Stopover programs offered by airlines allow travelers to explore an additional destination, often at no extra cost, while en route to their final destination. Using these programs can save you money on airfare and give you the chance to visit two cities for the price of one. Here’s how to use stopover programs to find cheaper flights and maximize your travel experience.

1. Choose Airlines Known for Stopover Programs

Several airlines offer stopover programs as a way to promote tourism in their hub cities. Popular airlines with stopover programs include Icelandair, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and TAP Air Portugal. These programs often let you stay in the stopover city for a few days without paying for an extra ticket.

• Examples:
  • Icelandair: Allows stopovers in Reykjavik for up to seven days without additional airfare.
  • Qatar Airways: Offers a stopover program with discounted hotel rates in Doha for up to four days.

2. Use Airline Websites to Book Stopover Options

Some airlines offer special stopover booking options directly on their websites, allowing you to add a stopover during the booking process. Others may require you to contact customer service to add a stopover. Check each airline’s website for details on how to book a stopover.

• How to book: Look for a “multi-city” or “stopover” option on the airline’s website, or contact customer service if the feature isn’t available online.

3. Take Advantage of Free or Discounted Hotels and Tours

Many stopover programs offer free or discounted hotel stays, city tours, and other perks. For instance, Qatar Airways provides discounted hotel stays in Doha, while Singapore Airlines offers a free city tour for passengers with long layovers.

• Extra perks: Use these discounted stays and tours to enjoy the city without incurring additional travel costs.

4. Research Visa Requirements for Stopover Destinations

Some stopover destinations may require a visa, even for short stays, so check the visa requirements before booking. Countries like Qatar and Singapore offer visa-free entry for short stays, while others may have specific requirements.

• Example: Iceland offers visa-free entry to most travelers for stays up to 90 days, making it easy to add a stopover without extra paperwork.

5. Compare Stopover Fares with Regular Round-Trip Flights

Sometimes, a stopover program may result in a slightly higher fare than a direct flight, but it can still be worth it for the added travel experience. Compare the cost of a stopover fare with a regular round-trip fare to determine if the additional stop adds value to your trip.

• Best practice: Use Google Flights or Kayak’s multi-city tool to compare fares with and without a stopover.

6. Use Multi-City Searches to Create Custom Stopovers

If an airline doesn’t officially offer a stopover program, you can often create one by booking a multi-city itinerary. For instance, if you’re flying from New York to Paris with a layover in London, you can extend your stay in London by booking each leg as a separate segment.

• How to do it: Use the “multi-city” option on flight search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner to manually set a longer layover.

7. Consider Stopovers for Long-Haul Flights to Break Up Travel Time

Stopovers on long-haul flights allow you to rest and explore a new city, making lengthy journeys more enjoyable. Plus, many airlines with stopover programs are based in strategic hubs that serve routes between the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

• Example: Finnair’s stopover program allows you to explore Helsinki for up to five days on your way to Asia, breaking up the long flight from North America.

8. Maximize Time with Short Layovers on Budget Carriers

While budget carriers don’t usually offer official stopover programs, you can still use short layovers to explore a city. Some budget airlines have connections in cities with easy-to-access airports, allowing for a short tour if your layover is long enough.

• Tip: Check transportation options to and from the airport to see if you have enough time for a brief city tour.

9. Use Stopover Programs for Bonus Miles and Points

Some airlines offer additional mileage or points for stopover programs, especially if booked through their loyalty program. Check with the airline’s frequent flyer program to see if you can earn bonus miles by including a stopover.

• Best for: Frequent travelers who want to earn extra miles or status points with their loyalty program by including a stopover.

10. Avoid Additional Baggage Fees by Traveling Light

When planning a stopover, especially with budget airlines, it’s best to travel with carry-on luggage only. Additional baggage fees may apply if you need to recheck bags between stopover flights, so packing light can help keep costs low.

• Pro tip: Check baggage policies ahead of time, as some stopover programs may require you to claim and recheck bags at the layover city.

Conclusion: Discover More and Save with Stopover Programs

Using stopover programs can add an extra destination to your trip without additional airfare, offering a unique way to explore a new city while saving on travel costs. By choosing airlines with stopover programs, booking through multi-city tools, and taking advantage of perks like free tours and hotels, you can maximize your travel experience and budget.