Eight Airlines Turn Flight Connections into City Breaks
Eight airlines are giving long-haul passengers more ways to turn a connection into a second city break. WestJet's Calgary stopover programme, launched in June, joins options in Madrid, Reykjavík, Istanbul and beyond, with some operators offering discounted or complimentary accommodation. But these deals work differently: some allow several days of sightseeing, while others help travellers facing an unavoidable overnight connection rather than a holiday stop.
Where Airlines Offer Extended Stopovers
- WestJet - Calgary: Seven days (Europe); 21 (Asia).
- Iberia - Madrid: Nine nights; hotel discounts.
- Icelandair - Reykjavík: Three–21 nights, depending on fare.
- Turkish Airlines - Istanbul: 20 hours–seven days; eligible hotels.
- Qatar Airways - Doha: 12–96 hours; hotels from $14.
- Finnair - Helsinki: Multi-city booking, fare-dependent.
- SAS - Copenhagen: 72 hours; Economy Light excluded.
- Emirates - Dubai: Six–26 hours; shortest connection only.
WestJet launched its Calgary offer with 19 hotel deals and a free Calgary Attractions Pass, although qualifying flights must be WestJet-operated and booked together. Turkish Airlines provides one hotel night for eligible Economy customers or two for Business, with applications due at least 72 hours before departure. Qatar's $14 starting rate is per person, per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Calgary’s attractions pass offers discounts at participating sites, including Calgary Tower. In Madrid, visitors can see the Prado Museum for free during its final two opening hours. Copenhagen’s Nyhavn is lined with colourful waterfront buildings and cafés, while Souq Waqif in Doha is worth visiting for its market stalls, restaurants and traditional architecture, particularly during an evening stop.
Some offers have conditions that are easy to miss when booking. Icelandair's ticket price may change if you move your onward flight to another date. SAS rules out Economy Light and promotional fares, while Emirates' Dubai Connect only covers eligible connections when no shorter option is available. Even without an extra stopover fee, several nights in a hotel and travel around the city can add considerably to the bill.