Travel is in the midst of a major comeback, but prices are exceeding pre-pandemic levels in many places.
With inflation being a constant issue while the travel industry is trying to get back on its feet, booking vacations has bruised some bank accounts.
For some, it might be worth looking into how to stretch a dollar when booking a trip abroad.
Certain airlines offer incentives to stay where they are headquartered. If travelers are willing to book a ticket on an airline with stopover benefits, they can check another place off their list.
While many carriers across the globe offer a variety of discounts, there are some who will foot the entire bill for a hotel stay.
This pair of world-renowned airlines will do just that when booking a stopover with them.
Turkish Airlines – Stopover In Istanbul
Turkish Airlines is highly respected and rated among the best in the world.
Jet setters can rest assured they are in good hands aboard their respectable fleet of aircraft.
They are a certified 4-star airline with connections widespread all over the world from New York to Sydney.
Their major hub is the magnificent city of Istanbul. While this amazing city should probably already be on travelers’ bucket lists, there are great benefits to just passing through.
Turkey is expected to have one of their busiest summer seasons for tourism, despite certain media outlets claiming it’s unsafe.
Recent earthquakes and political uprisings have brought into question the timing of tourist overload, but the common consensus is Turkey is safe to visit and ready to embrace travelers.
So those passing through directly with Turkish Airlines can spend at least 24 hours in Istanbul for free.
As long as a ticket is booked with at least a 20-hour connection, ticket holders will be eligible for at least a one-night free stay in a luxury 4-star hotel.
Turkish Airlines will provide a complimentary stay for both Economy Class and Business Class flyers alike.
Those in Economy are not missing out for what they get with their ticket. Of course, Business Class benefits a little more with extended hotel options:
- Economy passengers receive a one-night stay at a 4-star hotel
- Business Class passengers receive up to two nights at a 5-star hotel
The stopover must take place in Istanbul, although the beautiful country of Turkey has so much more to see!
One of the trendiest places in the Mediterranean this year is the seaside town of Antalya, which is well worth visiting too.
It’s important for travelers to know some key requirements to be eligible for a free hotel:
- Requests for a free hotel must be provided 72 hours before their flight
- Passengers must email a designated representative
The email must include the passenger’s full name, ticket number, reservation code, preferred accommodation dates, room type, and lastly their contact information.
All of this can be found on Turkish Airlines’ official stopover page on their website.
Etihad Airways – Stopover in Abu Dhabi
Like Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways is one of the most prestigious airlines and is certified as a 4-star carrier.
They provide many of the same benefits on stopovers that Turkish does, but slightly less glamorous.
Instead of the 4 or 5-star accommodations, passengers can expect complimentary 3 or 4-star properties through Etihad’s Stopover on Us program.
Some of their notable featured partners are:
- Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
- Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
- Centro Al Manhal
Those looking to upgrade can do so through their other program, Best of Abu Dhabi, where discounts on 4 or 5-star hotels can shave off as much as 40 percent.
Whichever package travelers choose, all they have to do is book a flight to Abu Dhabi in any class through Etihad’s official website.
Hotel availability can be seen on their stopover page and reservations must be made at least 3 full days before travel.
