers, such as refueling or maintenance, these do not define what a layover is from a passenger's or crewmember's perspective. A layover is focused on the transition between flights within an itinerary rather than the operational details involved in aircraft servicing.