WHAT: Smart Layover, a free app for Android, BlackBerry and iOS, shows travelers on long layovers that they don't have to be stuck at the airport. Users can find attractions and tours, travel deals and day-use hotel options along with terminal maps and tips. Get flight alert notifications and security wait times, too.
HITS: The "Tours and Attractions" feature connects you to sightseeing tours in more than 140 countries. I really liked the "Smart Insider Tips" that appeared when the deals were loading, including, "For tours, note that most need to be booked more than 24 hours in advance."
MISSES: Nearly every time I tried to find a day-use hotel, it didn't have any available (San Diego, New York and London). Finally, I found a day-use hotel with a 10-hour layover in Paris, but it didn't feel like a cut rate at more than $300, only 15 percent off the regular rate.
-- Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times