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If you’re flying long distances, a layover can become part of the adventure. Many airlines now offer official stopover programs that let you spend extra hours or several days in the connecting city at little or no extra airfare. These programs let travelers see another destination without adding a separate trip. Below are some notable stopover options to consider when planning international travel.-
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Hawaiian Airlines allows customers traveling from any of its 11 international gateways to take a stopover on each leg of their journey. International stopovers generally have no fixed limit on length, while domestic stopovers incur a fee (for example, a modest additional charge for a Honolulu stopover on a domestic itinerary). This option is great for building in time to enjoy Hawaii without booking a separate ticket. -
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TAP Air Portugal offers complimentary stopovers in Lisbon or Porto for up to three nights on qualifying intercontinental round-trip tickets. The program often includes extra perks like restaurant discounts and reduced museum entry, making it easy to experience Portugal’s lively neighborhoods, historic sites and culinary scene during a scheduled connection. -
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Icelandair’s stopover program is among the most generous: travelers can stay in Reykjavík for up to seven nights without changing their airfare. The extended stopover allows time to visit geothermal attractions like the Blue Lagoon, explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and lakes, and enjoy Icelandic cuisine and culture. The program operates from numerous destinations across North America and Europe. -
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Air Canada passengers with long layovers en route to Europe or Asia can take advantage of a Toronto stopover on qualifying itineraries at no extra airfare. Depending on the route and rules, travelers may spend a weekend or even a full week in the city. It’s an easy way to sample Toronto’s diverse dining scene, visit museums or take a day trip to Niagara Falls during a scheduled connection. -
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Finnair’s stopover option in Helsinki lets passengers add time between five hours and five days on the outbound or return leg of their journey to other European or Asian destinations. This flexibility is perfect for fitting a short visit into a longer trip — enough time to see sights like the Suomenlinna fortress, Sibelius Monument and the Rock Church while en route. -
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KLM allows passengers originating from certain countries to add free stopovers in Amsterdam on both outbound and inbound tickets. A stopover is an excellent way to explore Amsterdam’s world-class museums, canals and neighborhoods without altering your overall travel plans, letting you experience highlights like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and historic canal ring. -
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Copa Airlines offers a stopover option in Panama City for many of its routes. Panama is a vibrant stopover choice with attractions like the Panama Canal and the Biomuseo. Copa’s program typically requires selecting the stopover when booking and allows one stop in Panama per itinerary, making it a convenient way to add a Central American leg to your international travel.
