Long layovers can often feel like a wasted part of your journey, but what if you could turn that time into an exciting mini-vacation? Many airlines now offer enticing stopover programmes that allow you to explore a layover city at little to no additional cost. These programmes often include free stays, free visas, or discounts on shopping and activities, making your layover a delightful part of your travel experience.

Best Airline Stopover Programmes

What is a Stopover?

A stopover is a long layover, typically exceeding four hours, where airlines encourage travellers to explore the layover city. Unlike a regular layover where you wait at the airport, a stopover is a planned extension that allows you to immerse yourself in a new destination.

Layover vs. Stopover

While both terms involve waiting between flights, a layover is generally shorter and often just a waiting period at the airport. A stopover, on the other hand, is a longer, planned extension of your layover, allowing you to explore the layover city. This distinction is crucial for travellers looking to make the most out of their journey.

Airline Stopover Programmes

Here are some of the top airline stopover programs that transform your travel layover into an adventurous mini-vacation:

1. Turkish Airlines – Istanbul, Turkey

Programme: Turkish Airlines Stopover Programme

Highlights: Economy passengers get a complimentary one-night stay in a four-star hotel, while business passengers enjoy up to two nights in a five-star hotel.

Eligibility: Minimum layover of 20 hours.

Visa: Turkish e-visa required.

How to Avail: Email Turkish Airlines at least 72 hours before your flight with your PNR, ticket number, preferred hotel stay dates, room type, and contact information.

2. Etihad Airways – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Programme: Amazing Stopover and Premium Stopover

Highlights: Discounted stays in three-star hotels for up to two nights, or luxurious four/five-star hotels for two to four nights, including breakfast.

Eligibility: Layover in Abu Dhabi. The lead booker must be at least 21 years old.

Visa: Emirati e-visa or visa-on-arrival required.

How to Avail: Visit the Etihad Airways Stopover website and book your hotel at least three days before your arrival.

Also read: These nations allow RuPay Cards and UPI payments.

3. Emirates – Dubai, UAE

Programme: Dubai Connect

Highlights: Complimentary stay in Dubai with meals, transfers, and visas included.

Eligibility: Minimum stopover of eight hours for economy and premium economy, six hours for business and first class.

Visa: Emirati e-visa or visa-on-arrival included.

How to Avail: Select the Dubai Connect option during the flight booking process, at least 24 hours before your flight.

4. Qatar Airways – Doha, Qatar

Programme: Discover Qatar

Highlights: Discounted hotel rates from four-star hotels to luxurious beach resorts.

Eligibility: Layovers between 12 and 96 hours.

Visa: Qatari e-visa required.

How to Avail: Select the “Qatar Stopover” option on the Qatar Airways website while booking your flight.

5. Iberia – Madrid, Spain

Programme: Stopover Hola Madrid

Highlights: Free public transport card for two days, discounts on hotel stays and tourist attractions.

Eligibility: Layovers between 24 hours and 10 days.

Visa: Schengen visa required.

How to Avail: Choose the “Stopover” fare option when booking your flight.

6. TAP Air Portugal – Lisbon and Porto, Portugal

Programme: Portugal Stopover

Highlights: Discounts on hotels, free museum entry, and 25% off domestic flights.

Eligibility: Layovers between 24 hours and 10 days.

Visa: Schengen visa required.

How to Avail: Add a Stopover option when booking your flight and receive special offers on hotels and activities.

7. Oman Air – Muscat, Oman

Programme: Oman Stopover

Highlights: Special rates on three, four, or five-star hotels, and curated city tours.

Eligibility: Layovers between one and three nights.

Visa: Omani e-visa required.

How to Avail: Select the Stopover option while booking your flight.

8. Finnair – Helsinki, Finland

Programme: Helsinki Stopover

Highlights: Comprehensive itineraries for six, 12, and 24-hour layovers. Special hotel rates for 24-hour layovers.

Eligibility: Layovers between 6 and 24 hours.

Visa: Schengen visa required.

How to Avail: Select any flight with a layover in Helsinki and reserve your preferred hotel from the Finnair stopover collection.

9. Copa Airlines – Panama City, Panama

Programme: Panama Stopover

Highlights: Option to add a second stopover for an additional fee.

Eligibility: Layovers between 24 hours and seven days.

Visa: Panamanian visa required.

How to Avail: Select the Panama Stopover Programme option when booking a multi-city flight.

10. Air China – Beijing, China

Programme: Air China Stopover

Highlights: Free hotel stays for one night, complimentary airport transfers, and breakfast.

Eligibility: Layovers between 6 and 30 hours.

Visa: Chinese visa is required.

How to Avail: Reserve your preferred stopover hotel through Air China’s website or app after booking your flight.

Benefits of Stopover Programmes

• Cost-Effective: Explore another destination at the cost of one flight ticket.
• Free Stays and Discounts: Many programmes offer free accommodation, meals, and discounts on activities and shopping.
• Extended Exploration: Turn a layover into a mini-vacation and discover new places.

Choosing the Best Programme

Select the best stopover programme by comparing airline deals to your final destination, including benefits and eligibility requirements. Each traveller’s needs and itinerary are unique, so choose a programme that aligns with your travel plans and preferences.

Conclusion

Stopover programmes are a fantastic way to enhance your travel experience, turning long layovers into enjoyable mini-vacations. By participating in these programmes, you can explore new cities, enjoy complimentary stays, and make the most of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of a stopover programme?
Stopover programmes allow you to explore additional destinations at minimal extra cost, with benefits like free accommodations and discounts, making it a budget-friendly way to see more of the world.

How does the layover/stopover programme work?
Instead of waiting at the airport, the stopover programme encourages you to explore the layover city before continuing your journey.

How do you choose the best layover and stopover programmes?
Compare airline deals to your final destination, considering the benefits and eligibility requirements. Choose the programme that best fits your travel itinerary and preferences.

Do all airlines offer layover/stopover programmes?
No, not all airlines offer these programmes. It’s important to check with the specific airline for availability and details.