Glossary
Definition: A stopover is a deliberate break in a journey at an intermediate point lasting more than 24 hours for international flights (or more than 4 hours for domestic flights), allowing passengers to explore a connecting city.
Last updated
Term at a glance
| Term | Stopover |
|---|---|
| One-liner | A stopover is a deliberate break in a journey at an intermediate point lasting more than 24 hours for international flights (or more than 4 hours for domestic flights), allowing… |
| Where it matters | Premium-cabin booking decisions, fare-rules interpretation, airline-product comparison. |
| Related concepts | Open Jaw · Hub Airport · Transit · Layover · Positioning Flight |
| Last verified | 2026-05-07 |
Stopovers are built into airline fare rules and allow travellers to visit an additional city en route to their final destination, often at little or no additional cost. For example, on a flight from New York to Bangkok via Singapore, you could add a 3-day stopover in Singapore to explore the city.
Some airlines actively promote stopovers as a marketing tool. Turkish Airlines offers a free Istanbul stopover programme with complimentary hotel accommodation. Iceland’s play promotes Reykjavik stopovers, and Singapore Airlines has Singapore stopover holiday packages.
For business class travellers, stopovers add extraordinary value. You’re effectively getting two destinations for the price of one flight. BookMyBusinessClass agents are experts at identifying routes where stopovers can be added without increasing the fare, turning a business trip into a business trip plus a mini-holiday.
In booking practice
At a Glance
| Term | Quick definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Status Match | A status match is when an airline grants you equivalent elite status in their frequent flyer programme based… | Read |
| Stopover Program | An airline-offered benefit allowing passengers to stop in a connecting hub city for an extended period… | Read |
| Star Alliance Gold | The highest standard elite tier in the Star Alliance frequent-flyer ecosystem, accrued by reaching the… | Read |
| Stopover Reward (Aeroplan) | An Aeroplan award-redemption feature allowing holders to add a stopover (24+ hours) at any Star Alliance… | Read |
| Star Alliance | Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance with 26 member airlines including Lufthansa, United… | Read |
| Suite | An airline suite is a premium cabin seat enclosed by walls and a closing door, offering a private room-like… | Read |
Related Terms
A status match is when an airline grants you equivalent elite status in their frequent flyer programme based on elite status you hold with a competing airline, allowing you to enjoy benefits without starting from scratch.
An airline-offered benefit allowing passengers to stop in a connecting hub city for an extended period (typically 24 hours to 7 days) at no additional fare. Iceland, Singapore, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, and several others offer flagship stopover programs that effectively give travelers two destinations on one ticket.
The highest standard elite tier in the Star Alliance frequent-flyer ecosystem, accrued by reaching the Gold-equivalent status on any Star Alliance member airline's programme (e.g. United Premier 1K, Lufthansa Senator, Singapore KrisFlyer Gold). Star Alliance Gold unlocks lounge access, priority benefits, and enhanced baggage allowance across all Star Alliance carriers.
An Aeroplan award-redemption feature allowing holders to add a stopover (24+ hours) at any Star Alliance partner hub for an additional 5,000 miles. Combined with Aeroplan's distance-based chart, the Stopover Reward is one of the most flexible stopover features in any major frequent-flyer programme.
Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance with 26 member airlines including Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Turkish Airlines, serving over 1,200 destinations.
An airline suite is a premium cabin seat enclosed by walls and a closing door, offering a private room-like experience at 40,000 feet. Suites are found in both first class and modern business class products.
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