26 Airline Stopover Programs to Use Now

Last Updated: October 22, 2024

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During our travels to over 100 countries, we have discovered many airline stopover programs that offer free layovers, allowing travelers to explore a secondary destination at no additional cost during their trip. These airline hacks let passengers stay for a few days and see great cities like Reykjavik, Panama City, Dublin, Lisbon, or Doha. These stopovers are a great way to experience a new city or country without extra airfare, enhancing the value and adventure to long-haul trips. Each airline has different terms and conditions, but many provide easy booking processes and sometimes even hotel or tour discounts to encourage travelers to take advantage of the stopover.

Here is our list of 26 airline stopover programs (in alphabetical order) with this option and more information to help you plan your next trip. We always recommend to book directly with the airlines and we have included the links below. Happy journeys.

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List of Airline Stopover Programs

Aer Lingus (EI)

Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline. Based in Dublin, the airline provides a comfortable flying experience with economy and business class options, featuring Irish hospitality and inflight entertainment. It has a strong European network and is expanding its routes to North America. Aer Lingus is a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers. We enjoyed a pint of Guinness beer when visiting the brewery in Dublin, and so will you. They allow stopovers lasting up to 7 nights.

Website: Aer Lingus
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Dublin
Alliance: Agreements with Air Canada, Alaska, American, British, Iberia, jetBlue, and United

AeroMexico (AM)

Aeromexico is Mexico’s flagship airline and is based in Mexico City. They provide a full-service experience with economy and business-class options, emphasizing comfort and Mexican hospitality. AeroMexico offers free stopovers in Mexico City, encouraging travelers to explore the vibrant capital. They don’t advertise a stopover program, but when pricing multi-stop trips on the Aeromexico website, we often found it offers fares for routes with long stopovers similar to (or even lower than) fares for connecting flights without them. Also, be sure to check out our Retirement Travelers Mexico City blog.

Website: Aeromexico
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Mexico City
Alliance: SkyTeam (includes Delta)

Air Canada (AC)

Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada, is based in Montreal and offers flights to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. It is known for its strong safety record and comprehensive loyalty program (Aeroplan). Air Canada is a top choice for travelers flying within Canada or internationally, offering both leisure and business travelers a reliable and comfortable flying experience. They allow free stopovers for up to 7 days when traveling from the United States to/from Asia or Europe. At AirCanada.com use “Multi-city/Stopover” search option to book.

Website: Air Canada
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Toronto
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)

Azores Airlines (S4)

Azores Airlines, based in Ponta Delgada, is the primary airline serving the Azores archipelago, offering flights between the Azores and mainland Portugal, Europe, North America, and other islands in the Atlantic. Known for connecting the remote but beautiful Azores with major international cities like Lisbon, Boston, and Toronto, the airline provides economy and business class options focusing on comfortable service and island hospitality. Azores Airlines also offers travelers free stopovers in the Azores, allowing them to explore these stunning islands during transatlantic flights. At AzoresAirlines.pt click on “Azores Stopover.”

Website: Azores Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: São Miguel and Terceira
Alliance: None, but codeshares with Air France/KLM, TAP, and WestJet

Cathay Pacific (CX)

Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong’s flagship airline, known for its premium service and extensive network that connects Asia to major cities across the globe, including North America, Europe, and Australia. Based in Hong Kong, the airline offers a luxurious travel experience with a premium economy, business, and first-class options designed for comfort and convenience. Cathay Pacific allows free stopovers up to 90 days. Book at CathayPacific.com using the “Multi-city/stopover” search.

Website: Cathay Pacific
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Hong Kong
Alliance: Oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

China Airlines (CI)

China Airlines is Taiwan’s flagship carrier. Based in Taipei, the airline provides a range of services in the economy, premium economy, and business class. It is known for its modern fleet and emphasis on comfort and hospitality. China Airlines is a leading choice for international travelers with a focus on safety, innovation, and Taiwanese culture. They allow free stopovers (50 euro fee for some ticket classes) up to 90 days. Book at China-Airlines.com using the “Multi-city and Stopover” search.

Website: China Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Taipei
Alliance: SkyTeam (includes Delta)

Copa Airlines (CM)

Copa Airlines is Panama’s national airline, headquartered in Panama City, and serves as a critical carrier connecting North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. Known for its “Hub of the Americas” at Tocumen International Airport, Copa offers seamless connections to over 80 destinations, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to transit through the Americas. They allow free stopovers up to 7 days. Book at CopaAir.com using the “Panama Stopover” search. We used Copa extensively in Central America.

Website: Copa Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Panama City
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)

Emirates (EK)

Based in Dubai, Emirates Airlines is one of the world’s leading international carriers, known for its luxurious service, modern fleet, and global reach. Operating flights to over 150 destinations across six continents, Emirates offers passengers a high level of comfort with spacious cabins, cutting-edge inflight entertainment, and gourmet dining in economy, business, and first class. The airline is particularly famous for its A380 aircraft, which features onboard lounges and showers in first class. They allow free stopovers up to 14 days. Book at Emirates.com using the multi-city itinerary.

Website: Emirates
Stopover city for flights from U.S.: Dubai
Alliance: Agreements with United and 17 foreign carriers

Etihad Airways (EY)

Etihad Airways is headquarted in Abu Dhabi. It is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is known for providing a premium travel experience, offering both luxury and economy options on a global flight network that spans the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. They allow free stopovers up to 6 months. At Etihad.com, use “Abu Dhabi Stopover” search option to book. They will also pay for hotel stays for up to 2 nights.

Website: Etihad Airways
Stopover city for flights from U.S.: Abu Dhabi
Alliance: Agreements with JetBlue and more than 30 foreign carriers

EVA Air (BR)

EVA Air is a Taiwanese international airline. It is headquartered at the Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, Taiwan. It operates a network of routes across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. EVA Air is known for its premium travel offerings, particularly its Royal Laurel (business) class and award-winning in-flight service. They don’t advertise free stopovers, but when pricing multi-stop trips on EVA’s website, we often found it offers similar (or even lower) fares for routes with long stopovers as it does for connecting flights without them.

Website: EVA Air
Stopover city for flights from U.S.: Taipei
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)

Fiji Airways (FJ)

Fiji Airways is the national airline of Fiji and is headquartered in Nadi. It operates flights to major destinations across the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and Asia, providing a vital connection between the South Pacific islands and the rest of the world. They allow free stopovers up to 4 days. At FijiAirways.com, book a “Multi-city/Fiji Stopover” itinerary.

Website: Fiji Airways
Stopover city for flights from U.S.: Nadi
Alliance: oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Hawaiian Airlines (HA)

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest and oldest airline in Hawaii. Based in Honolulu, it operates both domestic and international flights, connecting Hawaii to the U.S. mainland, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. They don’t advertise a program, but its fare rules for roundtrip tickets provide for one free stopover with no time limits. Book at HawaiianAirlines.com using the “Multi-City” option.

Website: Hawaiian Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Honolulu
Alliance: Agreements with Japan Airlines, jetBlue, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia

Iberia (IB)

Iberia Airlines is the biggest carrier in Spain and one of the oldest airlines in the world. Based in Madrid, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, primarily connecting Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. Known for its blend of Spanish hospitality and modern amenities, the airline provides both economy and premium cabins, with features such as in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and Spanish-inspired cuisine. They allow free stopovers up to 9 nights on roundtrip tickets only. Book at Iberia.com using the “Stopover Hola Madrid” flight search option.

Website: Iberia
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Madrid
Alliance: Oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Icelandair (FI)

Icelandair, the national carrier of Iceland, is headquartered in Reykjavík. The airline is known for its unique hub-and-spoke model, connecting North America and Europe via its hub at Keflavík International Airport. Icelandair offers passengers the option of stopovers in Iceland. They have one of the best airline stopover programs which allows free stopovers lasting up to 7 days to explore the natural wonders of this unique country. Book on Icelandair.com using its stopover page.

Website: Icelandair
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Reykjavik
Alliance: Agreements with EasyJet, Emirates, Turkish, AirBaltic, Alaska, Finnair

ITA Airways (AZ)

ITA Airways, short for Italia Trasporto Aereo, is the national airline of Italy. Headquartered in Rome, ITA Airways operates flights across Europe, North America, and other international destinations, with a focus on connecting Italy to key global markets. They allow free stopovers for up to 3 nights. Check the terms and conditions in the “Multi-destination” of the ITA website.

Website: ITA Airways
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Rome
Alliance: SkyTeam (includes Delta)

Japan Airlines (JL)

Japan Airlines is the largest carrier in Japan. Based in Tokyo, with hubs at Narita and Haneda airports, JAL operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes, connecting Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. They allow free stopovers with no length restrictions. Book at JAL.co.jp via the multi-city search option.

Website: Japan Airlines
Stopover cities for flights from mainland U.S.: Osaka, Tokyo
Alliance: Oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Korean Air (KE)

Korean Air is South Korea’s largest airline and a key global player in the aviation industry. Headquartered in Seoul, it operates a network of domestic and international flights, connecting Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. They have a stopover program for long layovers. Also, when pricing multi-stop trips on Korean Air’s website, we often found it offers similar or even lower fares for routes with long stopovers.

Website: Korean Air
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Incheon
Alliance: SkyTeam (includes Delta), plus agreements with Alaska, American, Hawaiian, and 5 foreign carriers

LATAM (LA)

LATAM Airlines is the largest airline in Latin America. Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights across South America, North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. We loved our experience on this airline. Their airline stopover program allows free layovers lasting up to 3 days.

Website: LATAM
Stopover cities for flights from mainland U.S.: Brasília and São Paulo
Alliance: Agreements with Alaska, Delta and 13 foreign carriers

PLAY Airlines (OG)

PLAY Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in Iceland. The airline operates flights primarily between Europe and North America, using Keflavík International Airport as its hub. PLAY offers a no-frills experience, catering to budget-conscious travelers. Although a relatively new airline, PLAY aims to stand out with competitive pricing, reliable service, and a simple booking model, while promoting Iceland as a convenient stopover destination between continents. They allow free stopovers up to 10 days. At FlyPlay.com select the “Stopover in Iceland” option when searching fares.

Website: PLAY Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Reykjavik
Alliance: None

Qantas (QF)

Qantas Airways is Australia’s flagship carrier and one of the world’s oldest airlines. It is based in Sydney and has a broad network of routes around the world. They allow free stopovers lasting up to one year in any Australian cities en route to a final destination on itinerary. At Qantas.com use the “multi-city” booking search option.

Website: Qantas
Stopover cities for flights from mainland U.S.: Any connecting city in Australia
Alliance: Oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Qatar Airways (QR)

Qatar Airways, headquartered in Doha, is the national carrier of Qatar and has become a major global player in the aviation industry. Known for its luxury and exceptional service, it has an big network of flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania from its hub at Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways offers several classes, including its renowned Qsuite in business class. Their airline stopover program allows free layovers up to 4 nights. At QatarAirways.com look for the “Qatar stopover” menu when searching fares. They also offer heavily discounted hotel rates for stopovers.

Website: Qatar Airways
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Doha
Alliance: oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Royal Air Maroc (AT)

Royal Air Maroc is Morocco’s national carrier and the largest airline in the country. Headquartered in Casablanca, it operates a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights connecting Morocco with Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East. They allow free stopovers with no length restrictions. We’ve been to Morocco a couple of times and plan to use this option when we return.

Website: Royal Air Maroc
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Casablanca
Alliance: Oneworld (includes American and Alaska)

Saudia (SV)

Saudia is the national airline of Saudi Arabia and is headquartered in Jeddah. It operates domestic and international flights connecting Saudi Arabia with destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. They allow free stopovers up to 4 days. Book at Saudia.com/transit-visa.

Website: Saudia
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Riyadh and Jeddah
Alliance: SkyTeam (includes Delta)

Singapore Airlines (SQ)

Singapore Airlines is headquartered in Singapore and known for its luxury travel experience. It operates a large network of international flights connecting Singapore with major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Their airline stopover program allows free layovers up to 7 days. Book at hbth.singaporeair.com.

Website: Singapore Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Singapore
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)

TAP Air Portugal (TP)

TAP Air Portugal is the national airline of Portugal and is headquartered in Lisbon. It operates flights, connecting Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, with a strong focus on routes between Portugal and Brazil. They allow free stopovers lasting up to 10 days. Book at FlyTap.com with the “Add a Free TAP Stopover” option.

Website: TAP Air Portugal
Stopover cities for flights from mainland U.S.: Lisbon and Porto
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)

Turkish Airlines (TK)

Turkish Airlines is the national carrier of Turkey and one of the world’s largest airlines by destinations served. Based in Istanbul, it operates flights to over 300 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East, making it a global leader in connectivity. Their airline stopover program allows free layovers, plus free hotel stays, for 2 or 3 days, depending on cabin class. Book at TurkishAirlines.com with the “Stopover in Istanbul” option.

Website: Turkish Airlines
Stopover city for flights from mainland U.S.: Istanbul
Alliance: Star Alliance (includes United)