Airline stopovers are the best travel hack. Here’s why.

I’ve done a lot of traveling. But as much as I love seeing new places, I’m not made of money. In part, that’s why I love stopovers and long layovers. They maximize experiences while minimizing expenses — but costs aren’t the only reason you should do the same.

Most importantly, this travel hack allows you to expand your journey. On any trip, there are countless experiences to be had between point A and point B. Below, I share some airline stopover programs every traveler should keep in mind, why stopovers are worth doing, plus a few of my favorite layover memories. 

Stopovers Are a Great Way to See More of the World

A stopover is a layover that lasts from 24 hours to several days. Depending on the destination and how much time you want to spend there, you may need to make a separate booking. However, several airlines offer special stopover programs that waive the cost that this would normally entail.

This is a fantastic way to see a few extra sights on your trip. Many of the stopover cities or destinations are worth an entire trip of their own — but a stopover lets you “cheat” by fitting two trips into one.

While the added airfare cost is covered, other expenses, such as hotels and meals, are not usually part of most deals. But in my opinion, those costs are worth a few extra memories.

For example, why not spruce up a transatlantic flight with a dip in the hot springs in Iceland? Iceland Air offers a program that will allow you to do just that. 

Or, if you’re traveling on Turkish Airlines, you could wander the storied streets of Istanbul, where historic buildings stand on nearly every corner. Turkish Airlines travels to more countries than any other airline, so I highly recommend adding a leg with them if you’re set on exploring the globe.

Even without an official stopover program, I’ve often opted for longer and overnight layovers. Multi-day stops are even better, as they allow you to further explore a destination. Something to keep in mind is that some countries (such as Türkiye) require a transit visa. One can be obtained upon arrival, but it’s often easier to do so in advance.

My top-recommended stopover programs

There are a lot of stopover programs out there and I haven’t tried them all (yet). But these airlines offer some of my favorites.

• Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines has what could easily be the best of all stopover programs. There are two choices. One is for free accommodation on your stopover, allowing you to see the sights on your own time. The other is the guided Touristanbul experience.
• Icelandair: Icelandair’s program is another favorite of mine, allowing you to stop for up to a week at no extra charge! Be forewarned, though — Iceland is on the more expensive side. The airport actually isn’t in Reykjavik, either, so you’ll need to either rent a car or take the bus (one-way tickets start at around $25). But in my opinion, the added expense is worth seeing the otherworldly landscapes that Iceland is famous for.
• Japan Airlines: Japan Airlines is another leader in the world of stopovers. The company’s website is easy to use and they offer a special discounted pass for domestic flights. Japan Airlines is a great option for anyone wanting to explore Japan or visit destinations across the Pacific.
• Copa Airlines: This offer is hard to resist if you’re setting a course for South America. The Panama-based airline offers a 1 to 7-day stopover in Panama City. They also offer deep discounts at hotels and comprehensive tour packages that cover food and drinks, hotels, and transportation!

Why I Do Airline Stopovers, and You Should Too:

Many people can’t sleep on planes (myself included), so the added expense is worth it

If you’re like me and you can’t sleep on planes, it makes sense to sacrifice a little money for a decent night’s sleep. I’ve been tempted to book fancy five-star properties right across the street from the terminal, but those are often the most expensive options. It’s a luxury I only indulge in if my schedule is especially tight.

There are usually more affordable hotels further from the airport, and you can generally access them without a rental car. Public transportation often runs to and from the terminals and because of that convenience, I usually settle for something farther, but cheaper. 

Stopovers can be cheaper than flying first class when traveling internationally 

A spacious first-class seat may seem like a possible solution to my discomfort on airplanes. However, these tickets don’t come cheap. Doing the math (especially when traveling internationally), a few days’ stop is often more affordable than first-class fare. 

Sure, the first class is nice. But even the most luxurious seat can’t compare to having an entire room to yourself. I’d much rather take a walk around a history-rich city than up and down the aisle on an airplane any day, too.

You get to see places you wouldn’t see otherwise

For many of us, money is the main constraint when it comes to not seeing more of the world. 

With a stopover, you could pay a quick visit to spendier locales and see places (such as Iceland, Switzerland, or Dubai) that would otherwise be out of the question budget-wise.

You could also find hidden gems in places that aren’t as (seemingly) glamorous as the biggest destinations. I had an experience like this in Frankfurt, Germany recently. This was on a long overnight layover as opposed to an official stopover, but, to a savvy traveler, a few hours short of 24 is more than enough!

The experiences you gain are the best part

The practical sides of stopovers are one thing, but experiences are the whole reason we travel in the first place. Travel can broaden your horizons, and give you new insights into people, places, and cultures. New friendships can be made while traveling, whether with fellow travelers or locals you meet. Adding a stopover allows a little more opportunity to do those things. 

Some of My Favorite Stopover Memories:

Here are a few of my favorite stopover memories that, had I been more “economical,” I would have missed out on.

Seeing the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Türkiye — a portal to the past and echoes of eternity.

On my many travels to Georgia, Istanbul has often been one of the most convenient connections. Back in 2015, I took a little time out to explore the city before heading on to Tbilisi.

Istanbul was known as the “Queen of Cities” during its time as Constantinople. The crown jewel in the royal diadem was the magnificent Hagia Sophia. From the outside, it wasn’t as large as I had pictured. Inside, however, was a different story. 

A massive gilded dome hovered over the marble floors. Chandeliers and daylight mingled with golden and white light. Elaborate Arabic monographs adorned the walls alongside mosaics of saints and angels. Earth and heaven seemed to meet in this place — even though, at the time, it served only as a museum.

Taking in the epic beauty and Viking vibes around Reykjavík, Iceland.

Being from Alaska, Iceland often serves as a convenient bridge during my travels to Europe. In 2017, I decided to pencil in a stopover to see a few of the sights. My travel plans only allowed one day, but it was well worth it. I found lodgings in a Viking-themed hotel just outside Reykjavík — which, though a little kitschy, was a lot of fun. 

To me, Reykjavík felt surprisingly familiar, being a small, cozy city tucked between epic mountains and the frigid northern ocean. The views from the Hallgrímskirkja church were breathtaking. My only regret was not having more time to see and experience wonders further from the city, like the Golden Circle route. 

Wandering around Zürich, Switzerland was a winter wonderland experience.

Another great memory awaited me and a group of friends in January 2019. We were traveling to Greece and had two long layovers — one in San Francisco and the other in Zürich. Our time in San Fran was mostly spent getting an emergency passport replacement for one member of our group who, bless his heart, left his original back in Alaska.

Fortunately, Zürich proved to be much less stressful. As we descended, passing below the clouds, a storybook Swiss landscape unfolded around us. Snow covered everything, from the mighty Alps to humble cottages and rustic countryside churches. Every view was postcard-perfect!

That night, we enjoyed a stroll around the city.  A blanket of snow graced the streets. Venerable cathedrals stood in solemn silence, illuminated from below by spotlights. At one spot, a street musician played folk tunes on an accordion, adding a perfect touch to the atmosphere.

Enjoying the craic in Dublin, Ireland — good music, good beer, good people.

I’ve spent weeks at a time on the Emerald Isle, but a favorite memory came from recent travels. I was returning from Georgia in November 2023 and had a night to spend in Dublin, Ireland before returning to the States.

It’s no secret that I love Irish pubs, but my favorite Dublin watering hole is a wee bit off the beaten path. After dinner at my hotel, I made my way along Grafton Street to my favorite pub, O’Donoghue’s. The streets were decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, adding a bright, cheerful energy to the cold, dark night.

The chill of the winter air was thoroughly driven away by the warm, welcoming atmosphere inside the pub. Musicians played upbeat traditional tunes, and I enjoyed a lively conversation with one of the locals. 

At one point, one of the bartenders stood up on top of the bar counter to announce the birthday of a co-worker. Everyone joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to him and, after thunderous applause, the evening resumed its course.

An organ performance in Frankfurt, Germany — an unexpected oasis of culture amidst one of Europe’s more modernized cities.

Frankfurt is Germany’s leading financial and business center. As such, it has many towering skyscrapers made of glass and steel. It does have cultural attractions as well, but these tend to be overlooked in favor of sites in Berlin, Cologne, and Munich. 

I happened to be in the right place at the right time on my trip through Frankfurt. I stayed near the main train station that evening and went for a walk after dropping my things off at the hotel. I wandered into St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and, to my surprise, an organ performance began shortly after my arrival.

I was struck by the deep tranquility of the place and the warm, gracefully flowing strains of the piece. This experience stood out even more, being contrasted by the thoroughly modern and commercial atmosphere prevailing outside.

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That’s the long and short of why I love taking these short breaks on long travels! Do you have any favorite stopovers? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. 

Next, read about Betty’s 72-hour layover in the UAE.