44 Flight Booking Myths That Are Actually Wasting You Money

Myth 32: Free Stopovers Are a Thing of the Past

Many travelers assume the era of free stopovers disappeared with the rise of budget airlines—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, several full-service international carriers still actively promote stopover programs as a way to enhance the travel experience and boost tourism in their hub cities. Airlines like Icelandair, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Singapore Airlines offer stopover deals that let you spend a day—or even up to a week—in an extra destination at little to no added cost. These aren’t just extended layovers; they’re mini-vacations within your vacation. Some programs include hotel discounts, guided tours, and airport transfers. The catch? You usually need to book through the airline’s dedicated stopover portal or select a multi-city itinerary instead of a standard round-trip. It takes a little planning, but the payoff can be huge. Imagine turning a trip to Thailand into a double-feature with a few days in Istanbul or exploring Reykjavik on your way to Europe. In a world of ever-shrinking travel perks, stopovers are a hidden gem worth rediscovering.