Get tactical when plotting out your next trip and try your luck at discovering two cities for the price of one. We’ve rounded up a list of just a handful of airlines offering some of the most convenient and affordable stopover programmes in the world.
Finnair
Helsinki, Finland
Connecting the east and western sides of the world, Finland is a great country worth exploring en route to your next destination. The country’s largest airline, Finnair makes it all the more easy with a layover programme that allows passengers to stop and stay for up to five days–for free, at either end of the trip–when travelling via the capital, Helsinki. Taking all the hassle out of navigating a new country, the airline has also enlisted the help of the experts at Finland Tours who can assist with a simple one-night hotel booking or complete multi-city tours. They’re topping the list of countries in the 2018 World Happiness Report, so if you were mulling over it before, that should sure convince you it’s a country worth visiting.
Air Canada
Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver, Canada
For travellers flying with Air Canada via Montréal, Toronto or Vancouver, an extended stopover–and one free night’s accommodation (for Latitude, Premium Economy and Business Class fliers)–is on offer. A great added extra for flights en route to Europe or Asia, the layover programme is available either direction of travel for those who have more than six hours to wait until their connecting flight. You can stay up to seven days with no additional airline fees, so consider it a two-cities-in-one kind of holiday.
Qatar Airways
Doha, Qatar
Putting Doha, Qatar on the map, Qatar Airways have a stopover programme encouraging travellers to disembark and explore this up-and-coming Middle Eastern city. Quickly rising in size and infrastructure, Doha’s skyline comprises a captivating mix of the old and new–think traditional souks set alongside sprawling shopping malls–and is bound to offer anyone an entirely unique travel experience. The programme, that has been extended until the end of 2018, allows nationals from over 80+ countries to stay an extra 5-96 hours with visa-free entry, a free hotel stay and multi-night offers (conditions apply).
Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Boasting the accolade of one of the best airlines in the world, Emirates is almost that good that you might not even want to get off until you really have to. But for those travelling via Dubai, a hub of culture, luxury and man-made wonders, a stop off is definitely worth it, and the packages on offer make it all the more enticing. A Dubai Stopover package can include VIP airport treatment, accommodation (and 24-hour check-in/check-out) at over 90 hotels, resorts or apartments, return transfers, plus cultural tours and local adventures. For the impulsive travellers, these packages can be booked up to 48 hours before departure.
Icelandair
Reykjavik, Iceland
Paving the way for the world’s best stopovers, IcelandAir implemented their service in back in the 1960s, gaining major traction for the country’s tourism industry. The bridge between continents, a stopover lends itself perfectly to anyone travelling to or from Europe and North America via the capital of Reykjavik. No additional airfares apply, and stays can last one-three days, with the option to pack an itinerary with everything from day trips to glaciers, visits to the Blue Lagoon, and Northern Lights tours.
Turkish Airlines
Istanbul, Turkey
The link for many flights going back and forth between Europe and Asia, Turkish Airlines offer an extended stopover in the history-rich, culturally-diverse city of Istanbul. For no extra cost, travellers can extend their stay and discover the nation’s cuisine, urban areas, architectural masterpieces, history and art. The accommodation even comes free; enjoy two days at a five-star hotel on Business Class Tickets, and one day for Economy Class.
TAP Air Portugal
Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
Break your next trip up with a five-night stay in Lisbon or Porto. Available on routes travelling to more than 65 destinations across Europe and Africa, TAP Air Portugal offers a three-day stay with no extra fees involved. Plus, if you choose to take advantage of a stopover, it comes hand-in-hand with a plethora of special offers and unique cultural, shopping, food and adventure experiences with leading travel partners.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore
Certainly not an airport you’d ever need to leave– across its four terminals Changi Airport Singapore features a cactus garden, butterfly garden, movie theatre and swimming pool with Jacuzzi–but Singapore Airlines offers stopover deals you don’t want to miss. Partnering with Changi Airport Group and Singapore Tourism Board, passengers with layovers of five hours or more are able to explore the sights of city-state for next to nothing. You can take advantage of the complimentary SIA Hop-on Bus that takes you through the top sights, or stay a little longer with great rates at leading hotels and attractions. Get in touch with our Travel Managers if you’d like to look into stopover options for your next trip.