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Last night, I was in the unfortunate situation of a forced extended layover, due to a delayed flight. The airline automatically rebooked my connecting flights and booked hotel reservations, and informed me as such when I checked in. That meant, that I had to exit the passport control, to travel to a hotel outside the airport area.

In my case, it was no problem, since my layover was in the Schengen area, for which I don't need a visa. But what if that was not the case? What if I had a funny passport, and the layover was not in a country that I would automatically be issued a visa-on-arrival?

Some airports do have hotels or sleeping arrangements inside the airport itself, but not every airport do. Would I be forced to spend the night (and possible longer) on a bench inside the transit area? What if the airport in question do not allow long stays in the transit area, or are not open night-time? Would I be denied boarding at an earlier itineary? Who is responsible?

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1 Answers1

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Depends on the country and situation. In some areas, stranded passengers are taken to a nearby hotel but are restricted to that hotel.

I encountered this with a delayed flight in Asia. Fortunately my nationality allowed me visa free entry so I entered through the immigration line, the others were escorted direct to the hotel bus by immigration and airline staff. At the hotel their passports were held at the front desk and the doorman would only let those of us who had our passport out to explore. I ended up making a couple of trips to the local market for baby supplies for two couples stuck in the hotel.