Adding a stopover to your next trip could add a mini-vacation for little to no additional cost.
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What Is a Stopover?
Many flights feature a connection, sometimes in places you’ve never visited before. Have you ever wanted to just step out of the airport and check out your connection city?
Maybe you’re flying from Los Angeles to Barcelona with a connection in Paris. You’ve never seen the Eiffel tower but certainly can’t leave the airport and return (with security and customs) during your three-hour connection.
If you use a stopover, you could spend a day, even a week in Paris en route to Barcelona with your same purchased ticket. Stopovers may add some nominal cost – more on that later.
A stopover is extra time intentionally booked with your airline ticket at a connection city.
When Are Stopovers Free?
Some really smart countries incentivize national carriers to allow stoddddpovers for free. Portugal, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Singapore are just three of many countries that allow free stopovers in their countries without charging extra for the airline ticket.
Countries that offer this incentive are banking on a few things. If they make the stopover free, passengers are likely to take advantage of them. In doing so, passengers will spend money in their economy from taxis to restaurants and even hotels. They will also see more of the country and are more likely to return for a longer stay.
Turkish Airlines offers business class customers a free two-night hotel stay in a five-star hotel or a one-night stay in a four-star hotel for economy passengers on any stopover greater than 20 hours.
Singapore Airlines adds additional features for an extra charge but also applies some instant discounts. For example, airport transfers may be added for about $30 USD ($41 Singapore Dollars – SGD.) For a little more ($45 USD, $63 SGD) you can add free entry to 20 attractions and meal discount vouchers in addition to the transfer.
Qatar Airways allows free stopovers in Doha, and adds discounts for a hotel stay in connection with the purchase of a ticket as Singapore Airlines does so long as the stopover is at least 12 hours or longer.
Many stopover programs are free but arrangements must be made by your travel agency in advance and may add additional cost for the stay itself. Award flights booked using frequent flyer miles may also offer free stopovers.
How Should I Use a Stopover?
Booking a stopover for more than 24 hours allows travelers to see something unique on their way to their destination, or in some cases, it functions more as a multi-city ticket.
For example, in Europe most alliances have multiple hubs. Oneworld has hubs in:
- London (British Airways)
- Madrid/Barcelona (Iberia)
- Dublin (Aer Lingus)
- Helsinki (Finnish Airlines)
If a traveler wanted to see London, Paris, and Barcelona on the same trip they could book stopovers in London and Paris on the front and back end of the trip with Barcelona as a final destination.
United Airlines allows an “excursionist” perk on its award flights allow you to add on additional flights within the destination region (in this case, Europe) for just $100 each. More on why you should pay attention to your miles and points for award flights here.
Stopovers are generally very inexpensive, adding just $50-100 on tickets for which they are permitted. I generally like to use stopovers when I am in a city I have not seen before but am not sure I want to visit as a destination. Spending 24 hours in Singapore may just convince me to come back and explore further, or it may help me cross it off the list for now.
If you have the flexibility in your travel plans, you should certainly add one to your trip.
Before considering any stopover it’s important to check with your travel agent to read the rules of the fare. Once a ticket is purchased, a passenger has, in essence, agreed to the terms of the ticket and not all tickets permit stopovers. Some additional terms may apply.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our guide on how to add stopovers to your flights, it’s clear that this travel strategy offers an exciting way to explore additional destinations en route to your final destination. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines have recognized the allure of stopovers and have crafted stopover programs that not only cater to the adventurous spirit of travelers but also add tremendous value to their journey.
With TAP Air Portugal, travelers can enjoy a stopover in Lisbon or Porto for up to five days, adding a taste of Portuguese culture and history to their trip. Qatar Airways offers a similar program, allowing passengers, especially those in business class, to break their journey in the fascinating city of Doha for up to 72 hours. This could include free hotel accommodation, depending on the fare and availability, making it a luxurious yet economical choice.
Turkish Airlines provides an opportunity to explore the wonders of Istanbul as part of their stopover program. Similarly, Japan Airlines allows travelers to experience the unique blend of tradition and modernity in cities across Japan. Singapore Airlines, renowned for its world-class service, encourages passengers to enjoy a stopover in Singapore, offering a chance to experience the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
For travelers looking to make the most of their airline miles, programs like the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan can be particularly beneficial. This program often includes free or discounted stopover options, making it an economical choice for those looking to explore a bit more without breaking the bank.
When planning a trip with stopovers, using the multi-city search function on airline booking sites is a convenient way to add these additional destinations. This function allows you to plan your journey with various legs, including stopovers in cities like Hong Kong or other exciting global hubs. The key is to explore the options available with different airlines, as many offer this feature with unique benefits.
In conclusion, adding a stopover to your flight itinerary can transform a standard trip into an enriching travel experience. With airlines offering structured stopover programs, free hotel stays, and the flexibility of open-jaw tickets, the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul, exploring the futuristic cityscape of Singapore, or experiencing the historic charm of Lisbon, stopovers provide an excellent opportunity to broaden your travel horizons. So next time you book, consider turning your journey into a multi-destination adventure with the help of airlines that offer free stopovers and make the most out of your travels.
Let’s Go
Want to see a sample itinerary using a stopover? Contact us and get a no-obligation itinerary customized for you. We can select dates that are convenient for you, flights to and from your home airport, hotel preferences, and even dining choices. Contact one of our concierges today!
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