A stopover is essentially an extended layover, giving you the chance to step out of the airport and explore the city where your connecting flight takes off. Many airlines offer these programs, allowing travelers to add a stop of anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days.
The benefits? They’re almost too good to pass up. You can visit two destinations for the price of one flight, stretch your travel budget further, and even break up those marathon long-haul flights into more manageable chunks. It’s like getting a bonus trip within your trip—and who doesn’t love a little extra adventure without breaking the bank?
Whether it’s your first time exploring a new city or a chance to revisit a favorite spot, stopover programs are an exciting way to make the most of your travels.
What to Know Before Booking a Stopover Program
Before you pack your bags and start dreaming about that bonus destination, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of an airline stopover program. A little prep work can go a long way in turning your layover into an unforgettable experience.
- Know the Rules of the Stopover Game
Not all stopover programs are created equal. Some airlines let you extend your layover up to 10 days, while others might limit you to just a couple of days. Be sure to check the fine print on duration limits before booking.Another crucial factor? Visa requirements. Some stopover cities will require you to have a visa, even for a short stay. Research the rules in advance so you don’t get caught off guard—or worse, stuck at the airport while everyone else is exploring the city.
- Watch for Hidden Costs
While many airlines offer stopovers for free, there can be additional expenses, such as airport taxes, hotel stays, or city tours. Some airlines sweeten the deal with discounted or even complimentary perks, but it’s wise to factor in any potential costs before you commit. - Find Out If Your Airline Has a Stopover Program
Not sure if your airline offers stopover perks? A quick browse on their website or a call to their customer service team can give you the answer. Airlines with stopover programs often highlight them as a feature on their booking pages, so keep an eye out when selecting your flights. This is one of the perks of having me as your personal travel advisor as I’ll take care of the details. - Tips for Making the Most of Your Stopover
- Plan Ahead: Research top attractions, transportation options, and must-try restaurants in your stopover city. Even a 24-hour stopover can feel packed with adventure if you plan wisely.
- Travel Light: If you’re stepping out of the airport for a quick city jaunt, pack a smaller bag with essentials so you’re not lugging around your full luggage.
- Timing is Everything: Try to book stopovers during daylight hours for more sightseeing opportunities and avoid late-night arrivals if possible.
- Stay Close: Opt for accommodations near major attractions or the airport to maximize your time. Some airlines even partner with hotels for discounted rates.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to book your next stopover like a pro. Up next: the best airline stopover programs for 2025 that will make your layover a destination in its own right!
Emirates’ Dubai Connect Program
Emirates’ Dubai Connect program is a seamless solution for travelers facing layovers of 8 to 26 hours in Dubai, provided their connecting flight is the best available option. This means you won’t qualify for the program if there’s a shorter connection available—even if you’d prefer a longer stay. Once eligible, Emirates takes care of everything: complimentary hotel accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and in many cases, a free transit visa (depending on your nationality). This streamlined service allows travelers to leave the airport hassle-free and experience Dubai, making the most of their layover without additional costs or logistical headaches.
Why Travelers Love Dubai
Dubai is a playground of extremes—whether you’re gazing down from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, indulging in luxury shopping at Dubai Mall, or soaking in the sun on the city’s pristine beaches. If you’re craving adventure, Dubai’s desert safaris offer dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin dinners, all within a short drive from the city.
Discover Qatar Stopover Program
Available to Qatar Airways and code-share ticket holders with a transit time between 12 and 96 hours, this program offers premium 4-star and 5-star accommodations from renowned hotel chains like IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Accor, Dusit, Tivoli, and more, at highly discounted rates. While the stay is on a room-only basis (extras like minibar, room service, and laundry are not included), the value is undeniable. Travelers can book up to four nights, with each night corresponding to a 24-hour stay, giving them plenty of time to explore Doha. Beyond accommodation, Discover Qatar offers exclusive discounts on a variety of experiences: city tours, desert safaris, and cultural excursions. Plus, with visa-free entry for citizens of over 95 countries, accessing Doha is seamless, making it a hassle-free addition to your journey.
Why Travelers Love Doha
Doha’s appeal lies in its ability to blend traditional Arabian charm with modern sophistication. Travelers love wandering through the lively Souq Waqif, exploring the desert’s dramatic landscapes, or enjoying a round of golf on a world-class 18-hole championship course. The Corniche offers stunning views of the futuristic skyline, while the stopover program’s premium offerings allow visitors to enjoy Qatar’s renowned hospitality in style. It’s a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all within a layover.
Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
Developed in partnership with Singapore Changi Airport and the Singapore Tourism Board, this program offers travelers a seamless experience with all-inclusive packages that cover hotel accommodations, complimentary airport transfers, and free access to over 20 top attractions across the city. The program’s bundled approach eliminates the stress of planning, allowing travelers to focus on exploring this vibrant city-state. Additionally, the SSH program offers the convenience of pre-booking packages alongside your flight reservation, ensuring your stopover is ready to go the moment you land. The packages are flexible, with options to extend your stay beyond a single night and to customize your itinerary with various tours or additional attractions.
Why Travelers Love Singapore
Singapore’s compact size and efficient public transport make it the ultimate stopover destination. Within a day, you can indulge in local hawker fare at iconic spots like Maxwell Food Centre, enjoy panoramic views from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, and unwind in the lush, tranquil surroundings of the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens. Travelers particularly appreciate how the SSH program simplifies the logistics, offering world-class amenities and cultural immersion without the need to over-plan. Whether you’re wandering through Orchard Road or taking a river cruise through Clarke Quay, Singapore delivers a vibrant stopover experience that feels like a full-fledged vacation.
Touristanbul Program
The Touristanbul program by Turkish Airlines offers an exceptional stopover experience for passengers with layovers between 6 and 24 hours, transforming waiting time into an enriching cultural adventure. This free guided tour includes transportation, meals, and entrance fees to Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history without spending a dime. Travelers are picked up from Istanbul Airport and whisked away on a well-organized journey led by knowledgeable, multilingual guides. With multiple tours scheduled throughout the day, there’s an option to fit nearly any flight itinerary, whether you arrive in the morning or late afternoon.
Why Travelers Love Istanbul
Istanbul’s unique charm lies in its fusion of East and West, offering travelers a glimpse into both ancient history and modern vibrancy. The program showcases key landmarks like the Blue Mosque, with its awe-inspiring mosaics and towering minarets; the Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman splendor; and the Topkapi Palace, the opulent former home of Ottoman sultans. For those craving a taste of local life, a stop at the bustling Grand Bazaar offers a sensory experience of sights, sounds, and traditional Turkish flavors. The thoughtful inclusion of traditional Turkish meals enhances the journey, giving passengers a chance to savor authentic dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea. This combination of history, culture, and cuisine, paired with the expertise of the tour guides, leaves travelers feeling deeply connected to Istanbul’s essence, making Touristanbul a standout program for those seeking to make the most of their layover.
6-, 12-, and 24-Hour Adventures in the Finnish Capital Program
Finnair’s 6-, 12-, and 24-Hour Adventures in the Finnish Capital program offers a perfect introduction to Helsinki for travelers with layovers of varying lengths. Tailored to fit different schedules, the program features curated itineraries that guide passengers through the city’s most iconic attractions. Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day, Finnair makes it easy to dive into Helsinki’s charm.
Why Travelers Love Helsinki
Helsinki is known for its minimalist design, vibrant arts scene, and tranquil waterfronts, offering a serene yet dynamic urban experience. Activities range from visiting the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress, a historic sea fortress that feels like stepping back in time, to marveling at the Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into solid rock and renowned for its unique architecture. For food lovers, sampling Nordic cuisine at local markets provides an authentic taste of Finland. The city’s efficient public transportation and Finnair’s thoughtfully crafted itineraries make it easy to explore the city and soak in the local culture—all within a limited timeframe.
Icelandair’s Stopover Program
Icelandair’s Stopover Program, allows travelers to add a stop in Reykjavik for up to seven days at no additional airfare cost. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the program gives passengers the opportunity to experience Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. What sets Icelandair apart is its innovative Stopover Buddy Service—a complimentary offering where locals become personal guides, showing travelers hidden gems and sharing insider tips based on their interests. Whether you want to chase waterfalls, hike volcanic craters, or delve into Iceland’s vibrant art scene, a Stopover Buddy ensures a personalized, immersive experience.
Why Travelers Love Iceland
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches make it one of the most captivating stopovers in the world. Must-see highlights include the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax in geothermal waters; the Golden Circle, featuring landmarks like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Hot Springs; and, in the right season, the awe-inspiring northern lights. All in all, most travelers will love how Icelandair transforms a simple layover into a mini-Icelandic escape, offering seamless logistics and a deep dive into local culture.
TAP Air Portugal Stopover
TAP Air Portugal’s Portugal Stopover Program offers travelers the chance to experience the rich culture of Lisbon or Porto for up to ten nights at no additional airfare cost before continuing to their final destination. This program, a collaboration between TAP and Turismo de Portugal, enhances stopovers with exclusive perks: discounted rates at partner hotels, complimentary experiences like wine tastings, guided city tours, and access to local cultural events. Additionally, travelers receive a 25% discount on domestic flights to other stunning Portuguese destinations, including the Azores and Madeira Island, turning a layover into a multi-destination adventure.
The program has gained popularity among long-haul travelers, especially those en route to Brazil, with nearly 50% of users choosing to fly through Lisbon. Its excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed—Global Traveler magazine awarded it the Best Stopover Program for the fifth consecutive year in 2023 at the Leisure Lifestyle Awards, a testament to its exceptional value and experience.
Why Travelers Love Portugal
Portugal’s allure lies in its unique blend of historic charm, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights. In Lisbon, visitors can wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Alfama district, admire the iconic Belém Tower, or hop aboard a classic yellow tram for panoramic city views. Meanwhile, Porto captivates with its medieval Ribeira district, the famed Dom Luís I Bridge, and, of course, its world-renowned port wine cellars along the Douro River.
Beyond the cities, Portugal’s natural beauty is equally enchanting. Explore the Azores’ volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, or bask in the sun on Madeira’s rugged coastlines. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood in a coastal village, enjoying the soulful sounds of fado music, or marveling at the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Portugal offers an unforgettable stopover filled with charm, history, and warmth.
Japan Explorer Pass
Japan Explorer Pass by Japan Airlines (JAL) is a game-changer for travelers wanting to turn a stopover into an immersive Japanese adventure. This pass offers discounted domestic flights to over 30 cities across JAL’s extensive domestic network, making it easy to explore iconic destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or even less-traveled gems like Sapporo or Okinawa. Whether your layover is in Tokyo or Osaka, the Japan Explorer Pass allows you to extend your stay and explore multiple regions, all while benefiting from Japan Airlines’ renowned service.
A key benefit is its flexibility: you don’t need to hold a JAL international ticket to qualify. As long as you reside outside Japan and have an international air ticket to and from Japan, you can access this program. This makes it especially appealing for travelers on multi-leg journeys who want to maximize their time in Japan without the hassle of booking expensive domestic flights.
Why Travelers Love Japan
Japan is a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, offering something for every type of traveler. The transportation system is legendary, with high-speed trains and efficient domestic flights that make getting around seamless. Stopover travelers can explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, delve into the cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto with its ancient temples and serene gardens, or experience Osaka’s culinary delights, from street-side takoyaki to the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
For nature lovers, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes: Mount Fuji, the snowy slopes of Hokkaido, or the tropical beaches of Okinawa. The Japan Explorer Pass makes these legendary destinations easily accessible, offering an incredible opportunity to see more of Japan without breaking the bank. Travelers appreciate how this program transforms a simple layover into a culturally enriching journey, filled with unforgettable experiences at every stop.
Turn Your Layover into a Memorable Journey
Stopovers are no longer just an inconvenience—they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new destination without stretching your travel budget. Whether you’re sipping port wine in Portugal, marveling at the northern lights in Iceland, or wandering through Tokyo’s vibrant streets, these airline stopover programs offer the chance to transform a long layover into an unforgettable mini-vacation.
If you’re ready to take your travel experience to the next level but unsure how to navigate the details, I’m here to help. As a luxury personal travel advisor, I specialize in crafting seamless itineraries that maximize your stopover experience while ensuring every detail is handled. From choosing the right airline program to booking exclusive tours, let’s turn your next trip and layover into the highlight of your journey.
Ready to elevate your travel experience? Contact me today and let’s design an epic adventure tailored just for you.
