Comprehensive Guide to All Airline Stopover Programs

Airline stopover programs let you turn a layover into an extended stay at an airline’s hub city—often at no extra cost. They provide a unique opportunity to explore an airline’s hub city, break up a long journey, and immerse yourself in local culture.

In today’s highly competitive air travel industry, airlines have partnered with government agencies and local tourism boards to offer these programs to their passengers. By encouraging travelers to explore the airline’s home country, the goal of a stopover program is to boost tourism by showcasing the layover city’s attractions, differentiate the airline from its competitors, and build customer loyalty. With perks like discounted hotels, free tours, or visa assistance, airline stopover programs offer travelers a great way to enrich their travel itinerary.

What Are Airline Stopover Programs?

Airline stopover programs are initiatives offered by various airlines and destinations that allow passengers to extend their layovers in a connecting city for a few days at no additional cost to their airfare. These programs are designed to encourage travelers to explore the airline’s hub city or country, boosting tourism and providing passengers with a richer travel experience. 

Generally, these stopover program benefits are only offered to passengers traveling on regular paid fares only, and not award bookings. Although some airlines offer limited benefits to those on award bookings, unless otherwise noted, all of the stopover programs discussed in this article will apply to paid fare bookings only. 

While each airline has its own approach to stopover programs, most offer these stopovers for free, allowing passengers to stay in a connecting city for as little as 24 hours or up to 7 days—or even longer—without any extra cost to their airfare.

Furthermore, some airlines, in partnership with local governments, offer extra perks like discounted or free hotel stays, complimentary tours, transportation, and even free visas.

Many of these stopover programs come with an extensive list of terms and conditions that must be met to qualify. This guide provides an overview of what each airline offers, but you’ll need to research further to determine if an itinerary you’re considering qualifies for a free stopover and the aforementioned benefits before booking. 

Lastly, many airlines’ stopover programs appear to be in a constant state of flux, regularly introduced or discontinued at the airline’s discretion. Since these programs can become a significant financial burden on airlines, they are often among the first to be eliminated when an airline encounters any sort of hardship.

I came across numerous instances of airlines that were once known for offering stopover programs but now show no evidence of such programs existing on their official websites. As a result, it’s important to be aware that these programs can be discontinued at any time and shouldn’t be assumed to be a permanent feature.

All Airline Stopover Programs Explained

Air Astana

Stopover City: Almaty or Astana, Kazakhstan

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation and shuttle service, discounts on dining and activities

Details: Air Astana’s MySTOPOVER program offers passengers with layovers exceeding 10 hours in Almaty or Astana a special package starting at $19. This package includes a hotel stay, airport transfer, and breakfast, providing an opportunity to explore Kazakhstan’s vibrant cities during extended transit periods. Since the program includes only one night of accommodation, passengers who wish to extend their stay must cover the additional costs themselves.

Air Canada

Stopover City: Toronto, Canada

Perks: none

Details: Passengers can enjoy up to 48 hours in Toronto on their way to either Europe or Asia. I was only able to find this offer on the U.S. edition of the Air Canada website, which leads me to believe this is only available to those beginning their travel from a U.S. airport.

Air China

Stopover City: Beijing (Capital), Chengdu (Shuangliu), Chengdu (Tianfu), Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chongqing, Wenzhou, and Wuhan, China

Perks: One-night accommodation and breakfast in the hotel located in the transit city, as well as hotel-airport transportation.

Details: Both inbound and outbound flights must be issued by Air China and be operated by Air China, Shandong Airlines, or Shenzhen Airlines. For domestic-to-domestic connections, the layover must be between 6 and 24 hours. For domestic-to-international connections, the layover must be between 6 and 30 hours.

The terms and conditions associated with Air China’s stopover program are vast. Check the transit accommodation terms and conditions page to see if you’ll be eligible for the offer. 

Aer Lingus

Stopover City: Dublin, Ireland

Perks: none

Details: Very little information is available online about Aer Lingus’ stopover program. As best as I could gather, it’s possible to book a stopover in Dubin for no extra cost. However, to do so, you must contact an agent via the Aer Lingus help desk to assist in making a stopover booking.

Cathay Pacific

Stopover City: Hong Kong, SAR

Perks: Discounts on select hotel stays and attractions

Details: Cathay Pacific is offering travelers the opportunity to enhance their journeys by adding a stopover in Hong Kong on certain fares. To take advantage of this offer, travelers can use the “Stopover/Multi-city” booking feature on Cathay Pacific’s website to include Hong Kong as a stopover destination. A stopover is defined as spending more than 24 hours in Hong Kong, with a maximum stay of up to 7 days.

During the stopover, travelers can explore Hong Kong’s rich culture, history, and attractions. Additionally, Cathay Pacific has partnered with local businesses to provide exclusive offers, such as 20% off stays at participating Regal Hotels and 25% off tickets to sky100, Hong Kong’s observation deck.

China Southern Airlines

Stopover City: Beijing, Changsha, Shenzhen, Urumqi, Guangzhou, Dalian, Wuhan, Shenyang, China

Perks: Complimentary one-night hotel accommodation, breakfast, and transport to/from hotel

Details: China Southern Airlines offers free transit accommodation for qualifying passengers with connecting flights of 6-30 hours, including transportation between the terminal and hotel. Eligible passengers include those in certain cabin classes and loyalty members, with different hotel standards based on their ticket class. The program covers major hubs like Guangzhou, Beijing, and Urumqi, with specific rules for booking and eligibility.

This stopover program comes with a litany of fine print, so you’ll need to ensure your booking and fare class meet the requirements if you want to take advantage of the offer.

Copa Airlines

Stopover City: Panama City, Panama

Perks: none

Details: Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program allows passengers to pause their journey in Panama City at no additional airfare cost. This program is designed for passengers traveling through Tocumen International Airport, offering them the opportunity to explore Panama and visit attractions like the Panama Canal for up to seven nights before continuing to their final destination.

EgyptAir

Stopover City: Cairo, Egypt

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation including breakfast and transportation

Details: Passengers traveling with EgyptAir may qualify for complimentary hotel accommodation during their transit under the following conditions: Business class passengers with a transit time of 6 hours or more, and economy class passengers with a transit time of 8 hours or more. This benefit also extends to award ticket holders flying with EgyptAir under the same transit conditions. Hotel accommodation and transportation are provided in Cairo for international-to-international flights, with a maximum stay of 24 hours.

The complimentary hotel accommodation cannot be arranged in advance and must be made upon arrival at Cairo International Airport at the specified EgyptAir transit counter.

Emirates

Stopover City: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation, meals, and transit to/from hotel

Details: Emirates offers travelers the opportunity to enhance their journey with a Dubai stopover. Through the Dubai Experience platform, passengers can plan and book their own stopover, enjoying exclusive benefits such as a 10% discount on new flight bookings, and 24-hour hotel check-in privileges.

The platform provides access to a wide range of activities, tours, restaurants, and hotels, allowing travelers to create a personalized itinerary that includes experiences like fine dining, luxury accommodations, shopping at the world’s largest mall, and visiting iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa.

Emirates also has a program called Dubai Connect, which offers complimentary hotel accommodation, transfers, meals, and a visa to enter the UAE for passengers facing long layovers in Dubai due to the unavailability of better connection times. To qualify, the connecting flight must be the best available option for your itinerary.

Ethiopian Airlines

Stopover City: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation including meals, transportation, and transit visa

Details: Ethiopian Airlines provides a complimentary stopover hotel program for passengers with layovers of 8-24 hours in Addis Ababa. Eligible travelers, who must be arriving and departing on Ethiopian Airlines on the same itinerary, also receive a free transit visa, meals, and transportation to the hotel.

The program applies to both cash and award tickets, regardless of the issuing airline. No advance booking is required; vouchers for the hotel, meals, and transit visa are provided at check-in or at the transit desk in Addis Ababa. The transit visa covers stays up to 24 hours, with standard visa rules applying for longer visits.

Etihad

Stopover City: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation and shuttle service, discounts on dining and activities

Details: Etihad Airways offers a stopover program in Abu Dhabi, allowing travelers to enhance their journey with a stay in the city. The program provides options for complimentary hotel stays of up to two nights in select 3- and 4-star hotels, or discounted rates at premium 4- and 5-star hotels.

To be eligible, flights must be booked directly through Etihad’s website or call center, and the stopover duration must be at least 24 hours. This initiative enables passengers to explore Abu Dhabi’s attractions, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island’s theme parks, making the most of their transit.

Fiji Airways

Stopover City: Nadi, Fiji

Perks: Exemptions from departure taxes, access to partner hotel rates

Details: Fiji makes for the perfect stopover for travelers heading to Australia, New Zealand, or other Pacific destinations. Passengers flying with Fiji Airways can enjoy a stopover in Nadi at no extra charge, and for stopovers under 48 hours, departure taxes are waived.

Finnair

Stopover City: Helsinki, Finland

Perks: none

Details: Finnair offers a stopover program allowing passengers to explore Helsinki during layovers of 6, 12, or 24 hours at no additional flight cost. While Finnair doesn’t provide any complimentary or discounted accommodations, activities, or tours, it suggests self-guided itineraries to help travelers make the most of their time in the city.

Transportation between Helsinki Airport and the city center is convenient, with options including trains, taxis, and buses, typically taking around 30 to 40 minutes. Travelers with carry-on luggage may also use Helsinki Airport’s baggage storage so you won’t be burdened with your bags while out exploring the city.

Hawaiian Airlines

Stopover City: Honolulu, Hawaii

Perks: none

Details: Although Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t offer perks like free hotels or meals like some airlines, travelers flying to or from any of the airline’s nine international destinations can still enjoy a free stopover in Honolulu on both the outbound and return legs of their journey. This can be accomplished by using the multi-city search option on Hawaiian Airlines’ website.

Iberia

Stopover City: Madrid, Spain

Perks: Discounted domestic flights, hotels, activities, complimentary public transit card 

Details: Iberia’s “Stopover Hola Madrid” program allows travelers to extend their layover in Madrid for up to six nights at no additional airfare cost. Passengers can choose to stay between one and six nights in the city, either on their outbound or return journey.

The program offers exclusive perks, including discounts on flights to other Spanish cities, a complimentary public transport card valid for two days, and special rates on hotels, restaurants, and cultural activities. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity to explore Madrid’s rich cultural heritage, gastronomy, and vibrant atmosphere with little disruption to your original travel plans.

IcelandAir

Stopover City: Reykjavik, Iceland

Perks: none

Details: IcelandAir makes it easy to add a stopover in Reykjavik, offering a stopover of up to seven days at no additional cost. When booking your flight, simply select the “Stopover in Iceland” option and choose the duration of your stay. The program doesn’t include free or discounted accommodations and tours, so you’ll need to budget for lodging separately. IcelandAir’s stopover page provides plenty of affordable sightseeing and tour recommendations to partake in during a stopover.

Japan Airlines

Stopover City: Tokyo or Osaka, Japan

Perks: none

Details: Japan Airlines offers travelers the flexibility to book multi-city flights, allowing for stopovers in various Japanese cities en route to their final destination. This enables passengers to explore multiple locations within a single trip by providing complimentary domestic flights to any destination within Japan when booking an international flight with JAL. 

Additionally, the JAL Japan Explorer Pass provides access to over 30 cities across Japan Airlines’ domestic network, further enhancing travel options within Japan.

Malaysia Airlines

Stopover City: Alor Setar, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, and Penang, Malaysia

Perks: Free domestic flight to select airports

Details: Malaysia Airlines offers a “Bonus Side Trip” promotion, allowing passengers traveling on international flights to enjoy a free domestic flight within Malaysia. This offer is available to travelers who book through their website and choose one of the participating destinations. To book, simply select “Bonus Side Trip” from the main booking page.

Oman Air

Stopover City: Muscat, Oman

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation, discounted tours and activities

Details: Oman Air offers an on-again, off-again stopover program that doesn’t seem to follow any consistent pattern. When a stopover promotion is running the airline typically offers premium class passengers a complimentary one-night hotel stay when booking a stopover in Muscat.

Economy class travelers, on the other hand, can take advantage of a two-night stay for the price of one. Additionally, guests will enjoy exclusive discounts on tours, car rentals, and other services, creating the ideal opportunity to discover the city of Muscat and its surrounding attractions.

You can view the last (now expired) stopover promotion that was available to get an idea of what the airline generally offers.

Qatar Airways

Stopover City: Doha, Qatar

Perks: Discounted hotel stays

Details: Qatar Airways offers a “Qatar Stopover” program, allowing passengers with layovers in Doha of at least 12 hours and up to 96 hours to book deeply discounted stays in 4- or 5-star hotels starting at $14 USD per person, based on double occupancy. 

If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry, you can get a free Qatar transit visa with your stopover booking, which grants a transit visa of up to 96 hours through Discover Qatar.

Royal Air Maroc

Stopover City: Casablanca, Morocco

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodation and/or meal vouchers

Details: Royal Air Maroc offers various amenities for passengers with layovers. For a transit lasting between 4 and 8 hours, passengers receive a meal voucher and access to the Oasis transit lounge. For layovers exceeding 8 hours (without leaving Casablanca airport), passengers are provided with a meal voucher and either a hotel room (subject to availability) or a shuttle to the Relax Lounge. If passengers are permitted to leave the airport, they will receive a meal voucher, and a hotel room outside the airport may be arranged.

Royal Jordanian

Stopover City: Amman, Jordan

Perks:  Complimentary hotel accommodation, meal and ground transportation to/from hotel

Details: For Royal Jordanian economy passengers on a layover of between 8 and 24 hours, the transit accommodation program provides complimentary accommodation, ground transportation, and meals. 

Crown Class (business class) passengers are eligible for the program with a layover of 6 hours or more.

To qualify, you must not be traveling on a discounted ticket or have the option to book an earlier flight to your destination. Additionally, the transit program offers optional guided tours for an extra fee, allowing you to discover Jordan’s key attractions during your stopover.

SriLanken Airlines

Stopover City: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Perks:  Complimentary hotel accommodation, meal and ground transportation to/from hotel

Details: SriLankan Airlines offers complimentary transit hotel accommodation and meal vouchers for passengers transiting in Colombo for 8 to 24 hours, provided they hold an eligible ticket on SriLankan Airlines.

To qualify, both the inbound and outbound flights must be on the same itinerary and the minimum ticket fare must be USD 375 for one direction or over USD 750 for both directions for transits of 8-12 hours. For transits between 12-24 hours, the minimum fare must be USD 390 for one direction or over USD 780 for both directions.

Singapore Airlines

Stopover City: Singapore, Singapore

Perks: Discounted hotels and experiences

Details: Singapore Airlines’ “Holiday Before the Holiday” program allows travelers to include up to a seven-day stopover in Singapore at no additional cost. Passengers also receive exclusive access to discounts on hotels and experiences when booking via Singapore Airlines. Additionally, all accommodation and activity bookings made as part of a stopover earn 3 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles per $1 USD spent. 

TAP Air Portugal

Stopover City: Lisbon or Porto, Portugal

Perks: Discounted hotels, activities, dining, cultural attractions, and more

Details: TAP Air Portugal’s Portugal Stopover Program allows travelers to include a free stopover of up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto when booking flights with TAP. This stopover can be added on either the outbound or return journey. Passengers may also utilize a 25% discount on domestic flights to explore other regions of Portugal during their stopover, and gain access to exclusive offers from over 150 partners, including discounts on hotels, restaurants, tours, and cultural attractions.

Turkish Airlines

Stopover City: Istanbul, Turkey

Perks: Up to two nights of accommodation, complimentary hotel-airport transportation or complimentary guided tour of Istanbul including, transportation, meals, and entry to visitor attractions

Details: Passengers connecting via Istanbul Airport on Turkish Airlines flights can use the Stopover Service if they have a transit time of at least 20 hours. The service allows for up to seven days of layover. It applies only to Turkish Airlines flights and for passengers departing from and returning to the same country.

Economy Class passengers receive one complimentary night in a 4-star hotel, while Business Class passengers enjoy two complimentary nights in a 5-star hotel, and the service can be used only once on either the outbound or return journey.

Alternatively, passengers on a layover of 6–24 hours who don’t qualify for a hotel stay or prefer not to use one can choose the free Touristanbul layover service. With this service, you’ll be picked up upon arrival at Istanbul Airport and taken on a tour of the city’s iconic historical landmarks and restaurants and then taken back to the airport.

Vietnam Airlines

Stopover City: Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, Vietnam

Perks: Complimentary hotel accommodations, meals, transit to/from hotel, and city tours

Details: Vietnam Airlines offers a complimentary transit service for passengers on international itineraries with a connecting time of greater than eight hours. Depending on eligibility, this may include a free overnight hotel stay, meals, and city tours. This service also includes a free visa (if required). 

An example of the day tour in Hanoi includes a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, and Sword Lake by electric bus.

Summary of Airline Stopover Programs

Conclusion

Airline stopover programs provide travelers with a unique chance to explore an additional destination at little to no extra cost, essentially allowing you to visit two cities for the price of one. These programs not only enhance the passenger experience by offering a bonus stop but also support airlines and host countries in promoting tourism. From complimentary hotel stays and city tours to exclusive perks, stopover programs can add significant value to your trip.

For savvy travelers and maximizers alike, knowing the perks you may be eligible for can be a deciding factor in choosing one airline over another. If you can take advantage of a stopover program, it’s one of the best ways to enhance your travel experience and add significant value to your airfare investment.