Travel Glossary · Air Travel
Stopover
Definition
Stopover: A stopover is a planned break at an intermediate city on your journey, generally longer than 24 hours on international itineraries, letting you visit before continuing.
The key distinction is time. On most international itineraries, a break of more than 24 hours counts as a stopover, while a shorter one is a layover (connection). On US domestic itineraries the threshold is commonly four hours. The difference matters because fare rules may limit, charge for, or forbid stopovers.
Several airlines turn their hubs into a reason to visit with stopover programs. Icelandair has long let transatlantic passengers stop in Iceland for up to seven days without added airfare, and TAP Air Portugal offers stopovers in Lisbon and Porto. Hub cities such as Singapore, Doha, and Dubai are popular stopovers on the way to Asia or Africa.
A well-placed stopover breaks up a long journey and can soften jet lag. Our stopover programs guide covers how to add one.
Example: Flying from the US to Europe on Icelandair, you could spend three nights in Reykjavík before continuing to Copenhagen on the same ticket.
Related terms
Go deeper
- Travel GuidesAirline Stopover Programs: Add a City to Your TripAirline stopover programs let you add Reykjavík, Lisbon, Istanbul, or Dubai to your trip, often at no extra airfare. See how they work and how to book them.
- Travel GuidesLong-Haul Flight Tips: How to Arrive Rested and ReadyLong-haul flight tips that work: choose the right seat and flight, pack a smart carry-on, reduce blood-clot risk, and sleep better so you arrive ready to go.
- DestinationsSingapore, SingaporeAsia-Pacific's cleanest layover city — and a base for Bali, Kyoto, or the Maldives.
- DestinationsDubai, United Arab EmiratesA stopover city that outclasses most final destinations.
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