Airline Stopover Deals Offer Free Hotels and Mini-Vacations

Some two dozen airlines let travelers turn layovers into mini-trips, often with complimentary hotel stays.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Many airlines offer "stopover" programs that allow travelers to turn a layover into a mini-vacation, with free or discounted hotels and activities included. These deals can let you see a new city for a few days on your way to your final destination, essentially getting two trips for the price of one. The rules and perks vary by airline, but stopover programs are becoming a popular travel hack that can save money and add excitement to your journey.

Why it matters

Stopover programs boost tourism for the airlines' home countries and encourage travelers to choose one-stop itineraries over nonstop flights, which can be more profitable for the carriers. For travelers, these deals offer a chance to experience a new destination that they might not have otherwise made time for, all while breaking up a long journey.

The details

To take advantage of a stopover deal, travelers must typically apply for any included hotel vouchers at least 72 hours before their trip. The duration of the stopover is also usually restricted, often requiring a layover of at least 20 hours but no more than 7 days. The specific hotel options and number of complimentary nights vary by airline, with some offering 5-star accommodations and others providing more budget-friendly 4-star options. Travelers are usually responsible for any additional costs like visa fees and transportation to/from the airport and hotel.

  • The stopover deal must fall within the airline's specified timeframe, which is typically at least 20 hours but no more than 7 days.
  • Travelers must apply for any included hotel vouchers at least 72 hours before their trip.

The players

Turkish Airlines

A global carrier that offers a stopover program allowing travelers to spend up to 7 days in Istanbul on their way to a final destination.

Copa Airlines

An airline that offers a stopover program in Panama City.

Qatar Airways

An airline that offers a stopover program in Doha, including discounted hotel rooms.

Icelandair

An airline that offers a stopover program in Reykjavik.

Fiji Airways

An airline that offers a stopover program in Nadi.

Iberia

An airline that offers a stopover program in Madrid.

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What they’re saying

“It gave me just the right amount of time to shake off jet lag after the long flight from New York and check off Istanbul's main sites, like the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and the Spice Bazaar.”

— Taylor Rains (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Travelers interested in taking advantage of an airline stopover deal should research the specific rules and perks offered by different carriers, as the details can vary significantly. They will also need to plan ahead to apply for any included hotel vouchers within the required timeframe.

The takeaway

Airline stopover programs are a clever travel hack that allow flyers to turn a layover into a mini-vacation, often with free or discounted hotels and activities included. By strategically planning a stopover, travelers can experience a new destination on their way to their final trip, essentially getting two trips for the price of one.