During domestic layovers, you are free to leave the airport. If your domestic layover is longer than one hour, you should expect to receive two boarding permits. If you want to check out local points of interest, make sure you get your second boarding pass and print it out before you leave.

In 2026, you can generally exit the airport during a stopover or layover, provided you meet specific requirements regarding time and documentation. For domestic flights, exiting is simple; you just need to ensure you have your boarding pass for the next leg and enough time to clear security upon re-entry. For international stopovers, you must pass through Immigration and Customs, which requires your passport to have visa-free entry privileges or a pre-arranged transit visa for that country. It is a high-value peer tip to only attempt this if your layover is at least 6 to 8 hours long; between deplaning, clearing immigration, commuting to the city, and return security checks, a "short" 4-hour window can quickly result in a missed flight. Additionally, check if your bags are checked through to your final destination; if they aren't, you'll need to store them in airport lockers or carry them with you, which can significantly slow down your exploration.