What if your next flight could take you to two places, not just one? With stopover flights, you can potentially visit another city on your way to your destination without needing to book a whole other trip.
Imagine you’re flying from New York to London, but you have a two-day stop in Reykjavik, Iceland on the way to the UK. You could take in the landscapes of Iceland, sample the local food and then move on. Some airlines and fares will allow you to add the stop without increasing the airfare, but you will still have to pay for accommodation and other expenses.
A stopover can be a good idea whether you want to make a long international trip more interesting, visit a new city or find a better travel bargain.
This guide covers the stopover flight meaning, how to book a flight with a stopover, where to find cheap stopover flights and what to check before booking your ticket.
Updated October 13, 2026 · By the GoodForOneFare editorial team
What is a stopover flight?
A stopover flight is a trip that includes a longer stay in a connecting city before you continue on to your final destination. You want to spend some more time in that city, instead of jumping on the next connecting flight.
For example, if you are travelling from Los Angeles to Paris via Reykjavik, you could arrange to stay in Iceland for two nights before flying to Paris.
In simple terms, a stopover flight gives you the opportunity to visit a connecting destination as part of a longer journey.
Airlines and fare rules do not all define stopovers in exactly the same way. International stopovers are commonly associated with connections of 24 hours or more, while domestic itineraries may use shorter thresholds. The first say is always the rules for your particular ticket.
Stopover vs Layover: What’s the Difference?
A layover is usually a brief connection between flights. A stopover is a longer, planned stop that allows you to spend more time in the stopover city.
| Feature | Layover | Stopover |
|---|---|---|
| Typical duration | A few hours | A day or several days |
| Main purpose | To catch the next connecting flight | To spend time in another destination before continuing the journey |
| Hotel stay | Usually not needed for a short connection | May be needed for an overnight stay |
| Sightseeing | Usually limited by the short connection time | More time to explore the destination |
| Additional costs | May include airport food, drinks, or transportation | May include hotels, meals, local transportation, and sightseeing expenses |
A three-hour connection in Istanbul is normally considered a layover. Staying in Istanbul for two nights before continuing to Rome would generally be planned as a stopover.
The exact classification depends on the route, airline and ticket conditions. Also, a long connection does not automatically qualify you for a special airline stopover program.
Why Book Flights With Stopovers?
A stopover can make a normal trip into a memorable travel experience. Instead of passing through a connecting airport, you get the opportunity to discover another place.
Here are some reasons travellers consider this option:
- Explore another city: Visit an additional destination without planning a completely separate trip.
- Split up a long trip: During an overnight or multi-day layover you can rest up before continuing on a long-haul flight.
- Find better airfare options: Some connecting itineraries are less expensive than nonstop flights, but prices vary by route and travel date.
- Use airline programs: Some airlines allow stopovers without an additional airfare charge for qualifying itineraries. Other sites provide hotel and destination package deals, terms apply.
- Make better use of vacation time: If you already have several days available, a stopover can help you experience more during the same trip.
- The important thing is to compare the complete cost: Two cities for one airfare does not necessarily mean two destinations for the price of one complete holiday.
How Do You Book a Flight With a Stopover?
If you are wondering how to book a stopover flight, it is normally quite a simple process once you have decided which city you would like to see.
Step 1: Select Your Origin, End Destination and Stopover City
Begin with the main trip you want to take.Then consider connecting cities that fit your itinerary.
For example, a traveller flying from New York to London might consider Reykjavik as a stopover destination. Someone travelling between Europe and Asia might look at Istanbul or another city served by their chosen airline.
Choose a destination that offers enough time for the activities you want to enjoy and does not require an unnecessarily complicated route.
Step 2: Review the Airline’s Stopover Program
Check the airline’s website and see if it has a stopover program or a booking option that lets you tack on extra nites in a connecting city.
Check the eligible routes, fare types, maximum stay and any additional conditions. Some programs are available only on specific international journeys.
Do not assume that every ticket sold by an airline qualifies for its stopover benefits.
Step 3: Select Multi-City/Multiple Destinations
If the airline allows a stopover, book according to the airline’s instructions. Otherwise, try the multi-city search option.
For example, you could type:
| Flight Segment | Route | Planned Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Flight 1 | New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (KEF) | Arrive June 10 |
| Stopover | Reykjavik, Iceland | Two nights |
| Flight 2 | Reykjavik (KEF) to London (LHR) | Depart June 12 |
Note: These dates are an example of a flight search but not a confirmed flight schedule or fare.
In a multi-city search, enter each flight segment and its departure date separately. Compare the resulting itinerary with any dedicated stopover offer available from the airline.
Step 4: Match Full Price
Ignore the price they advertize.Accommodation, meals, transport, checked baggage, seat selection and any required visa fees are included.
A stopover can be a great value if you can add a second destination without paying an additional fare.But fares can change depending on when you travel and the cost of the trip can increase with an additional hotel stay.
Step 5: Confirm entry requirements and baggage policies
Please ensure you are allowed to enter the stopover country before you book.Depending on your nationality and itinerary you may need a visa or an electronic travel authorization.
Check if your bags are checked through to the final destination or if you have to pick them up and check them in again. The arrangement may depend on the ticket, airline and airport.
Step 6: Review the Ticket Before Payment
Check the departure and arrival dates, airport codes, flight times, passenger details, baggage allowance and the conditions for changing or canceling.
If you want to combine both segments of the flight on one protected itinerary, they must be issued on the same ticket. Separate bookings can leave you responsible for missed connections and replacement flights if something goes wrong.
These steps explain how to book flights with a stopover while avoiding common booking surprises.
How to Find Cheap Stopover Flights
Cheap stopover flights can be a useful way to travel, but a low advertised fare is not enough to determine whether an itinerary is a good deal.
Use these tips to compare your options:
- Be flexible with dates: Moving the stopover by a day or two may reveal different fares.
- Book direct flights: Sometimes a direct flight is cheaper than a connecting itinerary when you factor in additional costs.
- Look for official airline deals: Check to see if the stopover airfare includes the extra city at no extra airfare cost.
- Compare multi-city itineraries: SeIf you look for each flight segment separately as part of a multi-city trip, you might find options that a normal round-trip search would not.
- Check baggage fees: A cheaper fare may have a more restrictive baggage allowance.
- Choose convenient accommodation: Staying close to public transport can save you time and money on transfer costs.
- No rush: Allow sufficient time to get to the airport and through check-in and security for your connecting flight.
Stopover vs. Nonstop Flights: Are They Cheaper?
Not always. Not all the time. Or you might find a lower fare with a connecting itinerary. But you may also have additional expenses with the stopover.
For example, let’s say these two hypothetical choices:
| Cost | Nonstop Flight | Stopover Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | $650 | $650 |
| Accommodation | $0 | $180 |
| Meals and Local Transport | $0 | $70 |
| Additional Transport | $0 | $0 |
| Total Cost | $650 | $900 |
The figures are illustrative, not live fares or hotel prices. Your real costs will depend on the route, dates and travel style. The best choice depends on whether you want the fastest journey, the lowest total cost or the experience of visiting another city.
Iceland Stopover Flights: How to Visit Iceland on the Way to Europe
Iceland stopover flights are a popular option for travellers crossing the Atlantic between North America and Europe. Iceland’s location makes it a useful place to break up a long journey and explore somewhere new.
Icelandair offers an official stopover program on eligible transatlantic itineraries. According to its published US program information, most eligible fares allow a stopover of up to seven nights. Economy Flex and Saga Premium Flex fares can allow stays of up to 21 nights, subject to the applicable terms. Stays longer than seven nights may require contacting the airline’s service centre.
The stopover does not carry an additional airfare charge under the program, but accommodation is booked separately. Your overall airfare may also vary because flight prices depend on the dates and itinerary you select.
You can check the current conditions and book through the official Icelandair Stopover page.
What Can You Do During an Iceland Stopover?
The activities you choose will depend on how long you stay.
During a short stop: Discover Reykjavik, try a local meal or a geothermal pool if time allows.
During a two- or three-night stop: Consider a guided Golden Circle tour, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes or selected south-coast attractions.
At a longer stop: Depending on the season, road conditions and your travel plans, you may have time to see something more of the country.
Keflavik International Airport is outside Reykjavik, so include the airport transfer in your schedule. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and winter daylight and driving conditions may limit what you can comfortably do in a short visit. Before booking Iceland stopover flights, compare the official program with a regular connecting itinerary and budget for hotels, food, transport and activities.
Are Long Stopover Flights Worth It?
A long stopover flight can be handy if you want to see another destination, rather than just spend all your time in transit.
They may appeal to travelers with flexible itineraries who enjoy seeing new places or want a break in a long international journey.
But a longer layover isn’t always a better layover. More nites mean more planning and possibly more costs.
If a stopover looks like an attractive option for you:
- You have time to see the city without rushing.
- You can meet the entry requirements for the destination.
- The extra expenses fit in your budget.
- You have enough time to get back to the airport for your connecting flight.
- You are aware of the terms of change and cancelation of the ticket.
If you have limited vacation days or need to get to your final destination quickly, a short connection or a nonstop flight may be more practical.
And don’t confuse a stopover with a free transit hotel. Some airlines will provide lodging to eligible passengers on certain connections, but these offers have separate rules and are not necessarily for multi-day stays.
Separate One Way Tickets or Stopover Flights
A second choice is to buy two one-way tickets and stay in the connecting city in between.
This can give you more flexibility but it’s important to understand the risks.
If you have a stopover itinerary booked on one ticket, the fare rules and ticket conditions of the airline are applicable. Usually when you book with separate tickets each booking has its own conditions.
If the first flight is delayed and you don’t make the second flight on another ticket, the second airline is not necessarily required to rebook you at no cost. Also you may have to collect your luggage and check in again and pay separate baggage fees.
Before you opt to book separate tickets, compare the total cost, luggage rules, change policies and the risk of missed connections. A little savings on your airfare isn’t worth the added uncertainty.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Stop Over Flight
With some planning you can steer clear of needless travel headaches and costs.
- Assuming you can get a free stopover: Please confirm that there are no additional airfare charges or other benefits on the offer.
- Ignoring visa requirements: make sure you can actually get into the country if you want to leave the airport.
- Underestimating transfer time – Find out the distance of the airport to your hotel and the places you want to go to.
- Skip baggage arrangements: Find out if you need to pick up your luggage at the stop.
- Separate tickets no back-up plan. Please be aware that delays may affect your onward flight.
- Adding a stopover after the fact: Changing your ticket and not looking at fees. There may be a fare difference or penalty for a change.
- Trying to do too much in a day Pick activities that fit the amount of time you have, and build in time for unexpected delays.
The whole trip can be easier when you plan the stopover as part of your journey, not an afterthought.
Layover vs stopover
| Feature | Layover | Stopover |
|---|---|---|
| Length (international) | Under 24 hours | More than 24 hours |
| Leave the airport? | Optional, if entry rules allow | Yes; you enter the country |
| Bags | Usually checked through | Usually collected and re-checked |
| Extra fare | None | Sometimes none, sometimes a supplement |
Popular stopover cities on trips from the US
- Reykjavik, between North America and Europe.
- Dublin, Lisbon and Istanbul, on the way to Europe, Africa and Asia.
- Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, on the way to India and Asia.
- Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei, on the way to Southeast Asia.
Several airlines run stopover programs with their own conditions; check them before booking.
How to book a stopover
- Choose Multi-city in search.
- Add your first flight to the stopover city.
- Add the onward flight from the stopover city on the date you want to continue.
- Add your return flight.
- Compare offers and check entry rules for the stopover country.
The full walkthrough is in how to book a multi-city flight. A stopover is a cousin of the open-jaw ticket; see both on our multi-city flights page.
Summary
A stopover flight lets you turn one trip into the chance to visit two destinations.If you’re traveling transatlantic to Iceland or want to spend a few days in another connecting city, the right itinerary can make your travel more interesting.
First of all, choose a destination that fits into your route. Compare the airline’s stopover program to multi-city bookings and check entry requirements, baggage rules and the total cost before you pay.
The best stopover is not always the one with the lowest advertized price. It’s the one that allows you to enjoy the extra destination while making your overall trip practical, comfortable and within budget.
