There are a number of airlines that allow for an extended layover in their home city called a “stopover”. An airline stopover is a planned break in a journey at a connecting point between the origin and destination. Stopovers are typically longer than layovers and allow passengers to spend time in the connecting city.
Emirates
Why book a Dubai Stopover?
Dubai has firmly established itself as a renowned and much sought after destination, home to the tallest building in the world and boasting some of the world’s most incredible entertainment and luxury experiences. And it’s only getting better. Promising experiences and sights for every taste and visitor, Dubai and the Emirates hold a unique space on the map where traditions, culture, and innovation all meet in an eclectic and captivating melting pot of diversity. You’re guaranteed to experience the magic of it all, no matter how short your stay or stopover – from the moment you step off the plane, Dubai is ready to welcome you.
I have a Dubai stopover booked for this summer! I’m flying from Canada to Mongolia and I am very impressed with the cost of this flight. When planning my flights, I priced a one way first class ticket from Toronto to Dubai. For an additional $400 CAD, I booked:
- Toronto to Dubai, One Way, First Class, Emirates A380, plus a 3-day Layover
- Dubai to Guangzhou, China, One Way, First Class, Emirates 777 (hoping for the Game Changer suite but don’t think this route has been retrofitted yet)
- Guangzhou to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, One Way, Business Class, MIAT Mongolian 737
Stay tuned for my flight reviews: The Five Stans ~ Exploring Roads Less Travelled
Qatar Airlines
The world’s best value stopover
Turn one holiday into two with incredible stopover packages to Qatar, the perfect destination for a taste of local culture, desert adventures, world-class shopping, fine dining, and much more. If your transit in Doha is between 12 and 96 hours, make the most of your journey with these amazing packages by Discover Qatar, including up to four nights in a hotel, tours, and memorable experiences.
Obsessed traveller that I am, I am already doing detailed planning for next year and it includes a stopover in Doha with Qatar Airlines!
Icelandic Air
What is an Icelandair Stopover?
When you fly transatlantic with Icelandair, you can choose to add a Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare. Stay for a day, or up to a week. You can enjoy everything from geothermal bathing to northern lights gazing in Iceland, as well as all your final destination has to offer. Two destinations for the price of one!
Now this one I’ve already done and it all went smoothly ~ I travelled from Canada to Reykavik, Iceland to Norway.
Air Canada
Get the most out of your journey!
Discover one of Canada’s most exciting cities along the way with a Toronto stopover. Choose to travel through Toronto to Europe or Asia and spend 48 hours enjoying all this amazing metropolis has to offer.
I have to highlight my home country ~ I’m a proud Canadian and Canada has so much to offer from coast to coast.
Turkish Airlines
The most enjoyable surprise: Stopover in Istanbul
The Stopover in Istanbul program offers our passengers the opportunity to explore the city. Passengers who are connecting via Istanbul Airport can enrich their travels by discovering the city’s history and cultural life with Stopover in Istanbul – and enjoy free accommodation in partner hotels! While staying in Stopover in Istanbul contracted hotels, our passengers can explore the city’s historical and cultural structure and enjoy activities specific to Istanbul. Economy Class passengers may stay one night in a 4-star hotel and Business Class passengers may stay two nights in a 5-star hotel free of charge.
Turkish Airlines has become a favourite airline for me ~ they have a lot of routes and reasonable prices!
Japan Airlines
How to Book Stopover Flights in Japan and Why You Might Want to
Japan Airlines is “stopover friendly.” Schedule stops and create the excursions of your dreams in Japan through Japan Airlines’ multi-city booking tool and the Japan Explorer Pass. Booking stopover flights in Japan can help you create a vacation that includes a variety of destinations in a single trip. Using multi-city booking, you can visit Hokkaido for a ski trip and spend time sunning on the beach in Okinawa: on the same trip! Or, let’s say you’ve booked a long flight, such as Heathrow to Sydney or New York to Thailand or Manila. You may choose to stop on the way and enjoy a break in one of Japan’s interesting and vibrant cities like Osaka.
I loved Japan! I travelled there on my Round The World flight and would love to go back to see more of this amazing country!
KLM / Air France
Add a French or Dutch Twist To Your Travels With A Complimentary Stopover
Make your upcoming journey even more enjoyable! Book a reward ticket that includes a complimentary stopover. Craving fresh croissants? Satisfy it with a stop in Paris! Want to feel the wind in your hair? What better way than riding a bike along Amsterdam’s famous canals? Tailor your future trips according to your wishes by including a complimentary stopover of 24 hours or more.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of my favourite airports! I always bring home Stroopwafels and Bitterballens. Looks like a stopover with KLM / Air France is done if you use your reward points.
TAP Air Portugal
The Portugal Stopover Program, voted the best Stopover program in the world by Global Traveler for the 6th consecutive year, allows you to include a free stopover in Portugal in your TAP booking. Discover Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, or Porto, the undefeated city. Whether on your way out or back from your trip, up to 10 days. Add more Portugal to your trip and take the opportunity to discover a second Portuguese region during your Stopover with our 25% discount on any domestic flight, which you will receive after completing your Stopover booking. Enhance your trip with unique and unforgettable experiences. Discover the best of Portugal.
Portugal is one of the few countries that I haven’t been to in Europe. This is definitely worth looking into for me.
Etihad Airways
Break up a long flight with a free stopover in Abu Dhabi. Turn one holiday into two and stay for free for up to two nights at your choice of hotel in the bustling capital of the UAE. The buzzing capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is one of the best stopover cities in the world. Not just because of the world-class hotels, stunning beaches, chic dining scene and full-throttle entertainment. But because most of the world is within a four-hour flight away. And with the new state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport, connecting here to any of our 60+ worldwide destinations is easy.
Iberia Airlines
What do you want to do? If you’ve never visited Madrid, we make it easy for you. With Stopover Hola Madrid, we provide you with accommodation in the city centre, the perfect launchpad for cultural visits to museums and historical attractions, enjoying the city’s delicious cuisine or visiting the most interesting hideaways that the city and its surroundings have to offer. Don’t miss out!
Copa Airlines
Make a stopover in Panama at no additional airfare, for a 24-hour to 7-day stay, on your outbound or return trip.
Panama is a wonderful country to visit and there is so much to do.
I’m sure I missed many airlines in my list. Have you taken advantage of these offers? Which stopover offer do you recommend?
Happy Travels!
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 103 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!
Very interesting. Thank you.