5 airlines offering almost free stopover programs for mini vacations

5 airlines offering almost FREE stopover programs for mini vacations It’s time to maximise your travel options by transforming layovers into mini vacations with airline stopover programs. These programs, offered by select international airlines, allow passengers to add a free stop to their itinerary, typically in the airline's hub city. These programs range from 24 hours to 10 days, and are tailored to cater to travellers' schedules and interests. So, next time while booking flight tickets, look for programs offering free or discounted hotel stays, along with savings on city tours, museum admissions, and dining. TAP Air Portugal TAP Air Portugal stands out with its flexible stopover program, allowing travellers to stay in either Porto or Lisbon for up to 10 days. Booking a stopover is seamless, integrated into the standard booking process. Simply select your travel dates and destinations, then click ‘Add Stopover’ to specify your preferences. TAP also offers discounted hotel stays, with average savings of 10-20%, along with discounts for dining, museums, and tours. After your stopover, enjoy a 25% discount on airfare to a second destination in Portugal, such as the Azores. Etihad Etihad's ‘Stopover on Us’ package offers complimentary stopovers in Abu Dhabi, with options for one or two nights' stay at a three-star hotel in the city. Guests enjoy benefits like 24-hour check-in and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi at partner hotels. To avail this offer, travellers must first book a flight connecting through Abu Dhabi in any cabin class. Then, they can select their stopover package and check hotel availability on the airline's designated stopover page. It's important to note that hotel availability is contingent upon flight reservations (not guaranteed) and bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to travel. Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines offers its ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ program to travellers flying from the US with a layover of at least 20 hours in Istanbul. The program provides complimentary hotel stays: Economy class passengers can enjoy two nights at a four-star hotel, while business class passengers receive three nights at a five-star hotel. Additional nights can be booked at discounted rates starting at $49 USD per night. Booking for the stopover is now simplified with a dedicated ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ button on the airline's booking page. Turkish Airlines has also recently launched its Stopover in Istanbul program in India, which enables passengers to discover the captivating city during layovers. Travellers flying with Turkish Airlines can now indulge in complimentary accommodation and immerse themselves in Istanbul's vibrant history, culture, and shopping scenes. The program includes complimentary stays in designated partner hotels, allowing travellers to make the most of their time in the city. Qatar Airways Qatar Airways offers a top-notch stopover program with attractive hotel bundles in Doha. Travellers can stay up to four days at discounted rates, starting at $14 USD for four-star hotels and $23 USD for five-star hotels. Booking through Qatar Airways' dedicated page is simple, and there are no extra airline fees for the stopover. IcelandAir If you're considering extending your vacation in Reykjavik, consider booking with IcelandAir, which offers free stopovers ranging from one to seven days for transatlantic passengers. Simply select the ‘Stopover in Iceland’ button when booking your flights and choose your desired duration. While there's no extra airfare, please note that IcelandAir's program does not include complimentary or discounted hotel stays, so passengers should plan for this additional expense. However, the airline's stopover page provides suggestions for various affordable sightseeing tours.