Discover how airline stopover programs can help you visit two destinations for the price of one! Learn which airlines and countries offer the best deals, and how to book them like a pro. Here are the top ten programs around the world!
Why Fly Past a City When You Could Explore It?
One of my favorite parts of full-time travel is uncovering hidden hacks that let us see more of the world without spending more money. Enter the glorious world of airline stopover programs—one of the most underrated ways to stretch your travel budget and squeeze in an extra destination (or two!).
On our way to the Seychelles a few years ago, Shelly and I flew with Turkish Airlines. We had the option to stay in Istanbul for a few days—at no extra cost. The airline even offered us a free hotel stay. We ate kebabs under the Galata Bridge, explored the Grand Bazaar, and soaked in the beauty of Hagia Sophia—all during what would’ve otherwise been just an annoying layover. We have also taken advantage of airline stopover programs in Singapore and Qatar and loved those stops too!
So if you’re anything like us—empty nesters chasing the next adventure—you’ll love what airline stopover programs can offer. Let’s dive in!
What Is an Airline Stopover Program?
A stopover is when you intentionally extend a layover in a connecting city for 24 hours or more. A stopover program is when an airline (often in partnership with a tourism board or hotel) offers incentives like free or discounted accommodations, tours, or transit passes to encourage travelers to explore the stopover city.
Think of it as a bonus destination on the way to your actual vacation. Two trips for the price of one? Yes, please!
Who Offers Airline Stopover Programs (and What’s Included)?
Here’s a roundup of the best airline stopover programs currently offered around the world. These are perfect for travelers looking to get more adventure out of a single flight ticket.
1. Turkish Airlines – Istanbul, Turkey
Perks:
- Free hotel for one or two nights (depending on cabin class)
- City tours for short layovers (if you’re not doing a full stopover)
- Rich history, markets, mosques, and Turkish delights!
How to Book:
Choose the stopover option during booking or visit Turkish Airlines’ stopover site and follow their hotel voucher process. Make sure your layover in Istanbul is 20+ hours.
2. Qatar Airways – Doha, Qatar
Perks:
- 4- or 5-star hotel stays starting at $14 USD for one night!
- Discounted visa processing
- Optional desert safaris and city tours
How to Book:
Use Qatar Airways’ stopover program via their official website. They’ve partnered with Discover Qatar for super easy booking.
3. Icelandair – Reykjavik, Iceland
Perks:
- Stopover up to 7 days in Iceland at no extra airfare
- Discounted tours to waterfalls, glaciers, and the Blue Lagoon
- “Stopover Buddy” program: get paired with an Icelandair employee for a local experience
How to Book:
Book directly on Icelandair.com and select Stopover in Iceland during your flight search.
4. Emirates – Dubai, UAE
Perks:
- 24- to 96-hour stopovers
- Visa assistance
- Discounted hotel stays and transit packages
How to Book:
Select Dubai Connect during booking on their website or call Emirates to arrange it. Must meet minimum layover times (usually 10+ hours for economy).
5. Finnair – Helsinki, Finland
Perks:
- Stopover up to 5 days
- Curated experiences like Finnish saunas, food tours, or nature excursions
- Flexible booking process
How to Book:
Choose Stopover Finland when booking on Finnair.com. You can add tours and hotel options during checkout.
6. TAP Air Portugal – Lisbon or Porto, Portugal
Perks:
- Stopover up to 5 nights
- Discounts on hotels and local experiences
- Explore two Portuguese cities on one trip
How to Book:
Use TAP’s dedicated stopover website or select the stopover option during your booking. Easy and user-friendly!
7. Singapore Airlines – Singapore
Perks:
- Hotel packages starting at $40 USD
- Free admission to top attractions
- Airport transfer options included
How to Book:
Visit the Singapore Stopover Holiday section on their site. You can add it to your flight during the booking process.
8. Etihvad Airways – Abu Dhabi Stopover
Perks:
- 2 for 1 hotel stays, free stopovers in selected hotels
- Free and discounted admission to attractions including Theme parks like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. and cultural landmarks
How to Book:
Visit the Etihad Stopover Program section on their site.
9. Saudia Airlines- Jeddah or Riyadh
Perks:
- Free one-night hotel stay
- Complimentary stopover visa for up to 96 hours
- Experience Saudi culture, historic sites, and hospitality
How to Book:
Book a flight with Saudia or Flynas and select the stopover option during checkout. You can also visit Saudia’s stopover visa page to apply. Make sure your itinerary includes a layover in Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the free visa and hotel.
10. Korean Air – Seoul Stopover
Perks:
- Free transit tours (1–5 hours)
- Discounted hotels
- Extras like DMZ tours, palaces, and Korean BBQ experiences
How to Book:
Through Korean Air’s K Stopover Program website or while booking flights
How to Take Advantage of Airline Stopover Programs
Here’s how we plan these little travel bonuses:
Step 1: Pick the Right Airline
Start with your final destination, then check which airlines fly there with connections through cities that offer stopovers. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search multi-city or one-way tickets and compare.
Step 2: Choose a Long Enough Layover
To qualify as a stopover, your layover typically needs to be at least 24 hours. For some airlines, even 8–12 hours is enough to enjoy short tours or free accommodation. Read the airline’s terms carefully!
Step 3: Book Through the Airline’s Official Site
Most stopover perks are only available if you book directly through the airline—not a third-party booking site. Look for a “stopover” tab or contact customer service for help.
Step 4: Apply for Perks
After booking, follow the airline’s instructions to apply for hotel stays, tours, or visa support. Some, like Turkish Airlines, require you to fill out a form and wait for a confirmation voucher.
Step 5: Plan Your Mini Itinerary
Treat the stopover city like a mini-vacation. Research what’s close to the airport, book a few tours, or just plan to wander and soak it all in.
Pro tip: Use the extra time to adjust to the new time zone and recover from jet lag before your “main” destination.
Why We Love Airline Stopover Programs
Stopovers aren’t just money savers—they’re memory makers. We’ve:
- Wove through the intoxicating scents and colors of Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar.
- Stood in awe where golden dunes meet the turquoise waters of Qatar’s breathtaking Inland Sea.
- Got swept up in the futuristic charm and cultural energy of Singapore.
These experiences didn’t cost us more—they were simply added to our original flights!
Don’t Just Layover—Stop and Explore!
If you’re dreaming of full-time travel like we are—or just want to make the most of every plane ticket—stopover programs are one of the best hacks out there. With a little planning, you can add an entirely new destination to your trip, often without adding a cent to your airfare. If you need more inspiration on what to do on a stopover, or even just a long layover, check out THIS article on our blog.
So the next time you’re flying overseas, check to see if your airline offers a stopover program. You might just find yourself enjoying two vacations instead of one.
