Booking a long-haul flight can sometimes be exhausting, but many airlines offer a clever perk: free stopovers! This allows passengers to break up their journey and explore a second destination at no additional airfare cost.
This guide will explore the airlines that offer free stopovers on flights departing from the United States. From Europe to Asia and beyond, these airlines make travel more enjoyable by adding a mini-vacation to your trip.
Asia and the Pacific
Fiji Airways offers a stopover program that allows passengers flying through Nadi International Airport (NAN) to stay in Fiji for up to 48 hours at no extra cost. This program is perfect for those flying from the US to Australia or New Zealand, giving travelers a taste of Fiji’s famous beaches and resorts. Note that if staying beyond two days, passengers will need to pay departure taxes, per Fiji Airways.
Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock
Another airline from the Asia-Pacific that offers free stopovers is Singapore Airlines, known for its “Holiday Before the Holiday” program. The airline even offers discounts on hotels, attractions, and transportation.
For the airline’s loyal members, Singapore Airlines provides one complimentary stopover (at a destination that does not have to be its home base of Singapore) on a roundtrip Saver Award, according to Points Hacks. For example, you could fly from Los Angeles to Singapore, with a free stopover in Tokyo.
Further up north, Cathay Pacific offers a free stopover in Hong Kong on most long-haul flights from the US – a handy perk, especially for passengers on the long journey to Southeast Asia and the Pacific. According to One Mile At A Time, if you’re booking a stopover using Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, you will need to book via phone.
Several other Asian airlines offer free stopovers for frequent flyers on award tickets, including:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Asiana
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
Middle East
When it comes to Middle Eastern airlines, Qatar Airways is one that offers a generous stopover program for passengers flying via Doha. Travelers flying from the US can stop in Doha for up to four days with access to discounted hotel stays (five-star hotels starting at just $23 per person per night), city tours, and cultural experiences.
Photo: Faiz Zaki | Shutterstock
If you think this sounds like an incredibly generous offer, wait till you discover Etihad Airways’ stopover program. With its “Stopover on Us” package, travelers can enjoy a complimentary one- or two-night hotel stay if they stop in Abu Dhabi, making it an attractive option for anyone keen to explore the UAE.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, passengers can choose from the following three-star hotels in the city:
- Centro Al Manhal
- Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
- Traders Hotel Al Maqta
Europe
Across the Atlantic, Icelandair’s stopover program allows US passengers to explore the capital of Reykjavik at no extra charge for up to seven days, per The Points Guy. Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to explore waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers on your way to Europe.
Photo: Icelandair
If you want to explore the cultural sights of Lisbon or Porto in Portugal, consider TAP Air Portugal’s free stopover program, available to passengers traveling from the US to Africa, Europe, and beyond. The program provides discounts on accommodations, tours, and experiences to make the most of your stop in Portugal.
Likewise, Finnair’s stopover program allows travelers flying from the US to enjoy a stopover in Helsinki. The airline offers free layovers of up to 5 days, giving you a chance to explore the beauty of Finland.
Other regions
In South America and Africa, there are limited airlines offering free stopovers. However, that’s not to say that there are none. Colombia’s Avianca is one airline that offers this perk. As South America’s second-largest airline, Avianca offers stopovers in Bogotá for travelers on long-haul flights from the US to destinations in South America.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
According to Aero Latin News, the airline launched the “Bogota Stopover” program in late 2018. The program allows travelers to extend their layovers for up to 48 hours, at no extra charge. To be eligible for the program, passengers must have a minimum layover of eight hours.
In Africa, Morrocco’s Royal Air Maroc has several services that offer passengers traveling between the US and various African destinations the chance to stopover in Casablanca for free. For example, you could opt for a flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) with a 27-hour stopover in Casablanca, per The Points Guy.
Special mention: Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip
A free stopover is a great benefit in and of itself. Some carriers even offer discounts for accommodation, activities, and experiences, while more generous airlines, like Etihad, provide free hotel stays.
Malaysia Airlines, however, takes things to the next level by offering free connecting domestic flights on stopovers in its Kuala Lumpur home city, per Malaysia Airlines. It’s worth noting that while the airline does not have direct routes from the US, this generous offering is one to consider if you’re ever traveling with the Malaysian flag carrier on flights to Asia or Australia via Kuala Lumpur.
This unique perk, known as the “Bonus Side Trip”, allows travelers to enjoy an additional domestic flight to a selected destination within Malaysia at no extra cost, making it an excellent option for exploring more of the country. Whether you’re visiting popular destinations like Penang, Langkawi, or Sabah, this free side trip adds significant value to your journey.
Speaking to Simple Flying at a media event, Malaysia Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Dersenish Aresandiran said:
“The Bonus Side Trip is a product that stands out, and we’re the only carrier in the region with this offering. For example, if you’re flying from Australia to the UK via Kuala Lumpur, you get to enjoy free return flights to explore another domestic destination in Malaysia before continuing your journey.”
Benefits of adding a stopover
Adding a stopover to your itinerary essentially means you’re getting to visit two destinations for the price of one. Furthermore, long-haul flights can be exhausting, so having a stopover helps break up the trip and reduce the stress of long hours in the air. You can rest, explore, and continue your journey feeling refreshed.
Photo: Komenton | Shutterstock
Stopovers also provide a unique opportunity to explore a new culture, try local food, and visit historical landmarks. Whether it’s a day in Singapore or two in Iceland, stopovers allow you to enhance your travel experience.
All in all, incorporating a free stopover into your international flight itinerary is one of the best travel perks available. With a little planning, you can transform your long-haul journey into a memorable multi-destination adventure.