Turn Your Layover Into a Vacation: 5 Airline Stopovers That Feel Like Bonus Holidays

Why waste a long layover stuck at the airport when you can turn it into a mini vacation? Many airlines now offer stopover programs that allow travelers to explore a second destination for little to no additional cost – some even throw in hotel stays and city tours. These stopovers are not just convenient – they’re curated experiences that feel like a bonus holiday.

Here’s a detailed look at 5 airline stopover programs in 2025 that can transform your next layover into a travel highlight.

TAP Air Portugal – Explore Lisbon or Porto

• Booking: Choose a stopover during booking via TAP’s website. A pop-up offers a midway stop in Lisbon or Porto when your route qualifies.
• Packages & Perks: Up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto with access to discounts on hotels, local experiences, restaurants, and even domestic TAP flights.
• Minimum Layover: 24 hours or more.
• Eligibility: Available on one-way and round-trip bookings (excluding award tickets).
• Visa: Lisbon and Porto fall under the Schengen zone. Many nationalities (e.g. US, EU, India) may need a Schengen visa. Check based on your passport.

Why It’s Special: A historic tram ride in Lisbon or a riverside glass of Port wine in Porto – TAP gives you the freedom to explore Portugal as more than just a stop.

Turkish Airlines – Immerse in Istanbul

• Booking: Buy a round-trip ticket with a long layover in Istanbul, then apply for the hotel via email at least 72 hours in advance. Details are on Turkish Airlines’ website.
• Packages & Perks:
  • Economy: 1 free night at a 4-star hotel
  • Business Class: 2 free nights at a 5-star hotel
  • Optional: Free “TourIstanbul” city tour for layovers between 6–24 hours
• Minimum Layover:
  • 20+ hours for hotel
  • 6–24 hours for guided city tour
• Eligibility: Available on round-trip tickets; fare classes N and R excluded. Travelers under 18 not eligible unless accompanied.
• Visa: Most travelers (including Indians, Americans, and Australians) require an e-Visa to leave the airport.

Why It’s Special: Turkish Airlines turns a long transit into a cultural feast – Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus, and bazaar adventures await.

Icelandair – Discover Reykjavik

• Booking: While booking a transatlantic flight (Europe–North America) on Icelandair’s website, select the “Stopover in Iceland” option for up to 7 days.
• Packages & Perks: The stopover itself is free (no extra airfare), but hotel and tours are not included. Suggested itineraries are provided.
• Minimum Layover: No strict minimum, but 7–9 hours is ideal for short Reykjavik tours; up to 7 nights for full experiences.
• Eligibility: Only on Icelandair flights crossing the Atlantic; available on one-way or round-trip paid fares.
• Visa: Iceland is in the Schengen Area. Travelers from visa-free countries can enter easily; others need a Schengen visa.

Why It’s Special: Hot springs, glaciers, and northern lights – all just a stop away between Europe and North America.

Qatar Airways – Luxury in Doha

• Booking: Select the stopover option when booking on Qatar Airways’ website. You’ll be redirected to the Discover Qatar portal to book discounted hotel packages.
• Packages & Perks:
  • Hotels from just USD 14/night (4- and 5-star options)
  • Add-on city tours, desert safaris, or museum visits
  • Access to lounges and airport transfers in select packages
• Minimum Layover: 12 to 96 hours
• Eligibility: Available to all passengers on Qatar Airways flights (not codeshare); not valid with all partner airlines.
• Visa: Qatar allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 95 countries, including India, the US, UK, and most of Europe. Others may need to apply in advance.

Why It’s Special: With affordable luxury and curated cultural experiences, Doha makes for a sleek, stylish stopover.

Singapore Airlines – The Ultimate Singapore Stopover

• Booking: Select “Singapore Stopover Holiday” during flight booking or add it later through the airline’s website. Must book at least 72 hours in advance.
• Packages & Perks:
  • Hotel stay, airport transfers, hop-on-hop-off bus
  • Attraction access (Gardens by the Bay, River Safari, and more)
  • Free Singapore Tour for layovers of 5.5 to 24 hours
• Minimum Layover:
  • Free city tours: 5.5–24 hours
  • Packages: No fixed minimum, but ideal for 1–2 nights
• Eligibility: Available on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights. Not available for basic award tickets unless part of Advantage or round-trip Saver bookings.
• Visa: Most nationalities get visa-free entry or transit without visa. Indian passport holders typically require a Singapore tourist visa if leaving the airport.

Why It’s Special: Clean, green, and cosmopolitan – Singapore’s stopover programs are some of the most well-rounded and traveler-friendly.

Tips for Making the Most of Airline Stopovers

1. Use the airline’s booking portal to select multi-city options or access stopover pop-ups.
2. Book early – some airlines require hotel or tour requests at least 72 hours in advance.
3. Confirm visa requirements: Just because you’re transiting doesn’t mean you can automatically leave the airport.
4. Check fare eligibility: Some stopovers are not allowed on basic or award fares.
5. Consider travel insurance, especially for multi-day stays and hotel bookings during the stopover.

Summing Up

A well-planned stopover can double the value of your airfare by adding a second destination – often with free or discounted perks. Whether it’s soaking in Iceland’s geothermal spas, exploring Istanbul’s ancient palaces, or shopping in Singapore’s glitzy malls, these airline stopovers turn transit into transformation.

Next time you book an international flight, don’t just look at price and timing – look at where you might get to pause and play along the way.