6 Destinations You Can Explore for (Nearly) Free on a Stopover Flight

Often, while traveling between countries on connecting flights, the time spent in the connecting hub can feel like being in a travel limbo—neither here nor there. However, an increasing number of airlines are working to enhance travelers’ experiences with long layovers.

Recently, more airlines have introduced stopover programs that encourage passengers to discover additional destinations during their journey, allowing stays of 24 hours to 10 days (depending on the program) without extra airfare costs. This offers a more extended break compared to a typical layover, which usually refers to a brief stop between flights. Stopovers are often free to arrange and typically include complimentary or significantly discounted hotel accommodations and ground transportation. It provides airlines a chance to boost tourism in a capital city or flagship country while enabling travelers to visit multiple locations for (more or less) the price of one.

Here are six top airline stopover programs to help you enhance your vacation.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Those passing through Abu Dhabi can enjoy a stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates with Etihad Airways’ stopover program.

Travelers transiting through Etihad’s main hub can select a complimentary one- or two-night stay at a variety of three-, four-, and even five-star hotels throughout the city. Luxury options include the Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri, Bab Al Qasr, and Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. A complete list of hotel choices is available on Etihad’s stopover page.

Additional benefits of the program feature discounts of up to 30 percent on dining at select restaurants (many located within the hotels included in the program) and free entry to attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and Saadiyat Island. A complimentary shuttle service is also provided to connect travelers to various sites.

This program is exclusively available for those who book directly through Etihad’s website. To qualify, bookings must be made at least three days prior to arrival in the Persian Gulf city. There are some blackout periods (including November 3 to 8, December 5 to 8, and December 23 to January 2), and the offer is valid for one direction only (meaning you can’t enjoy a free stay on both outbound and return flights).

Doha, Qatar

If you’re keen on discovering Doha, the capital of Qatar, without spending much, the country’s airline offers assistance. Through the Qatar Airways stopover program, travelers can arrange a stopover of up to four days and select from a variety of highly discounted accommodation packages. For instance, guests staying one night in Doha can opt for the Standard package (which includes a four-star hotel for $14 per person) or the Luxury package (a five-star hotel for $77 per person).

To make a booking, select “Qatar Stopover” in the flight search panel on Qatar’s dedicated page for this program. You’ll need to enter your trip and stopover preferences, then click “Show Flights.” The website will display options for any flight connecting through Doha. After purchasing your tickets, visit the stopover hotel booking page to secure your accommodation deal.

Helsinki, Finland

If you're eager to explore the happiest country in the world, take advantage of Finnair's stopover service in the capital city of Helsinki. This program allows travelers to enjoy a stay in Helsinki for up to five days at no extra cost, and the booking process is remarkably simple.

When booking on Finnair’s website, choose the “stopover” option instead of round trip or one way. Enter your departure and destination cities, preferred travel dates, whether you want to stop over on your outbound or return journey, and how many days you wish to spend in the country.

While Finnair doesn’t provide discounted hotel accommodations, the airline offers recommended itineraries to help travelers make the most of their visit—whether it's exploring Helsinki's concept shops or hunting for the northern lights further north.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Navigating Turkish Airlines’ stopover program can be a bit complex—there’s no direct way to search for itineraries with long stopovers on their website, so some digging is required. However, it turns out to be one of the more generous programs once you figure out the specifics.

Passengers with a connection time of at least 20 hours in Istanbul are eligible for the “Stopover in Istanbul” program, which provides a complimentary hotel room. Economy-class travelers receive one night at a four-star hotel, while business-class travelers enjoy two nights at a five-star hotel.

After booking your flight (at least 72 hours prior to departure), you need to email a program representative with your ticket number, name, desired accommodation dates, preferred room type (single, double, or triple), and phone number. The representative’s contact details vary by country, and all information is accessible on the airline’s online stopover page. Accommodation vouchers will be sent to you via email.

In addition to free hotel stays, travelers can enjoy a complimentary city tour sponsored by Turkish Airlines’ Touristanbul. To register, passengers should visit the Hotel Desk located in the International Arrivals Terminal at Istanbul Airport.

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal

What distinguishes TAP Air Portugal’s stopover program from others is its flexibility; travelers can choose to explore multiple cities and enjoy stays of up to 10 days.

Navigating TAP Air Portugal’s stopover program is a breeze; simply enter your travel dates, departure, and destination cities, and click the “Add Stopover” button. A pop-up will then let you select a stopover in either Lisbon or Porto, along with your preferred timing and duration.

Once your booking is complete, TAP Air Portugal provides discounts on hotels, attractions, and more via its mobile app.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Icelandair is recognized as the pioneer of the free airline stopover, having introduced some form of the program since the early 1960s, significantly boosting tourism to this land of fire and ice.

The current stopover program enables travelers to spend one to seven days in Reykjavík, Iceland, at no extra cost. Simply select the “Stopover in Iceland” option and specify your desired length of stay while booking your ticket. This is especially advantageous for flights between the United States and mainland Europe.

Unlike many other programs, Icelandair’s stopover service does not include complimentary or discounted lodging or transportation, so be sure to account for travel costs within the country. However, you can book certain tours, such as a shortened Golden Circle tour that visits iconic sites like Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, directly through the airline.

This article was first published in July 2023 and was updated on June 25, 2024, to reflect the latest information.