Summary
- Etihad Airways has a comprehensive program that offers free hotel stays for stopover passengers in Abu Dhabi.
- Qatar Airways Discover Qatar program offers paid stopover packages in Doha.
- Turkish Airlines’ Stopover in Istanbul program offers free hotel stays for certain passengers.
With long-haul flights, it is common to fly via another airport. Many airlines offer connecting flights through their home hub – for some airlines, this is by far their dominant business. Such stopover flights are, of course, longer than direct flights. They may well be lower priced, though, and offer miles or status benefits that you could not otherwise access.
Don’t forget, though, that most major stopover cities are interesting destinations in their own right. Many airlines offer free or low-priced managed packages as part of an international connecting itinerary. This can be a great chance to add a day or more and see another destination. This guide looks at seven of the best stopover options.
Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways offers a new stopover program, offering free hotel stays to all passengers
All the major Middle Eastern airlines operate a model based on connections in their hub airport. This way, they allow routes all over the world, always with a stop in their hub. The hub airports have, of course, developed into extensive complexes with facilities and space to cater to high numbers of connecting passengers.
Some have programs to get connecting passengers out of the airport into the city (even just for a few hours), and some airlines offer packages to add stopovers to tickets for a relatively low price.
Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock
Etihad Airways’ hub is in Abu Dhabi. The airline offers flights to over 70 destinations from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and offers an attractive free stopover package for passengers who want to explore the city.
This is a new package launched earlier in 2024, known as Abu Dhabi Stopover. It offers a free hotel stay for Etihad passengers, with key details including:
- Passengers must have round-trip tickets with both flights on the same itinerary.
- Complimentary hotel stays are available only once, either on the outbound or inbound flight.
- Hotel reservations must be made at least 72 hours before arriving in Abu Dhabi.
- Packages are available free for up to 24 hours, with a paid extension possible for up to four days.
- Paid hotel upgrades are also offered for better-quality hotels.
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Etihad now offers a comprehensive stopover package.
In addition to free accommodation, discounts are offered for several major city attractions —including Yas Island Theme Park, Emirates Park Zoo, and Big Bus Tours. The new ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus Service’ also offers free bus transport.
Doha, Qatar
Qatar Airways offers a well-priced stopover offer
Sticking with the major hubs in the Middle East, a stopover with Qatar Airways will let you explore the capital city of Doha. Doha is a slightly smaller city, but it has some major attractions, including the Souq Wakif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
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Twenty-four hours will be enough to soak in the vibe of the Qatari capital.
Qatar Airways offers a stopover program for its passengers, Discover Qatar. Key details include:
- This is a paid program; there are no totally free options. Prices start at just QAR 50 ($13.73) per night, though.
- The program allows stopovers in Doha of up to four days.
- Entry requirements for Qatar depend on your nationality, but many countries can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival.
- There are several packages to select from (including standard, premium, luxury, and all-inclusive), offering different quality hotels at different prices.
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish Airlines offers free stopovers and hotels
Turkish Airlines offers global connections via its hub – now at the new Istanbul airport. (the airline connects 290 international destinations in more than 130 countries). Istanbul is a fascinating destination to explore. The city is a popular tourist destination famous for its history, culture, and iconic landmarks.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
The airline offers the ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ program. This is open to all Turkish Airlines passengers but with some restrictions. Key details include:
Only certain origin and destination pairs are eligible.
- Only passengers with a connection period of 20 hours or more are eligible.
- Economy class passengers can stay one free night in a 4-star hotel, while business class passengers can stay up to two nights in a 5-star hotel.
- Passengers must apply at least 72 hours before the first flight.
- Tickets must be round trip, and the service can only be used once on either flight.
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Turkish Airlines provides passengers with free accommodation in Istanbul.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Icelandair and PLAY allow free stopovers but no included extras
Iceland is an amazing destination, especially during the long summer days. It is an incredible destination for outdoor lovers. The “land of fire and ice” is home to the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
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Icelandic carriers Icelandair and PLAY give passengers the unique opportunity to tour the island before continuing their journey.
Both Icelandic airlines, Icelandair and PLAY, offer travelers the chance to explore the country with a stopover when connecting.
- Transatlantic passengers can add a stopover in Iceland with no additional airfare for up to seven days.
- No accommodation or other services are provided; passengers must arrange this themselves.
Nadi, Fiji
For something very different, how about a stopover in Fiji?
Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, famous for its rugged landscape and palm-fringed beaches. An idyllic holiday destination in its own right, a short stopover really is an extra vacation.
Fiji Airways allows long-haul connecting flights to be booked with a free stopover. Key details include:
- This is just a ticketed stopover. There is no accommodation or other services offered.
- Stopover stays under 72 hours are also exempt from applicable departure taxes.
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Fiji is a lush stopover option for passengers traveling from the US to Australia and other Pacific destinations.
Saudi Arabia
Saudia has a new stopover program, making stays in the country simpler
Saudi Arabia is a growing tourist destination, opening up more in several ways. Of course, it has also been an important religious and pilgrimage destination for a long time.
Photo: Dito Ardiyanto | Shutterstock
Saudia has introduced a new stopover program from January 2024, known as “Your Ticket Your Visa.” This is a stopover service offering visa assistance and free accommodation in some cases. Key details include:
- The service covers every Saudi Arabian international airport.
- Visitors can stay in the Kingdom for up to four days.
- Passengers receive stopover transit visas while booking their flights.
- After booking a stopover ticket, passengers can apply for complimentary hotel accommodation for one night. This must be booked at least 48 hours before the first departure flight.
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Saudia has launched a “Your Ticket Your Visa” service, allowing passengers to obtain a stopover transit visa instantly during flight booking.
Portugal
TAP Air Portugal has a program encouraging exploration of the country
TAP Air Portugal offers a Stopover program to allow connecting passengers to explore the city of Lisbon or travel further afield in Portugal. The program was introduced in 2023, largely to target travelers from Brazil, but it is open to any connecting passenger. The airline is the most connected carrier between Europe and Brazil and is expected to have 91 flights a week this year.
- The Stopover program allows stopovers to be included on an international connecting ticket.
- There is no free accommodation on offer.
- The booking includes a 25% discount on a flight within Portugal to promote further exploration of the country (including to Madeira or the Azores).
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Some airlines allow a long layover at their base airport for no extra cost; let’s take a deep dive into the Portuguese flag carrier’s option.
Have you made a stopover in any of the cities discussed here, or are you planning one? Feel free to discuss this in the comments section below.