Enjoy FREE stopovers with these 6 airlines!

Hey fellow wanderer,

I’m glad you stuck around. Summer vacation is around the corner, and I want to make sure you make the absolute best of it (or any time after) with more helpful tips.

Several airlines offer FREE stopover or extended layover programs with no additional airfare costs to provide travelers with the opportunity to explore a connecting city or country during their journey.

Travelers are responsible for their own accommodation, but many programs offer a range of hotels and attractions at discounted prices and some even free transportation, attractions and meals. Some of the most popular airlines with stayover programs include:

1. Copa Airlines – Up to 7 days

2. Air Canada – Up to 7 days

3. Singapore Airlines – Up to 30 days

4. TAP Air Portugal – Up to 10 days

5. Icelandair - Up to 8 days

6. Eithad Airways – Up to 4 days

Popular layover (up to 26 hours) programs:

- Emirates; Dubai Connect

- Turkish Airlines; Touristanbul

1. Copa Airlines: Stay up to 7 days in Panama City

You read that right, whether its on your way to your next destination or at return, with Copa Airlines depending on the length of travel, you can stay up to 7 days (6 nights) in Panama City at no additional airfare fee. Keep in mind that you will need to pay the applicable stopover taxes and fees which are approximately $50. Your baggage allowance will be the same as for your original flight.

Start searching HERE.

2. Air Canada: Stay up to 7 days in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver

Air Canada offers a stopover program called the "Air Canada Stopover." This program allows you to fly with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge with a layover in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver to extend your stay and explore the city for up to 6 nights at no additional airfare (taxes and fees may be applicable).

The program even offers a range of hotel options at discounted rates, allowing you to select your preferred hotel and duration of stay. Explore stopover options HERE, by selecting the ‘multi-city/stopover option.

3. Singapore Airlines: With the “Stopover Holiday” you can stay up to 30 days Singapore!

The Singapore Stopover Holiday is available to passengers traveling on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights with a layover of at least 24 hours in Singapore with packages as from $40 including hotel stays.

The program packages include a choice of over 20 hotels in various price categories, ranging from budget to luxury. The package usually includes accommodation for one or two nights and transportation from and to the airport.

It may also include complimentary admission to major attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore, and the Singapore Flyer. Additionally, you also may receive discounts or special offers for various tours, activities, and dining experiences.

It’s a deal! Find out how to book Singapore’s Stopover Holiday HERE.

4. TAP Air Portugal: Enjoy up to 10 days in Porto and/or Lisbon

You can choose to stay up to 9 nights in either city, or both, and can book your stopover either during the outbound or inbound leg of your journey.

The program is available to all TAP Air Portugal passengers flying between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and there is no additional cost for the stopover. You can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on hotels, restaurants, and activities during your stopover.

To book a stopover with TAP Air Portugal, you simply need to select the stopover option when booking flights on the airline's website. You can then choose the preferred stopover city and dates, and book any additional activities or accommodations you wish to enjoy during your stay. Find out more HERE.

5. Icelandair: Stay up to 8 days in any Iceland city with the Icelandair Stopover Program

Icelandair's stopover program allows passengers to add a stopover in Iceland for up to 7 nights on their way to or from their final destination. The stopover is free of charge, and you can choose to stay in Reykjavik or any other destination in Iceland.

The program is available to all Icelandair passengers flying between North America and Europe, and there is no additional cost for the stopover.

Icelandair may provide information and recommendations for various activities, tours, and attractions in Iceland. Iceland is known for its stunning natural wonders such as waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and the unique geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, as well as its vibrant culture and cuisine.

It's also a convenient way to break up a long journey between North America and Europe, and to add an extra adventure to your trip at no extra cost. Start your journey HERE.

6. Eithad Airways: Stopover in Abu Dhabi for up to 4 days

This program allows passengers with a layover of more than 24 hours to break up their journey and spend up to 96 hours (4 days) in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. As a passenger utilizing the Stopover in Abu Dhabi service, you could take advantage of discounted rates for chauffeur service and car rentals, allowing for convenient transportation within the city.

You can choose from a range of hotels, starting from 3-star to 5-star, and enjoy various activities such as desert safaris, visits to cultural landmarks, and theme parks. The stopover program also includes airport transfers, discounts on dining and shopping, and a free 2-for-1 voucher for attractions such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.

Explore the options HERE.

Besides the stopover programs, there are shorter layover programs that are also very interesting with even better benefits. Two of the most popular programs are the Emirates’ “Dubai Connect” program and the Turkish Airlines’ “Touristanbul” program.

Emirates – Dubai Connect; basically, a free night in Dubai!

Emirates' Dubai Connect program allows passengers with a connecting stopover time of 10 to 24 hours, or 8 to 26 hours to stay overnight in Dubai at no additional cost. This applies to all cabin classes (First Class, Business, Premium Economy and Economy). The program is available to passengers traveling on a one-way or round-trip itinerary.

If you are eligible for Dubai Connect, you will be entitled to the following benefits:

- Accommodation in a hotel of your choice.

- Transfers between the airport and your hotel.

- Two meals per day.

- Unlimited access to the Emirates Lounge.

Dubai, HERE we come!

Turkish Airlines – Touristanbul program; a free ride through the city!

The Touristanbul layover program is a FREE service offered by Turkish Airlines to passengers (12 years and up) with a connecting flight in Istanbul and a layover between 6 and 24 hours, whether it’s a roundtrip or one-way itinerary. The program allows you to take a guided tour of Istanbul, including some of the city's most popular attractions. The tour also includes complimentary meals and transportation to and from the airport.

You can book the Touristanbul program at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals Hall of Istanbul Airport, and the tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Touristanbul layover program offers a variety of tours to choose from, including:

- Sightseeing Tour: This tour takes you to some of Istanbul's most popular attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

- Balat Tour: This tour takes you to the historic Balat neighborhood, which is known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets.

- Half-Day Tour: This tour takes you to a variety of attractions in Istanbul, such as the Topkapi Palace, the Spice Bazaar, and the Galata Tower.

- Full-Day Tour: This tour takes you to some of Istanbul's most popular attractions, such as the Princes' Islands, the Rumeli Fortress, and the Suleymaniye Mosque.

And now…take flight and stay safe!

Bon voyage,

Juliska