Airlines Turn Layovers into Destinations: Best Stopover Programs for 2026
In an increasingly competitive landscape for passengers, stopover programs have become one of the most effective commercial tools for airlines to fill seats, differentiate their product, and promote tourism in their hubs. What was once an unattractive layover can now be transformed into a getaway with no additional cost to the airfare.
We present a comparative and updated overview of the main stopover programs available in 2026, detailing what they actually include, the applicable conditions, and how they are managed. The conclusion is clear: not all stopovers are created equal, neither in generosity nor in flexibility.
What exactly is a stopover and why does it matter?
A stopover allows you to pause on a connecting trip for more than 24 hours at an airline’s hub without paying extra for the airfare, although the associated benefits vary widely. For airlines, it is a way to turn their base airport into a destination in itself. For the passenger, it is the possibility of adding another city to their itinerary at very low or no additional cost.
Some companies include free hotels, others only facilitate the layover without a surcharge, and several combine the stopover with tourist packages, discounts, or transfers.
2026 Outlook: The main stopover programs
Turkish Airlines
Stopover city: Istanbul
What it offers: Explore Istanbul with free accommodation at partner 4★ hotels (1 night in Economy / 2 nights in Business) if your connection is 20 hours or more.
Key details:
- Includes hotel with breakfast.
- You can also participate in the free Touristanbul if the layover is long.
How to book: Book a Turkish Airlines flight with a layover in Istanbul from your country. After ticketing, complete the stopover request on the website or by email at least 72 hours in advance.
Emirates
Stopover city: Dubai
What it offers:
- Dubai Connect: If your connection is extended, Emirates may offer a free hotel with transfers and meals for eligible itineraries.
- Dubai Experience: Packages from the airline itself to explore Dubai with activities, tours, and hotels at special rates.
How to book: During flight purchase, select the “Dubai Connect” option if available for your itinerary, or choose the Dubai Experience directly on the Emirates website.
Etihad Airways
Stopover city: Abu Dhabi
What it offers: A variety of stopover options with hotels, tours, attractions, and transfers.
Tips:
- Packages can include hotels at no extra cost or at a discount, depending on the fare and length of stay.
How to book: Book a connecting flight via Abu Dhabi on the Etihad website. Then access the Stopover section to select and book hotel and activity packages.
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Qatar Airways
Stopover city: Doha
What it offers: A program with hotels at very low prices (starting from rates as economical as USD 14/night for stays of up to 4 days), plus tours, discounts, and cultural experiences.
How to book: When searching for your flight on the Qatar Airways website, choose the Qatar Stopover option. You can then book hotels and experiences from the same section before payment.
Ethiopian Airlines
Stopover city: Addis Ababa
What it offers: Stopover options in the Ethiopian capital including accommodation, assistance, and suggestions for exploring the city between flights.
How to book: Book an itinerary with Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and then use the Addis Ababa Stopovers section on their site to choose packages and accommodation.
Icelandair
Stopover city: Reykjavik
What it offers: The possibility of a stopover in Iceland for up to 7 days at no additional airfare cost if your transatlantic route qualifies, ideal for exploring waterfalls, geysers, the Reykjanes Peninsula, or the Northern Lights.
How to book: When searching for your flight on the Icelandair website, activate the Stopover option and select how many days you wish to stay. Then simply add accommodation and activities separately.
TAP Air Portugal
Stopover city: Lisbon and Porto
What it offers: Stopovers of up to 10 days at no extra ticket cost, plus discounts on hotels, tours, museums, and domestic flights within Portugal.
How to book: Search for your flight on the TAP website and use the Add Stopover option to include Lisbon or Porto before completing your purchase.
SAS
Stopover city: Commonly Copenhagen or Stockholm
What it offers: The possibility to add stopovers in Scandinavian hubs on international routes (subject to fare and route conditions).
How to book: Check availability by adding a stopover when building your itinerary on the SAS website or contact customer service.
Copa Airlines
Stopover city: Panama City
What it offers: A widely recognized program for 1-7 day stopovers at no extra ticket cost when traveling with Copa Airlines, with access to tours, culture, and local activities.
How to book: Go to panama-stopover.com or book an itinerary via Panama City with Copa and select the stopover.
Iberia
Stopover city: Madrid
What it offers: Stops of 1 to 9 nights in Madrid without paying extra for the ticket, with benefits including hotel deals, initial free public transportation, discounts on museums, tours, restaurants, and local experiences.
How to book: When searching for flights on the Iberia website, select the Stopover Hola Madrid option in the flight search or call the reservation center to include the stop before completing the purchase.
Singapore Airlines
Stopover city: Singapore
What it offers: Stopover options with hotel and activity packages. You can also access free tours for passengers under eligible conditions (if your transit qualifies).
How to book: On the airline’s website, select the Singapore Stopover or Free Singapore Tour section when planning your itinerary to add nights in Singapore before purchasing.
LATAM Airlines
Stopover city: Variable (Brazilian cities like São Paulo, Brasília; also optional in other cities depending on the route)
What it offers: Stopover programs and options at no additional ticket cost from 12 hours up to 3 days depending on route and fare, with promotional packages and hotel/activity options.
How to book: Use the LATAM search engine for itineraries with stopovers, or choose the Multi-city tool when booking your flight to add your desired layover city.
Tips for Booking Your 2026 Stopover
- The booking method is key: some stopovers can only be added during the initial purchase; others require subsequent management.
- “Free” is almost always conditional: Complimentary hotels usually apply only when shorter connections are unavailable or for specific fare classes.
- Availability is limited: Hotel inventory is often capped, especially during peak seasons.
- Check visa rules: Many countries offer transit or short-stay visas that facilitate urban visits.
- Read the terms and conditions: Some programs have specific requirements regarding minimum/maximum stopover duration and fare categories.
More than Marketing: A Strategic Network Tool
Stopover programs have evolved from being a one-off promotional tactic to becoming a structural lever for commercial and network strategy. For airlines, they mean greater appeal against competitors serving the same city pairs. For destinations, they represent a direct channel for attracting long-haul tourists.
For the informed traveler, a stopover can mean an extra city for minimal cost.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.