Airlines Offering Free Hotel Stays for Long Layovers: Everything You Need to Know

Hotel Room

Traveling often involves long layovers, especially when flying with international airlines through their hubs.
To make these extended transit periods more comfortable, some airlines offer free hotel stays for passengers with layovers exceeding a certain number of hours.
This benefit not only eases travel fatigue but also provides an opportunity to explore a new destination or simply rest before continuing your journey.

Hereโ€™s a comprehensive guide on which airlines offer this perk, what you should know about it, and how to book your complimentary transit stay.

Why Do Airlines Offer Free Hotel Stays for Long Layovers?

These complimentary transit hotels, often called “Stopover Programs,” are a way for airlines to enhance customer satisfaction, promote tourism in their home countries, and encourage travelers to choose their airline for connecting flights. Instead of enduring a tedious airport layover, passengers can relax in a comfortable hotel or even explore the city during their wait.
Some airlines provide even free transfers, tour programs, free activity tickets and other perks during a stopover.

Airlines Offering Free Hotel Stays:

Here are some prominent airlines that provide this service:

1. Qatar Airways โ€“ Stopover Paid by Qatar (STPC)

  • Eligibility: Passengers with layovers in Doha longer than 8 hours and shorter than 24 hours.
  • Details: Free or discounted hotel stays are available depending on the class of your ticket. Qatar Airways also offers premium transit lounges at Doha Hamad International Airport for business and first-class travelers.
  • How to Book: You can book directly through Qatar Airways’ “STPC” program or request assistance while booking your ticket.

2. Emirates โ€“ Dubai Connect

  • Eligibility: Layovers longer than 8 hours for economy-class passengers and 6 hours for business and first-class passengers. Flights must be the shortest available connection.
  • Details: Emirates provides a complimentary hotel stay, meals, transfers, and visa assistance (if required) for eligible passengers.
  • How to Book: Use the “Dubai Connect” option when booking your flight or contact Emirates customer service after purchasing your ticket.
    See also our forum post

3. Turkish Airlines โ€“ Stopover in Istanbul

  • Eligibility: International passengers with layovers in Istanbul longer than 12 hours for economy and 9 hours for business class.
  • Details: Turkish Airlines offers free accommodation at a 4-star hotel (economy) or a 5-star hotel (business). You can also request a guided city tour if time permits.
  • How to Book: After ticket purchase, contact Turkish Airlines via email or their customer service with your booking details.

4. Etihad Airways โ€“ Stopover Programs

  • Eligibility: Layovers in Abu Dhabi lasting more than 8 hours.
  • Details: Etihad offers complimentary hotel stays for first and business-class passengers, with economy passengers receiving discounted rates. The program also includes deals on city tours and experiences.
  • How to Book: Book through Etihadโ€™s Stopover Program page after purchasing your flight.
    See also here our post

5. Singapore Airlines โ€“ Singapore Stopover Holiday

  • Eligibility: Layovers in Singapore exceeding 6 hours.
  • Details: While not entirely free, Singapore Airlines offers heavily discounted hotel rates, free entry to attractions, and free public transport for layover passengers.
  • How to Book: Add a stopover package when booking your flight or through their dedicated Stopover Holiday page.

6. Korean Air โ€“ Stopover Paid by Carrier (STPC)

  • Eligibility: Layovers in Seoul (Incheon International Airport) longer than 8 hours.
  • Details: Complimentary hotel stays, meals, and transfers are provided. This program is available for both economy and premium passengers.
  • How to Book: Contact Korean Air customer service after booking your flight.

7. China Southern Airlines โ€“ Canton Route Stopover

  • Eligibility: Long layovers in Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.
  • Details: Complimentary hotel stay, transfers, and some sightseeing tours. Visa-free transit is available for many nationalities.
  • How to Book: Request a stopover package through the airlineโ€™s customer service or during the booking process.

8. Air China โ€“ Free Transit Hotel

  • Eligibility: Layovers longer than 8 hours at Beijing, Chengdu, or other major hubs.
  • Details: Free hotel accommodations, meals, and airport transfers are included. Visa-free transit policies apply for eligible nationalities.
  • How to Book: Contact Air Chinaโ€™s customer service after purchasing your ticket.

9. Oman Air โ€“ Oman Stopover Package

  • Eligibility: Layovers exceeding 8 hours in Muscat.
  • Details: Complimentary or discounted hotel stays are offered for both economy and premium passengers.
  • How to Book: Add the stopover package during the booking process or by contacting the airline.

Maybe more airlines….


Things to Know About Free Hotel Transit Stays:

  1. Eligibility Rules
    Each airline has specific criteria, such as ticket class, layover duration, and travel dates. Ensure your itinerary qualifies before relying on this service.
  2. Booking in Advance
    Some programs require advance booking, often several days before your flight. Contact the airlineโ€™s customer service or visit their website for detailed instructions.
  3. Visa Requirements
    While many layovers qualify for visa-free entry, some destinations require transit visas. Check visa policies in advance to avoid complications.
  4. Limited Availability
    Hotel availability may be limited during peak travel seasons, so book as early as possible.
  5. Airport Transfers
    Most programs include complimentary airport transfers, but confirm this detail during booking.
  6. Explore the City
    If time permits, take advantage of the layover to explore the city. Many airlines provide transit passengers with discounted or free city tours.

How to Book a Free Hotel Stay for Your Layover:

  1. Check the Airlineโ€™s Policy
    Visit the airlineโ€™s website to confirm if your flight qualifies for a free transit hotel.
  2. Contact Customer Service
    Reach out to the airline directly to inquire about their stopover program and to request a booking.
  3. Submit Required Details
    Airlines may ask for your ticket confirmation number, layover details, and passport information.
  4. Confirm Your Reservation
    Once approved, youโ€™ll receive a confirmation with hotel details, check-in instructions, and any additional perks included in the program.

Conclusion

Free hotel stays during long layovers are a fantastic way to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. These programs not only provide a chance to rest but also offer a unique opportunity to explore a new destination without added cost. Whether you’re flying through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or another major hub, take advantage of these stopover packages to transform your layover into a mini-vacation.

Happy travels!

Please comment if you have some updates or remarks.

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