For wanderlusting on a budget, airline stopover programs can be your ticket.
Want to explore new places without spending extra? Airline stopover programs are the travel hack that allow you to visit multiple cities for the price of one flight.
Imagine booking a trip to Bangkok with Qatar Airways or Emirates, and instead of waiting at the airport during your layover in Doha or Dubai, you step out and see the city. From strolling through the ancient souks to savoring authentic cuisine, these stopovers transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure. The possibilities are many: wander the azulejo-adorned streets of Lisbon en route to Accra, or discover the rich history of Addis Ababa before continuing to one of South Africa’s vibrant cities. These airline programs unlock a world of exploration, allowing you to experience multiple destinations without breaking the bank. Here is a guide to the most popular ones. And as always, make sure to check visa requirements before adding a stopover.
Copa Airlines
Through the new Panama stopover option, Copa Airlines passengers can spend between 24 hours and seven days in the nation’s capital, Panama City. While there’s no extra charge to book a Panama stopover, you’ll still need to cover some expenses, like an overnight hotel, if needed. Fortunately, hotels are heavily discounted, and you can select the tour itinerary that most appeals to you on the stopover website. I like the Panama City and Beach tour, which includes six nights split across two high-end hotels. This tour covers all food and drinks, transportation and hotels for $1,242 per person.
Emirates
If you’re flying Emirates, why not take the opportunity to explore the United Arab Emirates for a few extra days along the way?Bottom of Form To take advantage of the airline’s Dubai Stopover program, use the advanced search feature on the airline’s website to add a stopover to your itinerary. (You do this by building a multicity itinerary that includes a stop in Dubai.) After booking, contact your local Emirates office for assistance reserving a stopover package, which can include add-ons like a room at one of over 100 partner hotels, transportation, meals, visa arrangements (Emirates can help with 96-hour or 30-day visas) ,and tourism activities. You can also visit the airline’s Hotels & Visas desk at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport (DXB). All arrangements come at an added cost but may still be worthwhile since the airline does all the legwork for you and has secured special rates for its customers.
Etihad Airways
Etihad currently offers two different stopover options in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. After booking a multicity itinerary with a stopover of at least 24 hours that does not originate or terminate in Abu Dhabi, you can use your booking number to enjoy discounted rates at top hotels in the area. The duration of each stopover is capped at a 24-hour stay. Depending on the flight itinerary, a maximum of two nights can be booked under this offer. Reserve either a free one-night stay or a discounted stay of up to six nights at one of over 20 premium hotels. These include the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. Alternatively, you can opt for a one- or two-night stay at one of over 10 other lower-priced properties. The airline also provides discounts on activities and tours.
Ethiopian Airlines
Transit times through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia can be long. So, if your layover is between eight and 24 hours, Ethiopian Airlines will arrange a complimentary hotel stay and airport transfers, provided you have the necessary visa or are eligible for a transit visa upon arrival, which the airline will facilitate.
Finnair
Take in the northern lights and some art nouveau architecture with a stopover of up to five days when traveling through Helsinki Airport (HEL) on Finnair. You’ll have to pay for your own accommodations and activities, but your ticket shouldn’t cost more when adding extra time in the city. The airline partners with Visit Finland to provide stopover travel inspiration, accommodations, tour packages and more.
Iberia
Iberia’s Hola Madrid stopover program allows passengers to spend between one and six nights in Madrid at no extra charge. You can also obtain discounts on hotel stays with Melia, airport transfers, entrance to museums such as the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and a two-day complimentary transport card.
Icelandair
A lot of airlines have added Iceland service, making it easy to connect through Keflavik Airport (KEF) from the U.S. to other points in Europe. So, you might want to check out Icelandair’s stopover program, which is considered the pioneer of airline stopover packages. You can stay for one to seven nights at no added ticket cost. When booking, select the stopover option and how many days you’d like to spend exploring the land of fire and ice (up to one week). For inspiration on what to do during your stopover, check out Iceland Travel, where you can view various excursions and activities.
Oman Air
Fly Oman Air via its home airport of Muscat International Airport (MCT) between international destinations — the airline doesn’t fly to the U.S. — and you may be eligible to book a stopover of two or three nights with one night free at partner hotels through Oman Air Holidays. There are a few terms and conditions to be aware of, such as booking a round-trip international itinerary, but the stipulations aren’t too complicated.
Qatar Airways
Although there are some blackout dates, Qatar Airways offers generous discounts on stopover packages, including hotels, meals, and city tours and activities, for passengers transiting through Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). You can even book themed packages, such as a beach vacation and a luxury trip with a private desert safari. You can book a ticket with a stopover using this page on Qatar Airways’ website.
Swiss
Stay from one to four nights in Switzerland with the Stopover Switzerland program. First, book your multicity itinerary through Swiss’ Stopover Switzerland booking portal, then select your travel package for the number of nights you’ll stay.
Packages are bundled by cities and categories like “luxury,” “taste of Switzerland,” and “best of Switzerland,” with pricing starting at 180 Swiss francs ($185). The arrangements include accommodations and free public transportation across Switzerland, plus a passbook with over 100 discounts on attractions, mountain trains, dining, and more.
TAP Air Portugal
Stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to five days at no additional charge during a stopover in Portugal. Start by seeing if your flight is eligible for a stopover. If it is, select which city you’d like to visit, then choose whether you’d like to schedule your visit during your inbound or outbound journey and specify how long you’ll stay. Once your stopover is booked, you can use TAP Air Portugal’s mobile app for discounts on hotels and attractions, travel inspiration, guides and more.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers one of the best stopover programs out there. Business-class passengers with a stopover of 20 hours or more can stay in a luxury hotel in Turkey for up to two days. Economy-class passengers can stay at a slightly more affordable hotel for one day. Your stopover must be longer than 20 hours to qualify for a free hotel room. Once you’ve reserved your flights, send an email (find the right email address based on the destination here)—including your name, reservation code or ticket number, dates needed for accommodations, preferred room type (single, double or triple), telephone number, and email address—at least 72 hours before your first flight. If your stopover is between six and 24 hours, you can explore Istanbul with a free city tour, including bus transportation and meals. You don’t need to reserve ahead of time. Just head to the Touristanbul desk upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) to register. For more information on the different tours offered, go to the airline’s Touristanbul page.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is considered one of the world’s most stopover-friendly airlines. Passengers with layovers in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities can take advantage of the airline’s stopover program to explore Japan’s wondrous sites. To arrange your stopover, simply book a multicity itinerary and ensure your layover meets the minimum duration requirements. Travelers can also use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to visit over 30 cities across Japan. Once you’ve finalized your flights, you can contact Japan Airlines customer service to inquire about available stopover packages, which may include discounted hotel stays, transportation and sightseeing tours.
Qantas
Qantas, Australia’s flagship carrier, provides stopover opportunities for passengers traveling through major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Whether you’re en route to another international destination or returning home, you can extend your layover to explore iconic Australian landmarks, vibrant cities or picturesque landscapes. To incorporate a stopover into your itinerary, select the multicity booking option when arranging your flights on the Qantas website.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers stopover programs for travelers passing through Toronto and other major cities. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, you can extend your layover. The length of stay in your stopover city must be at least 24 hours and no more than 45 days. If you’re booking a stopover in Toronto, you can get up to seven days on your way to Europe or Asia at no extra cost. Choose the multicity booking option on the Air Canada website when planning your flights to include a stopover in your itinerary.
Air France and KLM
Air France and KLM, two prominent members of the SkyTeam alliance, provide stopover opportunities for passengers traveling through their hub cities like Paris and Amsterdam. Plus, if you’re a Flying Blue rewards member, you can book an award ticket that includes a complimentary stopover. To arrange a stopover, select the multicity booking option on the Air France or KLM website.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers stopover options for passengers transiting through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), one of the world’s most renowned airports. Whether you’re traveling to or from destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe or the Americas, you can extend your layover to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Singapore. Singapore Airlines offers one free stopover on a round-trip Saver Award, such as a flight from Australia to New York with a stopover in Singapore. For one-way Advantage awards, travelers can add one complimentary stopover. For round-trip Advantage awards, travelers can add two complimentary stopovers. Additional stopovers (up to three per award ticket) can be added for $100 each. Stopovers can only be added online if the route is eligible. Select the multicity booking option on the Singapore Airlines website to arrange a stopover.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines offers a generous stopover program to explore the sites of Jordan. Whether you’re traveling to the Middle East or connecting to other destinations, you can extend your stay to discover the historical sites, natural wonders and cultural treasures of Jordan. Pick the multicity booking option when reserving your flights on the Royal Jordanian Airlines website to incorporate a stopover in your itinerary.
Twist’s Take: Building a stopover into your itinerary is a cost-effective way to see another country or city during your trip.
