Summary

• Stopover programs are often permanent government-funded initiatives, not limited-time sales
• Double savings: connecting flights save $300-600 on airfare, plus free hotels/tours worth $200-600 more
• North American carriers offer routing flexibility only. Asian/Middle Eastern programs include free hotels, tours, visas, and transfers
• Best programs: Turkish Airlines (3 free nights), Qatar Airways ($14/night hotels), Chinese carriers (free transit hotels)
• Book directly on airline websites using multi-city options or specific stopover portals to claim these benefits

1. Turkish Airlines
Istanbul

Turkish Airlines offers the most generous free stopover program with up to 2 nights free at 4-star hotels for economy passengers or 3 nights free at 5-star properties like Conrad or Hilton for business class. You need a minimum 20-hour layover to qualify, and the program is available for passengers from select countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and several Asian nations. Hotels are located about 30 miles from the airport, so you’ll need to budget for transportation.

For shorter layovers between 6-24 hours, you can join the free TourIstanbul program which includes guided city tours with meals, transportation, and museum entrance fees. These tours cover major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar. The tours run daily with six different programs to choose from.

To book your free hotel, you must apply at least 72 hours before departure through the Turkish Stopover page with a country-specific email. For the free tours, simply register at the tour desk in the airport during your layover. Remember that stopovers can be extended up to 7 days maximum if you want to explore Istanbul longer on your own.

Read more about the program on the official page.

2. Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways provides completely free 2-night stopover stays in Abu Dhabi at your choice of 4-star hotels like Aloft or TRYP by Wyndham, or 5-star properties including Shangri-La and Grand Hyatt. The stopover is available for passengers traveling from the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia with at least 24 hours between flights. Note that hotels provide room only—breakfast isn’t included.

The program includes a free Stopover Pass offering 15% off local attractions, a complimentary SIM card with 10GB of data, and access to city shuttles. You can use the stopover on either your outbound or return journey, but not both. The offer covers up to 3 people per booking.

You must book directly with Etihad and claim your stopover online at least 72 hours before arrival. Simply retrieve your booking on etihad.com after purchasing an eligible round-trip ticket through Abu Dhabi. Be aware of blackout periods during peak travel times in November, December, and early January.

Read more about the program on the official page.

3. Qatar Airways
Doha

Qatar Airways offers heavily subsidized stopover packages in Doha starting at just $14 per person per night for 4-star hotels or $24 for 5-star properties. You can stay up to 4 nights, with package prices ranging from $14-76 for standard hotels or $24-111 for premium options. The program is available to passengers from over 100 visa-free countries with a minimum 12-hour transit time.

These are room-only rates based on double occupancy, but you can add breakfast, tours, and transfers for additional fees. The Discover Qatar program makes this one of the best-value paid stopover options among Middle Eastern carriers. You’ll have access to explore Doha’s modern skyline, traditional souks, and desert experiences.

To book, first purchase your Qatar Airways flights, then add stopover hotels through the Discover Qatar website at least 3 days before travel. The maximum stopover duration is 96 hours (4 nights), giving you plenty of time to explore the city. Transit visas are available for those who need them.

Read more about the program on the official page.

4. Emirates
Dubai

Emirates’ Dubai Connect program offers completely free hotel accommodation, meals, transfers, and even visa processing for qualifying layovers. Economy and premium economy passengers with 8-26 hour connections qualify, while first and business class passengers need only 6-26 hours. The catch is that your layover must be the shortest available connection—you can’t intentionally book a longer stopover to get the free hotel.

When eligible, you’ll stay at quality hotels like Le Méridien Airport Hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, or Copthorne Hotel Dubai with all meals and airport transfers included. This makes it one of the most comprehensive free stopover programs available. The program automatically appears during booking if you qualify, or you can request it later through “Manage Booking.”

For those wanting longer Dubai stays, Emirates Holidays offers paid stopover packages with flexible 24-hour check-in/checkout times and hotels ranging from 3 to 5 stars. Book at least 24 hours before your flight to secure your Dubai Connect benefits. New bookings through Emirates Holidays receive a 10% discount on extended stopover packages.

Read more about the program on the official page.

5. Saudia
Riyadh or Jeddah

Saudia’s “Your Ticket Your Visa” program provides a free instant e-visa with health insurance for stopovers between 8 and 96 hours in either Riyadh or Jeddah. Launched in January 2024, this program is available to passengers from North America, Europe, and select Asian countries. The visa is valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry stay of up to 4 days.

Eligible passengers receive one free hotel night when booking through Saudia Holidays at least 48 hours before arrival. Simply present your boarding pass at the hotel for complimentary accommodation. For those not qualifying for the free night, discounted hotel rates are available through the program.

Book your stopover during flight booking on the Saudia website or through their dedicated stopover portal. The program opens up Saudi Arabia as a new stopover destination, offering travelers a chance to explore historic sites, modern developments, and authentic Arabian culture. Both Riyadh and Jeddah serve as gateways to different regions of the kingdom.

Read more about the program on the official page.

6. Gulf Air
Bahrain

Gulf Air’s STPC (Stopover Paid by Carrier) program provides free hotel stays for connections between 7-24 hours when your ticket value exceeds $450 (fare plus carrier charges). For tickets under $450, you can still access the program for $100 per adult. The program includes accommodation at various 4-5 star properties in Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

Both flights must be Gulf Air marketed and operated, and the program only applies if no connection under 7 hours is available. Qualifying passengers also receive a free visa if required for their nationality. This makes Bahrain an accessible stopover option for travelers between Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Request your STPC stopover at least 24 hours before departure through Gulf Air’s contact center, or within 24 hours at the Bahrain Airport office. The program offers a chance to explore Bahrain’s pearl diving heritage, modern financial district, and historic sites. Check the Transit in Bahrain and Visit Bahrain pages for additional holiday deals that sometimes include up to 2 free nights.

Read more about the program on the official page.

7. Singapore Airlines
Singapore

Singapore Airlines launched its “Holiday Before the Holiday” stopover program in January 2025 with particularly generous benefits for premium cabin passengers. Business and First Class travelers receive complimentary 1-2 night hotel stays, curated Singapore tours, transport options, plus SGD 40 to spend at Changi Airport and lounge access regardless of cabin class. Economy passengers receive SGD 20 vouchers for Changi’s shops and restaurants, making the world’s best airport even more accessible.

The program operates for layovers exceeding 24 hours but under 30 days, perfectly positioned to break up long-haul flights and ease travel fatigue. For shorter connections of at least 5.5 hours, Singapore Airlines provides a complimentary Singapore city tour—offering a taste of the city even on brief layovers. Premium passengers enjoy exclusive Singapore Night Tours featuring the city’s iconic skyline, while all travelers benefit from local hotel partnerships offering reduced rates and special amenities.

KrisFlyer award ticket holders have different but equally generous rules: free stopovers up to 30 days when booking on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance partners. Previously, Singapore allowed paid additional stopovers for $100 USD, but this was discontinued in 2022. Instead, the airline now focuses on complimentary benefits for premium passengers and discounted packages for all classes. Singapore Airlines’ position as a major connector between Europe, Australia, and Asia—combined with Changi Airport’s exceptional facilities—makes Singapore an ideal stopover destination. Book through the airline’s stopover page or select “Add Stopovers” during multi-city booking.

Read more about the program on the official page.

8. Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific offers free stopovers in Hong Kong for up to 7 days with no additional airfare charges on eligible routes from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through January 31, 2026, there’s a special stopover fee waiver promotion for return flights from Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan. Business class passengers enjoy complimentary Airport Express train access, while all stopover guests receive 5% discounts at select hotels.

Transit passengers with 7+ hour layovers can join free guided tours departing from Hong Kong International Airport, offering a taste of the city without immigration hassles. The tours are available from December 2025 and can be pre-booked up to 3 months in advance through the HKIA website. For those wanting to explore beyond Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area connections via ferry or coach provide easy access to Macau and mainland China.

Book your Hong Kong stopover using the multi-city booking tool on cathaypacific.com, accommodating up to 9 passengers per online booking. Note that some business class fares now limit stopovers to one direction only with the maximum 7-day duration.

Read more about the program on the official page.

9. Japan Airlines
Tokyo and Osaka

Japan Airlines charges a $100 stopover fee for passengers from the US, Canada, Mexico, and China, but allows up to 6 nights in Tokyo or Osaka—perfect for exploring Japan’s vibrant cities before continuing your journey. Other nationalities enjoy free stopovers with the same generous time allowance. Starting July 2025, JAL also offers free domestic connections to over 30 Japanese cities when booked on the same international reservation, making it easy to explore beyond the major hubs.

The airline’s Japan Explorer Pass provides heavily discounted domestic flights throughout Japan when purchased with your international ticket, offering exceptional value for multi-city exploration. While JAL doesn’t provide complimentary hotels, the flexibility of up to 6 nights gives you plenty of time to arrange your preferred accommodation. The stopover can be taken on either your outbound or return journey, but not both.

To book your stopover, use JAL’s multi-city booking tool on their website or work with a travel agent familiar with the program.

Read more about the program on the official page.

10. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
multiple cities

All Nippon Airways offers exceptional flexibility with its Multiple Stopover Service, allowing you to explore over 40 Japanese destinations with your first stopover completely free per direction. You can add a second stopover for just $130, enabling you to visit up to four different Japanese cities on a round trip.

ANA’s seamless domestic connections are included at no extra charge when continuing beyond Tokyo, with multiple airport options (Narita and Haneda) ensuring convenient transfers. The airline’s Domestic Add-on Service provides additional discounted flights throughout Japan when booked with your international ticket.

Book your multi-city adventure using the “Search Multiple Cities” tool on ana.co.jp.

Read more about the program on the official page.

11. Korean Air
Seoul

Korean Air’s K-Stopover program offers comprehensive packages starting at $390 per person for a memorable Seoul exploration, including accommodation at 3-5 star hotels, transportation, guided tours, and authentic Korean meals. The popular Seoul Exploration Package features visits to Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the cutting-edge HiKR Ground K-pop center, The Painters live performance, and five traditional Korean meals including a scenic picnic at Seoul Botanic Park.

For shorter connections between 4-24 hours, take advantage of completely free transit tours departing from Incheon Airport—no visa required for many nationalities. These tours showcase Seoul’s highlights without the hassle of arranging your own transportation or guides. The K-Stopover program requires 24-72 hour layovers and includes travel insurance.

Book your K-Stopover experience online at k-stopover.com or register at the Incheon Airport K-Stopover desk upon arrival.

Read more about the program on the official page.

12. Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines offers an outstanding Bonus Side Trip program providing free domestic return flights to seven captivating Malaysian destinations when you book an international journey through Kuala Lumpur. Choose from tropical Langkawi’s pristine beaches, cultural Penang’s heritage sites, vibrant Johor Bahru, coastal Kuantan, historic Alor Star, traditional Kuala Terengganu, or authentic Kota Bharu—with no additional airfare charges, only taxes to pay.

The program is seamlessly integrated into your booking—simply purchase your international ticket through Malaysia Airlines’ website, ticketing offices, or authorized agents, and add your chosen domestic destination.

Read more about the program on the official page.

13. Asiana Airlines
Seoul

Asiana Airlines provides multiple stopover options including the Stop & Joy Seoul paid packages with downtown hotels, lounge access, duty-free discounts, and bonus Asiana miles—perfect for exploring Korea’s vibrant capital. Select routes and business class passengers may qualify for free hotel accommodation under the STPC (Stopover Paid by Carrier) program—you must request this via email at least one day before travel to confirm eligibility.

All transit passengers with 4-24 hour connections can enjoy free Incheon Airport tours showcasing Seoul’s highlights, while the KTO X Asiana Stopover Korea promotion offers cultural tours, shopping experiences, and activity packages. The tours range from 2-hour quick glimpses to comprehensive day trips, with registration available at the airport. Star Alliance Gold members enjoy lounge access during their stopover.

Book stopovers using Asiana’s multi-city booking tool unless you qualify for free STPC accommodation. Award ticket stopovers are priced as the sum of individual segments rather than offering savings, though Star Alliance awards allow up to 7 stopovers on around-the-world tickets.

Read more about the program on the official page.

14. China Airlines
Taiwan

China Airlines offers free stopovers on select routes when booking multi-city itineraries with Basic, Standard, or Flex fares, plus complimentary Half-Day Tours for transit passengers with 7-24 hour layovers.

Three distinct tour experiences showcase Taiwan’s diversity: the Morning Tour explores Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, and trendy Yongkang Street; the Afternoon Tour features traditional arts in Daxi; and the Evening Tour includes night market adventures with authentic street food.

These Free Half-Day Tours are provided by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and include transportation, English-speaking guides, and even meals—an exceptional value for transit passengers. Tours can be pre-registered online 5-90 days in advance at halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw, with 18 seats available per tour. Same-day registration is possible at airport Tourist Service Centers if space permits, making it flexible for last-minute planners.

The special Taipei Metro Pass discounts and various promotional offers make exploring Taiwan affordable and convenient.

Read more about the program on the official page.

15. Vietnam Airlines
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam Airlines’ stopover program has been suspended since  2023 with no confirmed resumption date as of late 2025, though the airline has indicated it may resume “within a couple of months” according to recent reports. The historical program was exceptional, providing free hotel accommodation, visa arrangement assistance, and meals for passengers with 7+ hour transits through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Check Vietnam Airlines’ website regularly for updates on program reinstatement, as the airline previously outsourced to local tour companies to provide comprehensive stopover services. When operational, this was one of Asia’s most generous stopover programs.

16. Air China
multiple cities

Air China offers one of mainland China’s most widely available free transit hotel programs across six major hubs. Travelers transiting through Beijing Capital, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou, Tianjin, or Wenzhou can enjoy complimentary hotel accommodation when their connection exceeds 6 hours (up to 24 hours for most domestic/international combinations). International-to-international transfers qualify for longer stays up to 30 hours, provided the layover represents the shortest available connection.

The program requires that both flight segments bear Air China flight numbers and that passengers reserve the service at least 24 hours before arrival through the airline’s mobile app. With free breakfast included and transfer buses available at most airports, Air China transforms potentially exhausting layovers into restful breaks. Hotels range from comfortable mid-range properties to premium accommodations, depending on the city and passenger class of service.

At the airport, visit the dedicated transit desk to receive hotel vouchers after clearing customs and immigration (if required). The program applies to qualifying Air China tickets and certain partner carrier flights, making it accessible to a broad range of international travelers.

Read more about the program on the official page.

Before booking with Chinese carriers for your Asia stopover, it’s worth understanding what Chinese airlines offer in terms of comfort, service, and value compared to traditional Western carriers.

17. China Southern Airlines
multiple cities

China Southern Airlines’ “Free Accommodations for Transfer Passengers” service caters to travelers transiting through its major hubs like Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing. The program operates at eight cities across China, providing complimentary overnight stays for layovers between 6 and 30 hours on qualifying China Southern flights. Hotels range from mid-scale to premium properties, with first- and business-class passengers and Sky Pearl Club elite members often placed in higher-end accommodations.

The service includes breakfast and shuttle transportation between the airport and hotel at most locations. Eligible itineraries must include connecting flights operated by China Southern, with most first/business and economy fares qualifying—though highly discounted fare classes may be excluded. Economy-class travelers receive comfortable mid-range accommodations, ensuring a restful break regardless of cabin class.

Booking procedures vary by city: Guangzhou and Shenyang offer convenient online self-service, while other airports require visiting the transfer service counter upon arrival to receive hotel vouchers. The program can also be reserved when initially booking tickets or by calling China Southern’s transfer hotline.

Read more about the program on the official page.

18. China Eastern Airlines
Shanghai

China Eastern’s free transit hotel service is less publicized than other Chinese carriers but well-documented by traveler reports. Passengers connecting through Shanghai on China Eastern-issued tickets (beginning with 781) can receive complimentary accommodation at quality properties such as the Shanghai Shahai International Hotel or Primus Hotel. The package includes breakfast and shuttle transfers to and from the airport, making Shanghai layovers significantly more comfortable.

Eligibility requires holding a China Eastern-issued ticket in an allowed booking class (not the deeply discounted “Z” class) with a layover exceeding 8 hours that represents the shortest available connection. The service must be registered via the airline’s Chinese-language mobile app before arrival—international travelers should download and set up the app in advance or seek assistance from China Eastern staff at their departure airport.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, airline staff direct eligible passengers to the hotel shuttle after verification. While the program’s Chinese-language requirement and app-based registration create some barriers for international travelers, those who navigate the process successfully report excellent 4- and 5-star accommodations. As program details and availability may change, passengers should verify eligibility when booking and prepare the necessary mobile app access before departure.

Read more about the program on the official page.

19. Hainan Airlines
multiple cities

Hainan Airlines and its affiliated HNA group carriers operate free transit hotel programs across a wide range of mid-sized Chinese hubs. These services typically accommodate passengers whose layovers last 8 hours or more—sometimes extending up to 48 hours—offering a complimentary night in a local hotel with shuttle transportation. The program includes connecting flights operated by Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Capital Airlines, and other HNA group carriers across their extensive network.

Procedures vary by airport, with most locations requiring advance reservation through a WeChat mini-program. Travelers receive a QR code after registration, which must be presented at the airport transfer service center to obtain vouchers for hotel and shuttle service. Some airports also accept reservations via telephone hotlines or direct contact with airline ground staff. For example, Chongqing provides service for 8–48 hour layovers, while Hohhot accommodates up to 24 hours with potential single-room supplement charges.

Because eligibility rules and availability differ significantly among airports, passengers should consult Hainan Airlines or specific airport service guidelines before traveling. The WeChat mini-program requirement can present challenges for international travelers unfamiliar with Chinese mobile platforms, so advance preparation is essential.

20. Xiamen Airlines
multiple cities

Xiamen Airlines offers free accommodation to international or regional transfer passengers with layovers of 6–24 hours at its Fujian province hubs (Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou) and in Hangzhou. The program includes one night in a partner hotel—shared double rooms for economy passengers and upgraded accommodations for elite members. However, unlike other carriers, transportation between the airport and hotel is NOT included, so passengers must arrange their own transport.

Eligibility requires flying on Xiamen Airlines or its subsidiaries (Hebei Airlines, Jiangxi Air) with one segment on an international or regional route. Most booking classes qualify except deeply discounted X/O/E classes. Economy-class passengers are placed in shared twin rooms by default, though single rooms can be purchased at additional cost.

To take advantage of the program, visit the airline’s transit counter after landing with your boarding passes in hand. Staff will arrange the hotel stay and provide a voucher for check-in. Some travelers successfully reserve the service through customer service hotlines before departure, ensuring room availability during peak periods.

Read more about the program on the official page.

21. Finnair
Helsinki

Finnair’s Helsinki stopover program offers free routing flexibility for passengers traveling on Classic or Flex fare classes, allowing stays from approximately 5 hours up to 5 nights at no additional airfare cost. Light fares do not permit stopovers. The airline maintains Europe’s strongest Asian network despite Russian airspace closures, serving 8 Asian destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul.

Finnair provides detailed self-guided itineraries for 6, 12, and 24-hour layovers featuring Helsinki’s Design District, Helsinki Art Museum, Ateneum Art Museum, and the popular Allas Sea Pool & Sauna. The city center connects to the airport via the Ring Rail Line for just €4.10, with unlimited day passes at €11. However, unlike some competitors, no hotels, transfers, or tours are included—passengers arrange all ground services independently.

The program transitioned away from its dedicated stopover website in 2025, with multi-city booking now integrated directly into finnair.com. Select your origin city, then Helsinki, then your final destination to price the stopover. Classic fares include one free stopover, with some reports of a €75 fee for a second stopover on the same ticket. Book well in advance for Asian routes, as Finnair’s geographically advantageous position makes it a popular connector despite longer flight times due to airspace restrictions.

Read more about the program on the official page.

22. SWISS
Zurich, Geneva

SWISS takes a fundamentally different approach—stopovers incur no additional airfare, but passengers must purchase comprehensive destination packages separately. This program targets travelers seeking curated Swiss experiences with all logistics handled, offering 2-5 day packages ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options.

The Swiss Travel Pass inclusion distinguishes this program from all competitors. Every package includes unlimited train, bus, and boat travel throughout Switzerland in 1st or 2nd class, plus free entry to 500+ museums and 50% discounts on mountain railways including the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express. A 4-night “Best of Switzerland” itinerary covering Lucerne and Interlaken starts at CHF 770 per person, while “Luxury Switzerland” packages featuring 5-star hotels begin at CHF 2,430.

Critical restriction: stopovers are permitted on either outbound OR inbound, but not both directions of your journey. SWISS operates 50 weekly flights to Asia from Zurich, serving Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, and more. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance through stopover-switzerland.com.

Read more about the program on the official page.

23. TAP Air Portugal
Lisbon, Porto

TAP Air Portugal provides the longest free stopover duration at up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto—the most generous among major carriers.

The discount structure proves remarkably generous: up to 50% off at 150+ partner restaurants, tours, and cultural attractions, plus up to 20% off partner hotels for direct bookings with an additional 4% discount through Booking.com. A promotional code distributed after booking provides 25% off one domestic TAP flight during your stopover, enabling easy exploration of Porto, Algarve, Azores, or Madeira islands.

TAP serves no direct Asian destinations—the airline focuses on Europe (50 cities), Africa (14 destinations), South America (14 cities with Brazil as the strongest market), and North America (11 destinations). Star Alliance partnerships provide connections to Asia through partner carriers. Summer 2025 brought new US routes including Los Angeles-Lisbon (May 16), Boston-Porto (May 14), and San Francisco with a technical stop in Terceira, Azores.

Book your stopover during initial ticket purchase or add it later through “Manage Booking” at flytap.com.

Read more about the program on the official page.

24. Icelandair
Reykjavik

Icelandair pioneered the transatlantic stopover concept and maintains the most established program, offering free routing through Reykjavik between North America and Europe. Duration limits vary by fare class: Economy Light restricts stopovers to 3 days maximum, Economy Standard and Saga Premium allow 7 days, while Saga Premium Flex permits up to 21 days (requiring service center contact for 8-21 day stays).

The airline provides extensive itinerary planning without including ground services. Video itineraries for 24, 48, and 72-hour stopovers feature whale watching, the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. Northern Lights viewing (September-April) and midnight sun (June-August) create distinctly seasonal experiences. Icelandair’s tour portal enables direct booking of Blue Lagoon, ice caves, and glacier hikes, but all accommodations and activities require separate payment.

Book stopovers during initial purchase at icelandair.com, with seamless integration into all fare classes except the most restrictive.

Read more about the program on the official page.

25. Iberia
Madrid

Iberia’s Stopover Hola Madrid allows passengers on long-haul flights to add 1-9 nights in Madrid at no additional airfare cost. Choose to stopover on your outbound or return journey when booking at Iberia.com. All stopover passengers receive a free 2-day public transport card valid on municipal buses and Metro, plus 25% discount on domestic Iberia flights to explore more of Spain or Portugal.

Complimentary perks include a free Flamenco de Leones dinner show (2025 enhancement), free guidebooks from Biduzz, and free beer tastings at La Cervecista. The program offers curated itineraries covering Madrid’s Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, and Gran Vía. Partner discounts extend to museums, hotels (Meliá chain, Booking.com), and optional day trips to Toledo, Ávila, or Segovia.

Read more about the program on the official page.

26. LOT Polish Airlines
Warsaw

LOT Polish Airlines’ LOT Stopover allows passengers to extend their Warsaw layover from 1 to 8 days at no additional airfare cost. Simply select the stopover option during booking on lot.com and choose your preferred transfer duration. The program includes a generous 25% discount on LOT domestic flights within Poland, enabling easy exploration beyond Warsaw to Baltic beaches, mountain landscapes, and other regions.

Through partnerships with the Polish Tourism Organisation and Warsaw Tourism Organisation, stopover passengers receive special discounted prices at Warsaw’s tourist destinations and restaurants. The program transforms typical connections into immersive cultural experiences, offering access to UNESCO-listed Old Town, world-class museums, and Poland’s diverse landscapes. Valid for round-trip international travel only, with benefits applying to all passengers in the booking.

Read more about the program on the official page.

27. Fiji Airways
Nadi

Fiji Airways provides a free stopover in paradise for up to 96 hours in Nadi—recently extended from 72 hours. Stopovers under 96 hours are exempt from Fiji’s departure tax (currently FJD $140 per adult), providing substantial savings that can fund activities instead.

The program makes Fiji an ideal break point for long US-Australia/New Zealand flights. A LAX-Sydney journey via Fiji adds just 3 hours 15 minutes of connection time compared to nonstop flights, but transforms a grueling 15-hour haul into manageable segments with a tropical intermission. Hotel partnerships near Nadi Airport include Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort at rates from $192-1,500/night depending on property and season.

Fiji Airways joined oneworld alliance as a full member in March 2025 (previously oneworld Connect), bringing expanded lounge access and reciprocal benefits. The airline also adopted American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program, enabling mile earning and redemption on all Fiji flights. Book using the “Multi-city/Fiji Stopover” option on the website—return tickets typically required.

28. Hawaiian Airlines
Honolulu

Hawaiian Airlines offers an unofficial but highly effective free stopover program in Honolulu with no advertised time limits. While not formally marketed like competitor programs, the airline’s fare rules for roundtrip tickets provide for one free stopover per direction when using the Multi-City booking option. This adds only $20-60 to total ticket costs compared to direct routing—essentially free when you factor in the value of a Hawaii vacation.

The program proves transformational for East Coast travelers heading to Asia or the South Pacific. Instead of enduring a 6-hour transcontinental flight plus 15-hour international segment, split the journey with Hawaii in between: NYC to Honolulu (overnight, 9.5 hours), enjoy your stopover, then Honolulu to Sydney (9.5 hours), then continue home. The International Date Line creates unique timing advantages—you can relive the same day or strategically lose a day depending on your itinerary preferences.

Hawaiian serves nine international destinations from Honolulu: Tokyo Haneda (11x weekly), Osaka, Seoul (5x weekly), Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Papeete, Pago Pago, and Fukuoka. With 42 weekly flights crossing the International Date Line, Honolulu functions as a major Pacific gateway. No hotel or transfer benefits are included—passengers arrange their own ground services. Book published fares with stopover provisions using Multi-City search; if the cheap fare doesn’t show the option, call reservations to request manually. Some qualifying fares require phone booking to access stopover benefits.

29. Qantas
multiple cities

Qantas offers no-additional-cost stopover opportunities when flying on Qantas or airline partner services. For Australian travelers planning Asia trips, choosing the right departure hub can unlock additional savings beyond stopover benefits alone. The Australian flagship carrier makes multi-city routing simple: your airfare can include a stopover for no extra cost, or add three or four stops. For award tickets, the rules differ: transits under 24 hours cost zero additional points, while stopovers of 24+ hours require extra points.

With extensive European connections through Heathrow, stopover in London before embarking on your European adventure.

For Qantas Frequent Flyer members booking oneworld Classic Flight Rewards, up to five free stopovers are permitted (maximum one stopover per city), with only two transfers allowed at any single city. Each segment on Qantas, Jetstar, or using the Classic Flight Reward table must not exceed 15,000 miles.

The key is understanding the distinction: award tickets require strategic planning around the 24-hour threshold, while paid tickets offer unlimited free stopovers via multi-city booking.

Questions? Answers.