Double your trip for free
Most people think you have to book two separate trips to see more than one country. But in 2025, some airlines are making it possible to add a second destination to your ticket at little or no cost.
These programs are called stopovers, and they can turn a long layover into a bonus vacation. Imagine exploring Istanbul, Singapore, or Lisbon without paying extra airfare; it’s a travel hack worth knowing.
TAP Air Portugal
TAP lets you explore Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days on your way to another destination. You won’t pay extra airfare, and the program even offers discounts on hotels, restaurants, and tours.
Many travelers use this stopover to sample Portuguese wine, enjoy fado music, or stroll along the Douro River. It’s like adding a mini European getaway before your main trip.
Turkish Airlines
With Turkish Airlines, long layovers in Istanbul are anything but boring. Economy passengers get a free night in a 4-star hotel, while business class travelers can stay up to 3 nights in a 5-star luxury hotel.
There’s also a free guided city tour for travelers with shorter layovers. That means you can sip Turkish coffee, visit Hagia Sophia, and still catch your next flight without extra stress.
Qatar Airways
Qatar’s stopover program makes Doha accessible to nearly everyone. You can book a luxury hotel for as little as $14 a night, with flexible options for up to four nights.
Travelers often use this time to explore the Museum of Islamic Art or take a desert safari. Even a short stay lets you experience the blend of tradition and modern style in Qatar.
Singapore Airlines
This airline offers discounted stopover packages that include hotel stays, airport transfers, and even attraction passes. You can use them to enjoy everything from gardens to rooftop pools.
Travelers often rave about the free airport vouchers and entry deals. If you’ve always wanted to see Singapore’s famous Supertrees or taste hawker food, this program makes it easy.
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc gives passengers free stopovers in Casablanca. Depending on your ticket, you may get a free hotel room, lounge access, or meals during your layover.
It’s a chance to enjoy Moroccan culture without changing your budget. Solo travelers often spend the evening exploring souks, while others simply rest before continuing their journey.
Saudia Airlines
Saudia offers one of the most generous stopover programs in the Middle East. You can get a free transit visa plus complimentary hotel stays for layovers up to four days.
This makes it easier to explore Riyadh or Jeddah safely. Travelers often add visits to UNESCO sites or enjoy modern malls, getting a taste of Saudi Arabia without planning a full trip.
Etihad Airways
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi stopover program includes free hotel stays for up to two nights. You’ll also find discounted city tours, theme park tickets, and cultural experiences.
Many travelers pair this with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or take a day trip into the desert. With so many perks, the layover feels more like a bonus vacation.
Emirates
Emirates calls its program “Dubai Connect.” If your layover lasts more than 6–8 hours, the airline covers your hotel, meals, transfers, and even helps with visas.
This makes it possible to see Dubai’s futuristic skyline, shop in souks, or just relax by a pool between flights. Few programs are as generous or as easy to use.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines offers a stopover in Addis Ababa with a transit hotel and airport services included. The city’s unique blend of history and culture makes it a fascinating side trip.
Solo travelers often enjoy local coffee ceremonies or explore the National Museum, home to Lucy, the famous fossil. Even one extra day can feel like stepping into another world.
LOT Polish Airlines
LOT now lets you stay in Warsaw for up to eight days with its new stopover program. It includes discounted domestic flights, hotel deals, and even reduced onboard meals.
Many travelers use this chance to walk Warsaw’s Old Town or try hearty Polish cuisine. It’s an underrated way to add Central Europe to your travel itinerary without spending more.
Korean Air
Korean Air makes Seoul surprisingly accessible on long layovers. Passengers with over eight hours get free hotel stays, meals, and transfers to the city.
That means you can try Korean barbecue, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, or wander through neon-lit districts. It’s a stopover that feels like a destination all on its own.
China Southern Airlines
This program offers free hotel stays, meals, transfers, and even sightseeing tours in Guangzhou. Many travelers also benefit from visa-free transit, making it simple to step out of the airport.
Cantonese food, riverfront views, and temples are just a short ride away. For many, it’s a chance to experience southern China without planning an entire vacation. A single evening can take you from dim sum dinners to skyline views along the Pearl River.
Air China
Air China offers free hotels, meals, and transfers during long layovers in cities like Beijing or Chengdu. The service is smooth, making it easy for tired travelers to recharge.
Those who prefer sightseeing can spend their time visiting landmarks like the Great Wall or tasting Sichuan cuisine. Either way, the program adds value to your trip. It’s a smart way to turn a stop into a cultural highlight rather than just downtime.
Oman Air
Oman Air allows passengers to stay in Muscat with either complimentary or discounted hotel nights for layovers over eight hours. It’s an easy way to experience Oman’s quiet beauty.
Travelers often visit local markets, historic forts, or stunning beaches. For many, this stopover is a peaceful pause in the middle of a busy travel schedule. The slower pace here feels refreshing, offering balance to fast-paced international travel.
And while tourism faces challenges worldwide, programs like this show how small stopovers can refresh travelers and keep destinations thriving. See what’s driving global tourism struggles in 2025.
What to know before booking
Each program has rules about minimum layover time, ticket type, and eligibility. Most require booking on a single reservation, and some perks vary by economy or business class.
You may need to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Age restrictions also apply, as some airlines don’t extend stopover benefits to unaccompanied minors. Double-check requirements early so you don’t miss out on free perks.
While hotels may be free, you’ll usually need to cover visas, ground transport, or extra hotel charges like late check-out. These small costs can add up if you’re not prepared. Want to stretch your travel budget even further? Check out the best times to book flights (and when not to).
Would you use a free stopover to rest or to explore? Share how you’d spend those bonus days, you might inspire someone’s next adventure.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
