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escala means layover; stopover — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 20, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

escala

noun • /[ehs-KAH-lah]/

layover; stopover

Example:

Tenemos una escala larga en Doha.

We have a long layover in Doha.

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🧠 What does escala mean?

In the context of travel, 'escala' primarily means a layover or stopover during a journey, especially a flight. It refers to a planned interruption in your trip, typically in a connecting airport, where you change planes to reach your final destination. 'Escala' can also refer to a port of call for ships, or more generally, a stop along a journey.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tengo una escala de dos horas en Madrid.
    I have a two-hour layover in Madrid.
  • El vuelo tiene una escala en Panamá.
    The flight has a layover in Panama.
  • El crucero hace escala en varias islas del Caribe.
    The cruise ship makes stops at several Caribbean islands.
  • Durante mi viaje por carretera, hice una escala en un pequeño pueblo.
    During my road trip, I made a stop in a small town.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'layover' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'layover' in Spanish is 'escala'.
How do you pronounce 'escala' in Spanish?
It's pronounced es-KA-la, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'escala' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Mi vuelo a Buenos Aires tiene una escala en Lima' (My flight to Buenos Aires has a layover in Lima), or 'Hicimos escala en Barcelona durante nuestro crucero' (We stopped in Barcelona during our cruise).
What is the English translation of 'escala'?
In the context of travel, 'escala' translates to 'layover' or 'stopover'.
Does 'escala' change for gender or number?
No, 'escala' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'escala' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'escala' is frequently used when discussing travel plans.
Does 'escala' have slang or double meanings?
'Escala' can also refer to a scale (like a musical scale or a measuring scale), but in the context of travel, the layover/stopover meaning is most common and clear. There aren't any common slang uses related to travel.
Is 'escala' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'escala' related to travel are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "escala"

Synonyms: parada, conexión

💡 Did You Know?

While 'escala' usually refers to a brief stop, it can also sometimes be used for longer stays, especially in the context of cruises.

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