How to Plan a Layover or Stopover Trip
A stopover turns what would be a short connection into a deliberate extended stay - usually anything over 24 hours - at your connecting city, on the same ticket. Several airlines let you add one for free or for a reduced fee as part of their route network strategy.
Layover vs stopover, again
- Layover: under 24 hours, essentially just a connection
- Stopover: over 24 hours, a planned stay, often bookable directly through the airline
Which airlines offer stopover programs
Programs and rules change over time, so check the specific airline's current stopover page before planning around one rather than relying on older information.
How to book a stopover
- Usually added during the booking flow on the airline's own website - third-party search engines and agents often can't add it
- Select the stopover city and duration within the airline's allowed range, often 1-7 nights
- Confirm visa requirements for the stopover country even for a short stay, since a stopover doesn't automatically exempt you from entry rules
Planning the stopover itself
- Check that the airport's minimum connection time still applies getting in and out on both ends of the stopover
- Factor in time to clear immigration and customs for the stopover country if applicable
- If the ticket isn't checked through for a multi-day stopover, plan to collect and recheck your luggage