Best Airline Stopover Programs to Extend Your Trip
Airline stopover programs are giving travelers more ways to explore multiple destinations on one ticket, often at little or no additional cost. Instead of spending long layovers inside an airport, these programs allow passengers to spend from 24 hours to several days in the airline’s hub city before continuing on to their final destination. Many stopover offers include free or discounted hotel stays, local experiences, and extra perks, making them an increasingly popular way to turn a simple flight connection into a mini-vacation.
Finnair offers an easy-to-use stopover program for travelers flying through Helsinki, Finland, allowing stays of up to five days without extra airfare charges. While hotel discounts aren’t part of the deal, Finnair suggests sample itineraries, such as enjoying Helsinki’s sauna culture or heading north to view the northern lights. Booking requires selecting the multicity option on Finnair’s website and adding the stopover details to your reservation.
In the Middle East, Etihad Airways allows passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to stay one or two nights in a wide range of hotels, from luxury properties like the Shangri-La and Grand Hyatt to more affordable options. The program is only available to passengers booking directly through Etihad’s website, with some blackout dates and eligibility requirements.
Copa Airlines offers travelers flying through Panama City a chance to stop over for one to seven days at no additional airfare cost. Travelers booking directly with Copa can take advantage of hotel, dining, and activity discounts ranging from 15% to 40%, making it easy to explore Panama’s beaches, nightlife, and natural attractions.
Ethiopian Airlines provides one of the most convenient stopover options in Africa. If your connection in Addis Ababa is at least eight hours, you receive a complimentary one-night stay at the Skylight In-Terminal Hotel, complete with breakfast and transfer, as long as your total layover is less than 24 hours.
Qatar Airways’ stopover program lets passengers explore Doha with hotel packages starting at just $14 for a night in a four-star hotel or $83 for a five-star property. After booking flights through the airline’s website, travelers can use Qatar’s stopover portal to add hotel accommodations for up to four days.
Japan Airlines allows international travelers to add stops at any domestic airport in Japan as long as both the international and domestic flights are booked together. U.S. passengers extending stays longer than one day will pay a $100 fee, but the program offers a cost-effective way to visit multiple Japanese cities on a single trip.
Turkish Airlines’ stopover program includes free hotel stays for passengers with at least 20 hours of connection time in Istanbul. Economy passengers receive one night in a four-star hotel, while business-class travelers get two nights in a five-star property. Travelers must email Turkish Airlines with their booking information to reserve their hotel stay. The airline also offers free city tours through its Touristanbul program.
TAP Air Portugal allows travelers to add up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto on either leg of their journey. The booking process is simple, and passengers can also access discounts on hotels, attractions, and experiences through TAP’s mobile app.
Icelandair pioneered stopover programs and still offers free stopovers in Reykjavik for one to seven days, making it a popular choice for travelers connecting between North America and Europe. While hotels and tours aren’t included, Icelandair offers optional excursions like its Golden Circle tour to help visitors explore the country’s natural wonders.
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