Sometimes a great airfare comes with a catch: a long layover. Faced with the prospect of a 4-, 8- or even 12-hour wait between flights, you may be tempted to buy a more expensive ticket or change your travel dates. But actually, a long layover can be a blessing, depending on the amenities that are offered at (or near) the airport.

Here's how to turn your airport layover into a memorable part of your trip.

How to make the most of your layover

1. Leave the airport to explore

Can you leave the airport during a layover? Short answer: It depends.

Make sure you’ll have enough time to store your bags, clear immigration (if needed), go back through security and be on time for your next flight.