Nine airlines offering free hotel stays and stopover packages

Turn your flight connection into a holiday with these free hotel stays and stopover packages. 

Planning a holiday in one of the world’s far-flung destinations? It’s likely your route will include a connection or two. Though often regarded as little more than a nuisance while in transit, connecting flights can be turned into mini holidays at no extra cost to you – if you know which airline to book with. Emirates, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Air China and a whole host of other carriers have stopover programs that afford travellers on eligible tickets free or discounted hotel stays, meals and ground transfers. Some other airlines provide discounted hotels for multiple nights for no extra cost to the airfare, including Oman Airways in Muscat, Iberia Airlines in Madrid, Copa Airlines in Panama City and Finnair in Helsinki. 

Malaysia Airlines Bonus Side Trip 

Malaysia Airlines’ complimentary Bonus Side Trip program allows international passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur to extend their layover into a short getaway at popular domestic destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu, Alor Star, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, and Kuantan at no extra flight cost—only taxes apply. These side trips are fully integrated into the travel itinerary for a smooth and seamless experience and can be selected during the booking process on the Malaysia Airlines website. This initiative is part of the airline’s support for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and is valid on journeys between two international destinations, either on the way there or back.

Icelandair

While it may not offer the same stopover packages and perks that airlines across the Middle East do, Icelandair’s Stopover deal is well worth a look. It offers transatlantic travellers the opportunity to explore Iceland at no extra airfare. Passengers can extend their journey with a stay in Iceland ranging from one day to a full week, experiencing breathtaking landscapes, geothermal spas and even the northern lights before continuing to their final destination. To take advantage of this, simply select the ‘Stopover in Iceland’ option when booking your flight. While flights remain unchanged in price, accommodation must be arranged separately. For those who have already booked, a stopover can still be added by contacting Icelandair’s service center, though additional fees may apply.

Abu Dhabi Stopover by Etihad Airways

Passengers on flights operated by Etihad Airways with connections in Abu Dhabi can now add an extra destination to their itinerary at no additional cost. The United Arab Emirates’ national airline has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi to launch the Abu Dhabi Stopover program. Abu Dhabi Stopover is a service exclusive to Etihad Airways’ guests and is designed to entice travellers to extend their stay into a holiday by providing free hotel stays. When booking flights directly with Etihad Airways, guests now have the option to add a stopover and select a complimentary hotel as part of the online booking process. Guests can choose a free stay for one or two nights in a range of premier hotels across the city. Abu Dhabi is a major connection point for travellers en route to Europe and the Americas from Australia, and the Abi Dhabi Stopover program aims to turn these transiting visitors into holidaying tourists. To sweeten the deal, Etihad Airways’ boarding pass also doubles up as the Abu Dhabi Pass, which offers discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions and dining experiences.

Malaysia Airlines Bonus Side Trip

Malaysia Airlines’ complimentary Bonus Side Trip program allows international passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur to extend their layover into a short getaway at popular domestic destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu, Alor Star, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, and Kuantan at no extra flight cost – only taxes apply. These side trips are fully integrated into the travel itinerary for a smooth and seamless experience and can be selected during the booking process on the Malaysia Airlines website. This initiative is part of the airline’s support for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and is valid on journeys between two international destinations, either on the way there or back.

Sri Lankan Airlines Colombo Connection

If you’re flying with Sri Lankan Airlines and connecting through Colombo with a layover between eight and 24 hours, you may be eligible for free hotel accommodation and refreshments, giving you a chance to relax before your next flight. Simply ensure your flights are both operated by Sri Lankan Airlines and meet the minimum fare requirement. While in Colombo, consider a quick visit to the stunning Gangaramaya Temple, a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai and Chinese architecture.

Dubai Connect by Emirates

Emirates offers a similar service called Dubai Connect; however, it’s offered with a caveat: only on connecting flights with a wait between eight and 26 hours before your next flight and when an earlier connection isn’t available. Passengers whose connections meet the criteria receive complimentary hotel accommodation, transfers, applicable meals and a visa to enter the UAE. To enjoy the service, it must be booked online at least 24 hours before your incoming flight to Dubai. The service can be added to an existing booking through the ‘Manage’ website functionality.

Royal Jordanian Stopover

Royal Jordanian passengers transiting at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman are entitled to a complimentary transit hotel stay, meals and ground transfers under certain circumstances. This offer applies to economy class passengers with layovers of more than eight hours and Crown class passengers with a connection of more than six hours, up to a maximum of one night. Seize the opportunity to escape the airport and visit the ancient Roman Theatre, a historical landmark in the heart of the Jordanian capital. Your ticket must be issued by Royal Jordanian on eligible fares.

Discover Qatar by Qatar Airways 

Discover Qatar operate stopover packages of up to four nights in Doha for passengers flying Qatar Airways with a connection of 12 hours or more in Doha. To book a stopover, passengers simply choose ‘Qatar Stopover’ in the online booking platform, select their destination and duration, and then choose their preferred stopover package. Passengers departing from the countries below can book flights and hotel packages together, while those departing from other countries can add the stopover package via the Discover Qatar. Prices start from just US$14 per person for standard four-star hotel packages, from US$23 per person for five-star hotel packages, from US$30 per person for five-star beach hotels, and from US$81 per person for luxury hotels including breakfast.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Air China Transit Accommodation

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting the Great Wall of China, walking The Bund in Shanghai or the Forbidden City in Beijing, then it’s worth investigating Air China’s free transit accommodation service. If you have a qualifying connection in Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tianjin, or Wenzhou, you may be eligible for one night of complimentary hotel accommodation, including breakfast and airport transfers (if available). This offer applies to passengers with layovers between six and 30 hours, depending on their flight type. Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is recommended.

Turkish Airlines Transit Hotel Service

Turn your layover into a mini getaway with Turkish Airlines’ free transit hotel service. Passengers flying internationally through Istanbul Airport may qualify for complimentary hotel accommodation. economy class passengers are eligible with layovers of 12 or more hours and business class passengers with nine or more hours, and enjoy up to two nights in a selected hotel. This offer applies if no shorter connection is available. While in Istanbul, take the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural masterpiece blending history and culture.