21 Travel Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know (and You Should Too)

4. Tap into Layover “Tourism” Deals

Several airlines or airport authorities now offer transit passenger incentives—like free city tours, complimentary overnight stays, or discount vouchers—for travelers with long layovers. By deliberately choosing a flight with a prolonged stopover, you can explore an extra destination or even score a free night’s hotel stay. Some Middle Eastern or Asian carriers excel at this, promoting layover “tourism” in their hub cities. All you need is proof of transit and a few hours (or a day) to spare. Check official airline websites or city tourism pages for any “stopover packages” that provide museum tickets, shuttle services, or cultural shows at negligible cost. Not only do you slice flight expenses by opting for a less direct route, but you also transform a layover into an impromptu mini-vacation. Rather than dreading that eight-hour airport wait, you could be snapping photos of iconic landmarks—turning a necessary rest into an enriching, cost-effective travel bonus.