Travel Explained
What Is a Stopover?
Learn what a stopover is, how it differs from a regular layover, and how travelers can intentionally add another destination to a flight itinerary.
Flights, Tickets & Airline Rules • Travel Explained
The Quick Answer
A stopover is an intentionally long break between connecting flights that gives you enough time to leave the airport and spend meaningful time in the connecting destination. Instead of simply waiting for the next flight, you may stay for a day or several days before continuing your journey.
The exact time that separates a stopover from a layover depends on the airline and itinerary. Some airlines allow travelers to add stopovers at little or no additional airfare, although taxes, lodging, transportation, and other expenses may still apply.
How Stopovers Work and When to Add One to Your Trip
A stopover is a planned extended stay in a connecting destination before you continue to the final city on your ticket. Instead of spending only enough time at the airport to change planes, you intentionally pause the itinerary and may stay in the connecting city for one or more days.
The distinction between a layover and a stopover depends on the airline, route, and fare rules. A layover is generally a shorter connection intended to move you from one flight to another. A stopover gives you enough time to leave the airport, stay overnight, and treat the connecting destination as another part of the trip.
Some airlines actively encourage stopovers at their major hub airports. For example, Icelandair’s Stopover program allows eligible transatlantic passengers to spend up to a week in Iceland without additional airfare. TAP Air Portugal’s stopover program similarly allows eligible travelers to spend up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto during a qualifying itinerary.
“No additional airfare” does not mean the stopover is completely free. The fare may remain similar, but you are still responsible for accommodations, meals, local transportation, activities, travel insurance, and any additional airport taxes or fees. Always compare the stopover itinerary with an ordinary round-trip or multi-city booking before deciding which option provides better value.
Your checked luggage may not continue automatically to the final destination when the connection becomes a stopover. For example, Icelandair’s connection guidance explains that passengers with an Iceland stopover must collect their checked baggage. Confirm the baggage process at check-in and keep medication, identification, and other essentials in your personal item.
Before adding an international stopover, check whether you need a passport, visa, transit authorization, or other permission to enter the country. Also review the arrival and departure airports, baggage rules, transportation time, and hotel costs. A well-planned stopover can turn one flight itinerary into a two-destination trip without requiring you to purchase two completely separate journeys.
Travel Explained in Practice
Imagine This…
You are flying from the United States to another European destination with a connection in Iceland. Instead of changing planes after a few hours, you intentionally schedule the next flight several days later. You collect your luggage, leave the airport, explore Iceland, and then return to continue the original journey.
Build the Itinerary
How Can You Book a Stopover?
The best booking method depends on whether the airline offers a formal stopover program and how much flexibility you need.
Use an Airline Program
Some airlines provide a dedicated booking option that allows eligible passengers to add time at the carrier’s hub.
Search Multi-City
Enter the connecting city as one destination and add a later flight from that city to your final destination.
Ask a Travel Advisor
An advisor can compare program rules, multi-city pricing, transportation, and lodging as part of the complete itinerary.
The Length Matters
A Stopover Is More Than a Long Wait at the Airport
A layover is primarily a connection between flights, while a stopover intentionally turns the connecting city into part of the trip.
Layover
A Shorter Connection
The purpose is usually to transfer between flights and continue to the final destination as soon as scheduled.
Stopover
An Additional Destination
The itinerary is intentionally interrupted long enough for you to leave the airport and spend time in the connecting city.
Before You Book
Five Things to Check Before Adding a Stopover
Check the airline’s definition.
The amount of time that qualifies as a stopover can vary by airline, route, and fare.
Confirm entry requirements.
You may need a visa, electronic authorization, or other permission to enter the stopover country.
Ask about checked luggage.
Determine whether you must collect your bags or whether they will remain checked to the final destination.
Calculate the complete cost.
Include hotels, meals, airport transportation, activities, taxes, insurance, and baggage expenses.
Leave time to return to the airport.
Treat the continuing flight like a new departure and account for check-in, security, and immigration.
Travel Explained Note
Did You Know?
Some airlines allow qualifying travelers to add a stopover without additional airfare. However, accommodations, meals, transportation, taxes, and other expenses are generally still the traveler’s responsibility.
Quick Review
Key Takeaways
A stopover is an intentional extended connection.
It gives you time to leave the airport and experience the connecting destination.
Airline definitions differ.
The fare rules determine when a connection becomes a stopover and whether an extra charge applies.
Your baggage may need to be collected.
Always confirm how checked luggage will be handled before leaving the airport.
No additional airfare does not mean no cost.
Hotels, meals, transportation, activities, taxes, and entry documents may add to the trip price.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a stopover and a layover?
A layover is generally a shorter connection, while a stopover is an intentionally longer interruption that allows you to spend meaningful time in the connecting destination.
Do airlines allow free stopovers?
Some airlines allow eligible stopovers without additional airfare. Program rules, eligible routes, permitted lengths, and other costs vary.
Do you collect checked luggage during a stopover?
Often, but not always. Ask the airline where your bag is tagged and whether it must be collected at the stopover airport.
Do you need a visa for a stopover?
You may need a visa, electronic authorization, or other entry permission because a stopover normally involves entering the country and leaving the airport.
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