Can You Get a Free Stopover in a Hub City-and Which Airlines Still Allow It? (Complete Guide)
Yes, you can still get a free or low-cost stopover in a hub city—but only with specific airlines and under certain fare rules. While many airlines removed traditional stopover policies, several carriers (especially hub-focused airlines) still allow stopovers either on paid tickets, award tickets, or through official stopover programs.
A free stopover sounds almost too good to be true: one ticket, two destinations, and little to no extra airfare. Years ago, stopovers were common and encouraged. Airlines used them to promote their hub cities and attract long-haul travelers. Today, however, many travelers believe stopovers are “dead,” but that’s only half true.
The reality is that stopovers still exist, but they’re hidden behind fare rules, loyalty programs, and airline-specific policies. Some airlines actively market stopovers as tourism products, while others quietly allow them on certain fares or mileage bookings. The key difference between success and frustration is knowing which airlines still allow stopovers, how long they can be, and how to book them correctly.
Another source of confusion is the difference between a layover and a stopover. Many travelers miss out on free stopovers simply because they book the wrong way or assume the option doesn’t exist. Airlines won’t always advertise it clearly; you often need to know exactly where to look.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a true stopover is (and why it’s valuable)
- Which airlines still allow free or discounted stopovers
- How stopover rules differ for paid vs award tickets
- Step-by-step booking strategies
- Hidden costs and visa considerations
If you want to turn one long trip into two destinations for nearly the same price, this guide shows you exactly how.
What Is a Stopover and Why Does It Matter
Stopover vs Layover: The Exact Difference
A stopover is a break in your journey that lasts longer than a standard layover. On international flights, anything over 24 hours is usually considered a stopover. A layover is typically under 24 hours internationally (or under 4 hours domestically). Stopovers allow you to leave the airport and explore a city. Airlines treat stopovers as intentional itinerary breaks, not just connections. This distinction matters because fare rules apply differently. Stopovers often require specific eligibility. Understanding the difference unlocks value.
Why Stopovers Are More Valuable Than Connections
A connection only gets you to your final destination. A stopover gives you an extra city without buying a separate ticket. This can save hundreds of dollars. Stopovers reduce travel fatigue on long flights. They allow cultural exploration, rest, and flexibility. Many hub cities are global destinations themselves. Airlines once used stopovers as selling points. Today, they’re strategic bonuses. When used correctly, stopovers maximize trip value.
Why Airlines Historically Encouraged Stopovers
Airlines encouraged stopovers to promote their hub cities. Governments and tourism boards partnered with airlines. Stopovers increased hotel stays and local spending. They also differentiated airlines on long-haul routes. Hub-based carriers benefited the most. Over time, pricing models changed. But some airlines still see stopovers as marketing tools. This history explains why certain hubs still offer them.
Do Airlines Still Allow Free Stopovers Today?
Why Many Airlines Removed Traditional Stopovers
Modern revenue management favors simplicity. Airlines moved toward point-to-point pricing. Stopovers complicate fare construction. Budget airlines eliminated them. Airlines also monetized add-ons separately. This made stopovers less attractive operationally. Many legacy carriers quietly removed free stopovers. But “removed” doesn’t mean “impossible.” It means harder to find.
Why Some Airlines Still Offer Stopovers
Hub-centric airlines still benefit from stopovers. They use them to showcase their cities. Tourism partnerships subsidize costs. Stopovers help airlines compete on long routes. Premium positioning matters for these carriers. Some airlines even brand stopovers as official programs. These carriers view stopovers as value, not loss. That’s where opportunities remain.
Which Routes Are Most Likely to Allow Stopovers
Long-haul international routes are best. Intercontinental flights through major hubs offer more flexibility. Routes with limited competition allow more creativity. Award tickets often allow more stopovers than cash fares. Multi-city itineraries increase chances. Hub dominance matters. Not all routes qualify, but many do.
Airlines That Still Allow Free or Low-Cost Stopovers
Middle Eastern Airlines With Stopover Programs
Qatar Airways allows stopovers in Doha, often with subsidized hotels. Emirates offers Dubai stopovers with paid or award tickets. Etihad promotes Abu Dhabi stopovers with hotel packages. These airlines rely on hub traffic. Stopovers are built into their business model. Programs are clearly marketed. Booking is straightforward. These are among the easiest stopovers today.
European Airlines With Stopover Options
Icelandair allows stopovers in Reykjavik up to 7 days at no extra fare. TAP Air Portugal offers stopovers in Lisbon or Porto. Turkish Airlines allows Istanbul stopovers with hotel benefits on select fares. These airlines actively promote stopovers. Europe’s geography helps. Hub cities are major tourist destinations. These programs are traveler-friendly.
Asian Airlines That Still Allow Stopovers
Singapore Airlines allows stopovers on select fares and award tickets. ANA and JAL allow stopovers on some international awards. Cathay Pacific permits stopovers depending on fare class. Asian carriers are more restrictive, but still possible. Mileage programs often provide more flexibility. Planning is essential. These stopovers require careful fare selection.
How Stopovers Actually Work (Rules & Eligibility)
Fare Rules and Ticket Eligibility
Not all airline tickets allow stopovers, and fare rules play the biggest role in eligibility. Basic Economy fares almost always exclude stopovers because they are designed to be restrictive and inflexible. Higher fare classes, such as standard economy, premium economy, or business class, are more likely to allow stopovers. Rules may differ between one-way and round-trip tickets, with round-trip fares often offering more flexibility. Some airlines allow only one stopover per ticket, while others may allow multiple. Always review the fare rules before booking, as this determines eligibility. Using multi-city searches often reveals stopover-friendly fares more clearly.
Stopovers on Award Tickets
Award tickets booked with frequent flyer miles often allow stopovers more easily than paid tickets. Each airline loyalty program sets its own stopover rules, which can vary significantly. Some programs allow one free stopover per itinerary, while others limit stopovers to specific regions or partners. Partner airline bookings may follow different rules from flights operated by the same airline. Taxes and fees may increase slightly, even if the mileage cost stays the same. Award stopovers can provide exceptional value if used strategically. Understanding program rules is essential to maximizing benefits.
Maximum Stopover Duration
The allowed length of a stopover varies widely depending on the airline and fare type. Some airlines consider anything over 24 hours a stopover, while others allow up to 7 days or even longer. Airlines that partner with tourism boards may cap hotel benefits to a specific number of nights. Visa regulations can also limit how long you can legally stay in a stopover city. Longer stopovers may trigger additional taxes or airport fees. Always confirm the maximum allowed duration before booking. Flexibility depends entirely on airline policy and local regulations.
How to Book a Free Stopover Step by Step
Using Airline Multi-City Booking Tools
Most free stopovers require booking through a multi-city search instead of a standard round-trip search. You must enter the hub city as a separate flight segment to create a valid stopover. Airline websites are the best place to start, as they show the most accurate fare rules. Online travel agencies often hide or misprice stopovers. Always compare prices between standard and multi-city searches. Review fare conditions carefully before confirming. Adjusting travel dates can significantly improve pricing and eligibility.
Booking Stopovers With Miles
Booking stopovers with miles requires searching each flight segment individually for award availability. Use the airline’s website or alliance search tools to find eligible flights. Some loyalty programs allow you to add a stopover online, while others require calling customer service. Phone bookings can be time-consuming, but they often unlock more flexibility. Always confirm the total mileage and taxes before finalizing. Award stopovers often deliver exceptional value for long-haul travel. This method rewards experienced and patient travelers.
Mistakes That Break Stopover Pricing
Several common mistakes can cause stopover pricing to fail or reprice higher. Booking Basic Economy fares usually removes stopover eligibility entirely. Using third-party booking sites may hide valid stopover options. Ignoring fare rules can cause automatic repricing at checkout. Exceeding the allowed stopover duration invalidates the itinerary. Not checking visa or entry requirements can prevent travel altogether. Small errors can eliminate big savings. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
Hidden Costs and Limitations
Taxes, Fees, and Fare Repricing
Even when a stopover is advertised as “free,” additional costs may still apply. Airport taxes can increase because you are entering an extra country. Some destinations charge mandatory tourism or entry fees. Fare recalculations may slightly raise the total ticket price. Always compare the final price, not just the base fare. In many cases, the added costs are still far cheaper than booking a second ticket. Transparency helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Always review the full cost breakdown.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa requirements are one of the most overlooked aspects of stopovers. Some hub cities require a full entry visa, not just a transit visa. Passport validity rules may require six months or more. Health requirements, including vaccinations or entry forms, may apply. COVID-related rules may still affect certain destinations. Always check official government sources before booking. Visa issues can cancel an otherwise perfect stopover plan. Preparation prevents last-minute denial.
Risk of Schedule Changes
Long itineraries with stopovers are more exposed to schedule changes. Airlines may change flight times or aircraft types. A small change can break stopover eligibility or force repricing. Stopovers add complexity compared to direct itineraries. Monitoring your booking regularly is essential. Flexibility makes managing changes easier. While risk exists, proactive tracking keeps it manageable. Awareness is the best defense.
When a Stopover Is Worth It (and When It’s Not)
Best Situations for Taking a Stopover
Stopovers are most valuable on long-haul international trips. Travelers with flexible schedules gain the most benefit. Hub cities that are major tourist destinations add strong value. Leisure travel allows time to explore without stress. Travelers who enjoy slower, exploratory trips benefit greatly. The added destination often outweighs the minor inconvenience. This is the ideal use case for stopovers. Value and experience increase significantly.
When Stopovers Cause More Trouble
Stopovers are not ideal for tight schedules or business travel. Short trips lose efficiency with added segments. Complex visa requirements increase stress. Travelers with low risk tolerance may find stopovers frustrating. Families or travelers with mobility concerns may prefer simplicity. Delays can cascade across longer itineraries. Not every trip benefits from a stopover. Knowing when to avoid them is just as important.
Stopover vs Open-Jaw Tickets
A stopover breaks the journey in the middle, while an open-jaw ticket changes the start or end point. Stopovers add an extra destination without changing endpoints. Open-jaw tickets allow more routing flexibility but may cost more. Stopovers are usually easier with hub-based airlines. Open-jaw itineraries work well for regional travel. Both options offer value in different situations. Choosing depends on travel goals and pricing. Understanding both expands your options.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you still get a free airline stopover?
Yes, with select airlines. Rules vary by fare. Hubs matter most.
2. Which airlines allow free stopovers?
Icelandair, Qatar, TAP, Turkish. Some Asian carriers, too. Programs differ.
3. How long can a stopover last?
24 hours to 7+ days. Depends on the airline. Fare rules apply.
4. Are stopovers cheaper than two tickets?
Usually yes. Taxes may apply. Value is often higher.
5. Do stopovers require visas?
Sometimes yes. Depends on the country. Always check first.
Free stopovers aren’t gone—they’re just hidden behind airline rules and smart booking strategies. By choosing the right airlines, routes, and fares, you can turn one trip into two destinations without paying double. The key is knowledge, planning, and flexibility. Stopovers reward travelers who think strategically.
Before booking your next long-haul flight, check if a stopover is possible—you might unlock an extra city for almost nothing.