The Secret to Seeing Two Destinations On One Airfare? Stopovers

26.07.2023 - 20:21 / afar.com

Often, when you’re traveling from one country to another on a connecting flight, the time spent in the connecting hub feels a bit like being lost in a no-man’s-land of travel—neither here, nor there. However, a growing number of airlines are working to reshape travelers’ relationships with extra-long layovers.

In recent years, more carriers have started offering airline stopover programs that encourage travelers to explore additional destinations along their journey, spending between 24 hours and 10 days (depending on the program) in a locale without incurring additional airfare charges. It’s a more extended break in the itinerary than a layover, which generally refers to a relatively short stop between connecting flights. Stopovers are typically free to schedule and often include complimentary or heavily discounted hotel stays and on-ground transit. It’s an opportunity for the airline to direct more tourism dollars to a capital city or flagship country and offer travelers the opportunity to visit multiple destinations for (more or less) the price of one.

Here are six of the best airline stopover programs to help extend your vacation.

Take a detour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Photo by Katerina Kerdi/Unsplash

Those transiting through Abu Dhabi can opt to stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for a spell with Etihad’s stopover programs.

There are two stopover packages: the “Stopover on Us” and the “Best of Abu Dhabi” package. The former allows visitors to receive up to two nights at select three- and four-star hotels in Abu Dhabi (including Centro Al Manhal, Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel, TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi, and others); the latter offers up to 40 percent off Abu Dhabi’s four- and five-star hotels (such as Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi) for up to four nights.

To be eligible, you must book at least three days before you arrive at the hotel.

Those who will only be in Abu Dhabi for 10 to 24 hours can also make the most of the “Transit Connect” program, which allows for complimentary accommodations near the airport. However, you’ll need to book at least five days before arrival in Abu Dhabi. All programs can be booked through the airline’s stopover page.

Soak up the art, architecture, culture, and cuisine in Doha, during an extended Qatar Airways layover.

Photo by Deepak Siva/Unsplash

If you’re interested in exploring Doha, Qatar’s capital city, on the cheap, the country’s airline can help. Under the Qatar Airways stopover program, travelers can book a stopover of up to four days and then choose from a handful of heavily discounted accommodations packages. For example,