What if you could take a vacation inside of a vacation? You can, thanks to airlines that offer travelers stopover flights on the way to or from their final destination. Airlines allow travelers to stay from one to several days in select cities along specific routes and some also even have special tour packages.
Airline’s stopover programs allow travelers to add a layover or stop in a specific destination at no additional airfare cost. These programs are designed to promote tourism and increase revenue for the airline.
One example of an airline stopover program is Icelandair’s “Stopover Buddy” program. This program allows passengers to add a stopover in Iceland for up to seven days at no extra cost on their way to a final destination. The airline also offers a variety of activities and excursions that can be booked in advance, such as a visit to the Blue Lagoon or a Northern Lights tour.
Another example is the “Discover Qatar” program offered by Qatar Airways. The program allows passengers to add a complimentary stopover in Qatar for up to 96 hours on their way to their final destination. The airline partners with local hotels and tour operators to offer a variety of packages and activities, such as desert safaris, city tours, and visits to museums.
Singapore Airlines also offers a stopover program, named “Stopover Holiday”, which gives passengers the opportunity to spend a night in Singapore, at no additional airfare cost, en route to their final destination. Passengers are also able to book a variety of hotels and activities, which include city tours, spa treatments, and even an evening night safari to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
These programs can be a great way for travelers to experience new destinations and cultures at no extra cost. However, it’s important to keep in mind that travelers will need to plan ahead, book the stopover in advance and note that the stopover time may add additional travel time. Also, it’s recommended to check your final destination visa requirements.
Overall, Airlines Stopover Programs can be a great way to make your travel experience more interesting, diverse, and cost-effective. With this type of program, you can save money and explore new places you may never have thought of visiting otherwise.
Air Canada
Take in a visit to the country’s top three cities — Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver — the next time you book a flight on an itinerary that has a connect time of six hours or more on Canada’s flag carrier. Travelers can book a stopover flight up to four days before their departure. The airline even has a link to book an overnight hotel stay. And travelers can do the stopover on both legs of their flight.
Air China
This airline offers a free overnight hotel stay for travelers traveling through Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Hangzhou, and Shanghai under the following flight connection conditions:
- Domestic flight connecting to an international/regional flight
- International/regional flight connecting to a domestic flight
- International/regional flight connecting to an international/regional flight
- Domestic flight connecting to a domestic flight
Travelers have access to a 24-hour shuttle bus ride between the hotel and the airport, and the deal also includes breakfast and a double room.
Emirates
Dubai has become a hot travel destination and Emirates is regularly at the top of lists for service aboard its flights. The airline offers up to three days in Dubai with a stopover package for those connecting via the more than 150 cities it serves. After paying $62 for a four-day visa, Emirates offers free shuttle service to the more than 60 hotels — ranging from two to five stars — participating in the stopover program. The airline also has special rates for the City Sightseeing Dubai hop-on, hop-off bus and can arrange for a round of golf (including free shoe and club rentals), a desert safari, or a tour of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You must pay for the hotel, but all of them include a free breakfast.
Etihad
The airline has several options who want to do a stopover in its home base of Abu Dhabi on their way to nearly 100 of the destinations it serves. Travelers with between six and 12 hours to kill can pay $40 and either play nine holes of golf or enjoy a day at the pool at the Yas Links Golf Course. Under Etihad’s two-for-one deal, travelers who choose to stay two nights in Abu Dhabi can get one night for free at hotels ranging from three to five stars. The airline can also arrange sightseeing tours.
Finnair
Helsinki Airport, home to Finland’s flag carrier, is also known as one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to traveling through Europe and beyond. The airport touts itself as “the shortest and smoothest way to travel between Europe and Asia.” With a single terminal, transfer times are among the shortest in Europe. The airport is known for offering a great passenger experience, with services including a free comfortable traveler’s lounge, an art gallery, a book swap, and an outdoor terrace. And Finnair wants to entice travelers to book a stopover — either coming in or going out — where stays can range from five hours to five days. Once the flight is booked, go over to the Finland Tours website, where you can sign up for pre-arranged tours or create your own, with prices ranging from $86 to $2058.
Icelandair
This carrier has been offering free stopovers since the 1960s. Under the program, travelers stop in Iceland for up to seven days either at the beginning or the end of their trip to the 72 cities in North America and Europe that it serves for free. The airline has suggestions on what you can do in Iceland on one- to five-day stopovers.
Qatar Airways
This Doha-based carrier has made it easy for travelers to visit on their way to or from a trip to the 150 destinations it serves. After booking a flight, passengers can get a transit visa and a free stay at four- or five-star hotels, courtesy of the Qatar Tourism Authority. The program has three levels: Qatar Ultimate, which offers a two-night stay in a four-star or five-star hotel for a $50 per room booking fee; Qatar Luxury, where the airline’s First and Business Class passengers get a free night’s stay from a selection of luxurious five-star hotels; and Qatar Premium, where coach class passengers get a free overnight stay at a four-star hotel. The airline also offers a page of suggested things to do in Doha, including a visit to the Souq Waqif, taking an evening dinner cruise, or doing a desert safari.
Tap Portugal
Portugal’s flagship carrier unveiled its stopover program in October 2016. Travelers can spend up to three days in Lisbon or Porto on their way to or from the 76 destinations served by the airline. Tap Portugal offers travelers perks including special deals on hotels, a free bottle of wine at restaurants, advice on experiences to try in both cities, and an app to keep track of it all. If the Algarve is your final destination in Portugal, check out what travelers can enjoy in the southern part of the country.
Turkish Airlines
If you’re flying to one of this flag carrier’s 299 destinations and have a layover of between six and 24 hours at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, you can either stay in a daytime hotel for free or take a tour of Istanbul via TourIstanbul. Tours start at the airport’s Hotel Desk and are offered by English-speaking guides five times a day. Travelers will visit museums, historical sites, and religious establishments, and free time is built-in. The tour operator covers the cost of meals, transfers, entrance fees, and the tour guide.
Singapore Airlines
The airline offers two packages: the Basic Singapore Stopover Holiday and the Singapore Stopover Holiday. The basic program offers a one-night hotel stay and airport-hotel-airport transfers starting at $30 a night. Travelers can also buy a Singapore Explorer Pass, which offers one-time access to more than 20 attractions including Chinatown Food Street, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore River Cruise, Singapore Zoo, and the SIA Hop-on Bus. The regular program includes an overnight hotel, airport transfers, free rides on the SIA Hop-on Bus, and admission to more than 15 tourist attractions in partnership with Changi Airport Group and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airlines Stopover Programs
Q. What is an airline stopover program?
A – An airline’s stopover program is a service offered by some airlines that allow travelers to add a layover or stop at a specific destination at no additional airfare cost. The program is designed to promote tourism and increase revenue for the airline.
Q. Can I add a stopover to my existing flight reservation?
A – It depends on the airline and the specific stopover program they offer. Some airlines, such as Icelandair and Qatar Airways, allow passengers to add a stopover to their existing flight reservations. Other airlines may require you to book a separate flight or package deal. It’s best to check with the airline directly to see what options are available.
Q. How long can my stopover be?
A – The length of a stopover will vary depending on the airline and the specific stopover program. Some airlines, such as Icelandair, allow for stopovers of up to seven days, while others, like Qatar Airways, allow for stopovers of up to 96 hours.
Q. Are there any additional costs associated with a stopover?
A – In most cases, there are no additional airfare costs associated with a stopover. However, some airlines may charge for accommodation and activities during the stopover. Additionally, passengers will be responsible for any visa fees, transportation costs, and other expenses incurred during the stopover.
Q. Are there any restrictions on stopover destinations?
A – Yes, the stopover destinations will vary depending on the airline and the specific stopover program. Some airlines, such as Icelandair and Qatar Airways, have a specific list of destinations that are available for stopovers. Other airlines may only allow stopovers in their hub cities or in certain regions.
Q. Can I book accommodation and activities during my stopover?
A – Some airlines will offer a variety of packages and activities that can be booked in advance, such as a visit to the Blue Lagoon or a Northern Lights tour. Others may allow you to book your own accommodation and activities independently. Check with the airline directly to see what options are available.
Q. Are there any requirements for stopover programs?
A – It depends on the airline and the specific program they offer. Some airlines may have a minimum layover time and others may require you to book a round-trip ticket. It’s best to check with the airline directly to see what their specific requirements are.
Q. How to find an airline that offers a stopover program for my trip?
A – Usually all major airlines will have a section on their website for their stopover program and list the destinations you can choose from. You can also check the policies, destinations, and prices by searching on their website’s offers or deals section, or you can contact the airline directly to enquire. Some online travel agencies and online fare comparison sites may also offer the information.
