10 Best Airlines with Free Stopovers, Extra Trips with No Charge

1 day ago 12

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several airlines not only offer extra-safe and comfortable flights, but also additional free stopovers during transit.

A stopover flight is akin to a layover, but there are some differences. A layover refers to a flight with a change of planes at one or several airports during the journey towards the final destination. As for a stopover, according to Loulu Lima, the founder of the Texas-based travel agency Book Here Give Here, cited by USA Today, it refers to an official stopover for several days before moving on to another destination.

To provide a more enjoyable flying experience, several airlines offer the opportunity to stop in certain cities, such as Abu Dhabi, Madrid, and Istanbul, without additional costs.

As reported by Conde Nast Traveler, check out the list of airlines offering free stopovers below.

1. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways offers free stopover. This experience can be obtained by choosing the "Stopover on Us" package, which allows travelers to stop in Abu Dhabi without having to dig into their wallets.

In this program, passengers can rest at three-star hotels in collaboration with the airline, such as Centro Al Manhal, Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel, and Traders Hotel.

Before that, make sure to book a transit flight with any class that passes through Abu Dhabi, and choose the stopover package provided by Etihad Airways.

2. Emirates

Emirates solidifies its title as one of the best airlines in the world by offering free stopovers through the Dubai Connect program. Passengers can enjoy various facilities, including accommodation and free shuttle services to hotels.

This free stopover experience applies to economy class up to first-class, with a minimum stop time of 8 to 26 hours for economy and premium economy tickets, and 6 to 26 hours for business and first-class tickets.

3. United Airlines

For United Airlines, stopovers are limited to round-trip flights or a combination of three or more one-way flights. Other requirements that must be met include the chosen destination and origin being within the designated MileagePlus regions.

4. Japan Airlines

One of Japan's notable airlines offers the experience of stopping in specific cities, such as Kyoto and Osaka. Japan Airlines allows passengers to arrange an itinerary in various cities at once. As a result, you can stop over at the transit destination for at least 24 hours, but keep in mind that this airline does not provide other free facilities.

5. Qantas

Ever thought about vacationing in various places at once? Australian airline Qantas can make that dream come true through its multicity feature. The feature allows travelers to book travel tickets to various cities at once so that you can stop at three to four transit destinations before finally arriving at the ultimate destination. What's even more interesting is that this experience can be obtained without additional costs.

As for accommodation during the stopover, you need to prepare it yourself because Qantas does not provide any promotions or packages related to it.

6. TAP Air Portugal

If traveling with TAP Air Portugal, travelers have the opportunity to stop in Porto and Lisbon. Not just for one or two days; the stopover can even be extended up to 10 days in one of these cities!

In addition, this airline also pampers passengers with a 10-20 percent hotel room discount when staying at its partner hotels.

7. Iberia Airlines

Another airline offering free stopovers is Iberia Airlines. Through its "Stopover Hola Madrid" program, passengers can stay temporarily in the Spanish capital for up to 7 days and 6 nights at no additional cost for the ticket.

In addition, passengers who choose a stopover flight also have the right to receive discounts when staying at hotels (especially those partnered with this airline), a 20 percent discount on entrance tickets to the Museo Nacional del Prado, and free public transportation cards valid for two days.

8. Turkish Airlines

Passengers of Turkish Airlines departing from the United States with a minimum transit of 20 hours in Istanbul are entitled to the Stopover in Istanbul offer. An interesting aspect of this program is the opportunity to stay for free in a hotel for a few days. Economy class passengers flying from the US can stay for two nights in a four-star hotel at no cost, and business class passengers get three nights free in a five-star hotel. Passengers can also book additional nights at contracted hotels with discounted rates.

9. Finnair

Finnair passengers can enjoy a free stopover for up to five days in Helsinki. Similar to Qantas, the stopover program offered by this airline does not cover various accommodation discounts or promotions for specific activities.

10. Play Airlines

Play Airlines concludes the list of airlines offering free stopovers. Besides being known as an affordable airline in Iceland, Play Airlines also offers free stopovers, allowing travelers to stay in Reykjavik for up to 10 days. However, this offer does not include other additional facilities, so travelers still need to prepare their own funds for accommodation and touring around Reykjavik during the stopover.

CN TRAVELLER | USA TODAY

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