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Imagine this: you're booking a flight for your next big adventure, and instead of just heading straight to your destination, you get the chance to explore an entirely new country—all without paying anything extra.
Sounds too good to be true?
Nope! Let me introduce you to one of travel’s best-kept secrets: the stopover program, a hidden gem offered by many top-tier airlines that deserves way more attention!
To begin, what even is a stopover program?
Stopover programs are travel arrangements that allow passengers to make extended layovers in a city or country without paying additional fees. Essentially, it's an extended layover where the airline covers your accommodation, giving you the chance to explore the stopover country.
Many airlines offer stopover programs that allow passengers to visit multiple destinations for the price of one. Here are a few well-known airlines that offer these stopover programs:
Icelandair
Photo from Action Tour Guide
How does gazing upon the Northern Lights sound to you? Or exploring Reykjavik’s vibrant arts scene, unique architecture, and rich Viking history? With Icelandair’s signature stopover program, you have the opportunity to add your stopover in Iceland up to 7 days!
A stopover in Iceland with Icelandair comes at no extra airfare, allowing you to explore Iceland without paying for a separate flight there. The only thing left for you to arrange on this trip is finding a place to stay!
Here are a few reminders before booking your next stopover with Icelandair:
Stopover in Iceland on any roundtrip flight between the U.S. and Europe
Choose to stopover in Iceland either on your way to Europe or on your way back (usually stopover on the way back is cheaper)
Maximum total trip length is 14 days
Maximum stopover time in Iceland is seven days with an Economy Classic ticket (or higher) and three days with an Economy Light fare
Must be roundtrip, the stopover program is ineligible on single flight
You can book Iceland stopovers on Icelandair Saga Premium tickets too
Qatar Airways
Doha, renowned for its ambitious public art projects like The Pearl-Qatar, now features an attractive stopover program through Qatar Airways, with 5-star hotel stays starting at just $24 per night! Qatar Airways is often ranked as one of the top airlines globally due to its exceptional service and amenities, and with its new business-class suites, the airline just added additional luxury to itself.
Here are a few tips before booking your next stopover program with Qatar Airways:
Stopover accommodation is booked on a room only basis
Minimum transit time of 12 hours in Doha to qualify for the stopover program
Each stopover night duration is up to 24 hour stay for a maximum of 4 nights
Additionally, you are automatically entitled to the free transit hotel program with a transit time of 8-24 hours and taking the next available flight with Qatar Airways.
Emirates
Everything about Dubai is perfect: from the world’s tallest buildings and the largest shopping mall to fast police cars. Its stunning skyline, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch hospitality make it a perfect destination for an unforgettable travel experience.
Now, with Emirates, you can stay in Dubai for up to 26 hours with a complimentary hotel stay, transportation, free meals, and visa to your name! I mean, what more can you ask for? With a simple stopover, Emirates covers your entire experience in Dubai!
Here are a few things to keep in mind before booking:
Dubai Connect services are available to passengers with a connecting stopover time of 10 to 24 hours — or 8 to 26 hours
The stopover time in Dubai between your two flights must be the shortest one available
The itinerary must be a single booking that's ticketed on one ticket
The service must be added at least 24 hours in advance of your flight to Dubai
Both inbound and outbound must be with Emirates flights
Turkish Airlines
As a blend of ancient and modern, Istanbul celebrates its rich history through its stunning architecture, traditional crafts, and vibrant food scene. Now, passengers with a connection period of at least 20 hours can stay free of charge with Turkish Airlines!
Business Class passengers can book two free nights in a 5-star hotel
Once again, here are a few reminders:
Business Class passengers can take advantage of our stopover service for 3 nights
The stopover in Istanbul is only available for passengers with connecting flights from Istanbul Airport (IST); departure and return flights must be made via Istanbul
TAP Air Portugal
The Portugal Stopover, recognized as the best Stopover program in the world by Global Traveler for the 6th consecutive year, now offers a free stopover in Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days.
Enjoy up to 25% off at over 50 top-tier hotels in Portugal, plus a 25% discount on domestic flights to explore other regions of the country. I mean, who wouldn’t want to sightsee some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs?
So why settle for just one destination when you can have two? The stopover programs offered by these airlines add extra excitement to your trip and save you a significant amount on flights to destinations on your bucket list. Don’t miss out and book now to take advantage of these free stopovers in these distinguished countries to enjoy some of these complimentary hotel deals! Act fast and turn your journey into an unforgettable experience with The Flight King!
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