No Tricks, Just Perks
Most travelers book flights with one goal: to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. But a handful of airlines quietly offer something extra—a chance to turn a regular layover into a bonus vacation at no additional cost. These stopover programs let you explore a whole new city. It’s just an underused perk that can add more adventure to your trip without touching your wallet. So, here are 20 airlines that give you a lot more travel for your ticket.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
1. Icelandair
Icelandair lets you stop in Reykjavik for up to seven nights on any transatlantic route between North America and Europe. You can choose to pause before or after your main trip. Their Stopover Buddy program pairs you with a local guide, and you can book excursions for a quick taste of Iceland’s terrain.
2. TAP Air Portugal
Stretch your journey with TAP Air Portugal by pausing in Lisbon or Porto for up to ten nights at no extra cost. This free stopover applies to both round-trip and one-way tickets between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. You can lock in the stopover during booking or tweak your itinerary later.
3. Finnair
Snow-dusted forests, Arctic air, and saunas heated to perfection become part of the journey, with Finnair’s stopover in Helsinki—available for up to five days on intercontinental flights. Through Visit Finland, you can bundle in Northern Lights tours, as booking options are available online or via Finnair Holidays.
4. Turkish Airlines
When your layover stretches beyond 20 hours, Turkish Airlines turns that wait into a mini vacation. Economy passengers get a free night in a hotel, while business class flyers enjoy two. Plus, their Touristanbul program whisks you through Istanbul’s gems in just 6–24 hours.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
5. Emirates
Turning a long-haul flight into a Dubai adventure is a breeze with Emirates. Their stopover package includes a free 96-hour transit visa, plus options for hotel bundles, airport transfers, and easy booking through Emirates Holidays.
Julian Herzog (Website) on Wikimedia
6. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways knows how to turn a pit stop into a perk. Through the +Qatar program, even economy travelers can enjoy 1 to 4 nights in a 4-star hotel for free or a small fee. Pair that with visa-free entry for citizens of over 95 countries—just show proof of your onward ticket.
Julian Herzog (Website) on Wikimedia
7. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers a structured and value-packed Singapore Stopover Holiday program, which includes hotel accommodations and admission to approximately 15 major attractions. For those with layovers exceeding 5.5 hours, the airline also provides complimentary guided transit tours.
8. Etihad Airways
Turning a layover into a short getaway is easy with Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi stopover program. Eligible passengers with layovers exceeding 24 hours can enjoy 1–2 nights in select hotels at no cost. With visa-on-arrival available for many nationalities, the experience is effortlessly arranged.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
9. Air Canada
Available on both round-trip and one-way tickets featuring Air Canada-operated flights, Air Canada’s program supports layovers of up to seven days. Moreover, booking through the Air Canada Vacations portal grants access to exclusive hotel deals.
10. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines makes multi-city itineraries an opportunity to explore Japan's cultural hubs through flexible stopover options. Many travelers benefit from Japan’s 72-hour visa exemption, and with potential partnerships between JAL and JR Rail, transit from airport to city becomes smooth and efficient.
11. Korean Air
Passengers stopping in Seoul for 3 to 24 hours get access to the airline’s free Korea Transit Tour, converting downtime into cultural exploration. Incheon Airport adds to the charm with live shows, craft demonstrations, and cozy lounges that encourage relaxation between flights.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
12. Aer Lingus
Available on both outbound and return legs, the Discover Ireland Stopover opens doors to iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher and centuries-old castles. U.S. travelers also breeze through customs thanks to Dublin’s U.S. Preclearance facility.
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) on Wikimedia
13. Swiss International Air Lines
Spanning one to four nights, this airline’s packages pair snow-dusted peaks with seamless train rides to destinations like Lucerne and Zermatt. Moreover, bundles are easily reserved through Swiss Tourism or SWISS Holidays, keeping the planning stress-free.
14. Air France
Air France adds a dash of elegance to layovers with its France Stopover option, easily booked through the airline’s multi-city tool. Depending on your cabin class and where you're flying from, you can get perks like discounted Seine cruises.
15. China Eastern Airlines
The passengers of China Eastern Airlines, with 6 to 30 hours between flights, enjoy a complimentary hotel stay and airport shuttle, all arranged hassle-free at transfer counters inside the terminal. Just ensure your international itinerary is booked on China Eastern ticket stock to unlock this urban intermission.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
16. China Southern Airlines
This airline provides international flyers a complimentary 1–2-night hotel stay, complete with shuttle service and meals. To lock in the experience, travelers are encouraged to arrange their stopover at least 48 hours in advance through the airline’s booking process.
17. Thai Airways
There’s no such thing as a dull layover when Thai Airways is in charge. Through its Royal Orchid Holidays service, the airline gives a fully customizable Bangkok stopover. Moreover, fast-track immigration and visa-on-arrival options help travelers breeze through entry.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
18. Hawaiian Airlines
Travelers heading between the mainland U.S. and Asia, Australia, or the Pacific islands can enjoy a free stopover in Honolulu just by using the multi-city tool when booking. For U.S. passport holders, entry is seamless—no extra visa steps are required.
19. Alaska Airlines
Adventure doesn’t wait for round-trip rules, and neither does Alaska Airlines. With free stopovers allowed on both award and paid tickets—even one-way—you can pause your journey in any of the airline’s key hubs. While hotels aren't part of the deal, the freedom to extend your stay adds unmatched flexibility.
20. Saudia
Layovers with Saudia come fully loaded with comfort and cultural intrigue. International travelers pausing in Riyadh or Jeddah can access a free stopover package that includes a one-night hotel stay, airport transfers, and a visa. It’s part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
