Two vacations for the price of one, everything you need to know about stopover
Hardened travelers, those who don't plan vacations but trips, know this: not taking advantage of the stopover is a (real) shame
Turkish Airlines
Tap Air Portugal
Japan Airlines
Finnair
Etihad Airways
Emirates
What is the stopover? And what is meant by layover? Simplifying, we can understand stopover as a long layover. And therefore as A long layover, exceeding 24 hours.
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Let's take an example: you have to fly from Milan to Bangkok and your flight stops in Dubai. Is it better to leave after 5 or 6 hours for Thailand bored between gates or to spend two days in the UAE before boarding the plane again (generally investing a few tens of euros)? The answer seems obvious. Yet few people know how to find stopovers and make the most of them.
Stopover, how it works and how to book it
If during a layover you generally do not leave the airport, during a stopover leaving it is a must. It's like taking two vacations, but for the price of one. Depending on the airline you fly with, the "break" between flights can last 24-48 hours or even longer: the "mini vacation" can be purchased at a super discounted price, sometimes adding a few tens of euros to the cost of the ticket. And, in the case of stopovers outside Europe, it is usually the carrier you are flying with that will take care of any visa requirements.
After all, the history of stopover is the history of aviation. Many years ago, planes did not have a huge fuel range and necessarily had to stop for refueling. Rather, today it is a smart option, a trip within a trip, allowing you to discover new destinations and break up the long hours on a plane. It is usually booked by those who take a flight longer than 8 hours, taking advantage of its essence: With a stopover, the cost of the flight does not change. You just have to add the cost of the hotel, selecting from those offered by the airline and taking advantage of its special offers (but there are also those who offer a free night).
How to apply for it? The rules change depending on the company. Sometimes it's enough to just check the "stopover" box when booking, other times a little more application is required: some require sending an email, some require phone contact with an operator. What doesn't change is the magic (and satisfaction) of booking two trips for the cost of one.
Stopover, which companies offer it and how
Does stopover intrigue you and would you like to try it? Here is a list of the major airlines that offer it.
TAP Portugal. The Portuguese national airline offers the possibility of booking a stopover in Lisbon or to Port on the outward or return journey, lasting between 1 and 5 days. To book it, simply check the "stopover" box when booking, and the stay will be paid directly to the facility. The benefits? Discounted rates, partnerships with restaurants (which usually offer complimentary beverages) and special experiences depending on the destination.
Icelandair. The same mode is offered by the Icelandic company for those who want to stopover in Reykjavik. Just click on "add a stopover in Iceland to your journey" and select the number of nights (between 1 and 7). Again, to "stopover travelers," the airline offers discounted hotel rates and ad hoc experiences.
Finnair. Up to five days to explore Helsinki and its surroundings: it is the stopover offered by Finnair. It is possible to select it when booking.
Turkish Airlines. Among the most advantageous stopovers is the one offered by Turkey's national airline. An unmissable opportunity to explore Istanbul (Almost) at no cost. If your stopover lasts more than 20 hours (and you are traveling to the United States, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Japan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Egypt, Oman, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Jordan, or South Korea), Turkish Airlines offers you two nights in a five-star hotel free of charge if you are traveling in Business Class and one night in a four-star hotel if you are traveling in Economy. To take advantage of this, you must send an email 72 hours before your flight to the address given (here the list, depending on the destination) with first name, last name, reservation or ticket number, room preference, phone number and e-mail address.
Etihad. Dreams of exploring Abu Dhabi, with its luxuries and desert? If you fly with Etihad you can do so: for free for two nights or by taking advantage of the 2×1 offer for a longer time. To book, you need to check availability at participating hotels, book a flight (Economy, Business or First Class) with a stopover in Abu Dhabi and, once you've made your reservation, choose your preferred hotel. If you would like to opt for the 2×1 offer instead, you can book up to six additional nights at a lower price than the standard offer, even with 24-hour check-in.
Emirates. Among the best cities in which to make a stopover is definitely. Dubai. Especially if the layover hours are more than 24. Emirates provides a list of hotels and apartments to choose from with 24-hour check-in and breakfast included. Stay rates are discounted and tours, adventures and theme park admissions can also be purchased at a promotional price.
Singapore Airlines. Flights to the east? Thanks to Singapore Airlines' offer, you can discover. Singapore in all its extraordinary modernity. You can opt for four different packages, all of which include one night in a hotel (cost ranges from 20 to 65 euros) by choosing from 50 facilities and selecting the stopover directly when booking.
Japan Airlines. Thanks to Japan Airlines, you can immerse yourself in another world. Literally. All you need to do is log on to this link (there is no specific page on the site) to book at a special price a night in Tokyo or Osaka before leaving for your final destination.
These are just a few examples, have you ever taken advantage of this possibility? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
