The Ultimate Guide to Airline Programs That Still Allow Free Stopovers on Award Tickets
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Across airline loyalty programs, free stopovers on award tickets have become increasingly rare. Once a standard feature across major programs like American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and United MileagePlus, these valuable opportunities to visit multiple destinations on a single award ticket have largely disappeared from many frequent flyer programs.
However, several airline loyalty programs still offer this benefit, allowing savvy travelers to maximize their miles and essentially get two (or more) destinations for the price of one. This comprehensive guide explores which programs continue to offer stopovers, how generous their policies are, and how you can take advantage of these opportunities.
Understanding Award Ticket Terminology
Before diving into specific programs, it’s essential to understand the key terminology used when discussing award ticket routing rules:
What is a Stopover?
A stopover is typically defined as a stay of 24 hours or more in a connecting city between your origin and final destination. This could be an airline’s hub or any city along your route. With creative routing, you can often include destinations you might not ordinarily think to visit.
For example, if traveling from the United States to Asia, you might route via Europe and enjoy a several-day stay there before continuing to your final destination.
What is a Connection?
A connection (sometimes called a transfer in program terms) is a stop in a city for less than 24 hours. Depending on the program, the maximum connection time can be as short as four hours for award itineraries.
What is an Open-Jaw?
An open-jaw occurs when you fly into one city and out of another. For instance, you might fly from New York to Paris, travel overland to Amsterdam, and then fly from Amsterdam back to New York. The gap between Paris and Amsterdam would be the “open-jaw” in this itinerary.
Top Airline Programs with Free or Low-Cost Stopovers
Let’s explore the airline loyalty programs that continue to offer stopovers on award tickets, ranked roughly from most to least generous:
1. Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Stopover Policy: One free stopover of 24 hours or more on an award ticket
Flying Blue lets you add a complimentary stopover of 24 hours or more during a connection between two flights operated by Air France, KLM or Flying Blue partner airlines. You can pay for the trip in miles or with Cash & Miles, and the usual award ticket change and refund rules still apply.
The catch is that you can't add the stopover online: log in to Flying Blue and call customer service using the phone number in the "Contact us" section, as explained on the Flying Blue stopover page. That page was still live in October 2026, after Flying Blue moved Air France and KLM award tickets to Light, Standard and Flex pricing on September 8, 2026.
Example: Fly from New York to Bangkok with a stopover in Paris for several days.
2. Alaska Atmos Rewards
Stopover Policy: One stopover on a one-way award on eligible international itineraries
Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program offers one of the most generous stopover policies. You can include a stopover on a one-way award ticket on eligible international itineraries, effectively allowing two stopovers on a roundtrip journey.
The program partners with numerous airlines, creating excellent opportunities for creative routing. Best of all, you can book these stopovers directly on Alaska Airlines’ website using the multi-city feature.
Example: Fly Japan Airlines from Los Angeles to Singapore with a stopover in Tokyo for as long as you’d like.
3. Air Canada Aeroplan
Stopover Policy: One stopover per direction of travel, including on one-way awards, for 5,000 additional points
Aeroplan allows you to add a stopover on a one-way award for just 5,000 additional points. While not free, this represents excellent value considering you’re essentially getting an additional destination for minimal extra cost.
According to the Aeroplan Flight Reward Policy, a stopover can last up to 45 days, and stopovers are not permitted within Canada, the United States or China. Since Aeroplan uses a distance-based award chart, keep in mind that more creative routings might increase the base award cost.
You can book Aeroplan awards with a stopover on aircanada.com at no booking fee; booking through the Aeroplan Contact Centre costs a non-refundable $30 CAD fee.
Example: Fly from Chicago to Istanbul with a stopover in Zurich for 5,000 additional points.
4. Emirates Skywards
Stopover Policy: One stopover on Saver awards; two on Flex Plus awards (one each way)
Under the Emirates Skywards program rules, Emirates Classic Saver rewards allow one stopover, either outbound or inbound, and Classic Flex Plus rewards allow two, one outbound and one inbound. One-way Classic Rewards are available when you fly from one Emirates flight zone to another: in Economy in Saver or Flex Plus, and in Business in Flex Plus only. Since Emirates flights connect in Dubai, that's where the stopover usually takes place.
It's a good fit for travelers who want to spend a few days in Dubai en route to their final destination. Emirates Skywards is generally considered the best program for booking Emirates first class awards, especially for members with elite status.
Example: Fly from New York to Johannesburg with a stopover in Dubai.
5. All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club
Stopover Policy: One stopover on a roundtrip award
ANA Mileage Club allows one stopover on a roundtrip award, regardless of whether you’re traveling on ANA or a partner airline. The only exception is for itineraries originating in Japan, which cannot include a stopover.
While ANA’s redemption rates are often very attractive, be aware of potentially high partner surcharges. Most awards, including those with stopovers, can be booked online, though the interface is somewhat dated.
Example: Fly from Chicago to Bangkok with a stopover in Tokyo.
6. Asiana Club
Stopover Policy: One stopover in Seoul on Asiana one-way awards; up to seven stopovers on Star Alliance roundtrip awards
Asiana Club offers a generous stopover policy, particularly for Star Alliance awards. For travel on Asiana Airlines, you can have a stopover in Seoul, even on one-way awards.
For Star Alliance awards, the rules are theoretically even more generous—you can have up to seven stopovers on a roundtrip award with up to eight segments. However, the practical application of these rules can be inconsistent, and you might face limitations based on maximum permitted mileage (MPM) rules.
Big change ahead: Asiana Airlines announced that it will leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, and that Asiana Club will be integrated into Korean Air SKYPASS on December 17, 2026 (see the Asiana Club integration notice). If you hold Asiana Club miles and want a Star Alliance award with stopovers, check Asiana's notices before you book.
Example: Fly from Los Angeles to Sydney with stopovers in Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore.
7. Etihad Guest
Stopover Policy: Stopovers in Abu Dhabi; stopovers on select partner airlines
Etihad Guest allows stopovers in Abu Dhabi for award tickets, though these must be booked by phone. The program defines any connection longer than eight hours as a stopover, which is more restrictive than most programs.
According to program rules, stopovers are permitted when traveling on numerous partner airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, ANA, and Korean Air. However, booking partner awards with Etihad Guest can be challenging, and the practical application of these stopover rules may vary.
Example: Fly from London to Sydney with a stopover in Abu Dhabi.
8. Japan Airlines (JAL) Mileage Bank
Stopover Policy: Up to three stopovers on single partner awards; up to seven stopovers on oneworld awards
JAL Mileage Bank offers one of the most generous stopover policies for partner awards, though stopovers aren’t permitted on JAL-operated flights. The program uses a distance-based award chart, with pricing determined by total travel distance.
For travel on a single partner, you can have up to three stopovers (with some partner-specific limitations). For oneworld awards involving two or more oneworld airlines, you can have up to seven stopovers, though you’re limited to eight total segments.
The main challenge with JAL Mileage Bank is earning the miles. Among the major US bank programs, Capital One lists JAL Mileage Bank as a transfer partner, at a 2:1.5 ratio.
Example: Fly on a oneworld award from New York to Sydney with stopovers in London, Doha, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
9. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Stopover Policy: Varies by award type:
- Saver awards: One stopover on roundtrip awards
- Advantage awards: Two stopovers on roundtrip awards or one stopover on one-way awards
Singapore KrisFlyer allows stopovers when traveling on Singapore Airlines, though the policy varies depending on the award type. Stopovers are limited to 30 days; longer stays are considered separate awards.
Previously, Singapore allowed additional stopovers for $100 each, but this option is no longer available.
Example: Fly from Los Angeles to Bali with a stopover in Singapore.
10. Turkish Miles&Smiles
Stopover Policy: One stopover on roundtrip awards on Turkish Airlines flights; none on one-way awards
Under the Miles&Smiles award travel terms, you can have one stopover, on either the outbound or the return, on a roundtrip award ticket for Turkish Airlines flights. One-way award tickets don't allow a stopover, and neither do award tickets issued online. For Star Alliance partner awards, Turkish says the stopover rule may vary according to the Star Alliance award table.
Since a stopover can't be added to a ticket issued online, plan to book it through the Turkish Airlines call center.
Example: Fly from Chicago to Cairo with a stopover in Istanbul.
11. TAP Air Portugal Miles & Go
Stopover Policy: One stopover per roundtrip on partner airlines
While TAP Air Portugal Miles & Go doesn’t allow stopovers on TAP-operated flights, the program does permit one stopover per roundtrip when redeeming on partner airlines. TAP partners with Star Alliance carriers and also has unique partners like Emirates.
Example: Fly from New York to Dubai on Emirates with a stopover in Lisbon.
12. British Airways Club
Stopover Policy: No free stopovers, but multi-carrier awards allow multiple destinations
British Airways Club uses a distance-based award chart where each segment is priced individually. While there are no “free” stopovers, the program’s “secret” multi-carrier award chart can offer excellent value for complex itineraries.
If you’re traveling on two or more oneworld airlines (three or more if any segments are on British Airways), you can use this special chart and pay fewer Avios than booking each segment separately. You can book up to eight flight segments and include a stopover in each city if desired.
Many agents aren’t familiar with this chart, so persistence may be required when booking by phone.
Example: Fly from London to Tokyo with stopovers in Doha, Singapore, and Hong Kong using the multi-carrier award chart.
13. Korean Air SkyPass
Stopover Policy: One stopover per journey on SkyTeam awards; none on Korean Air awards
Korean Air SKYPASS doesn't allow stopovers on its own award tickets: on Korean Air awards, you can't stay at a transfer point other than your destination, and you must connect within 24 hours. SkyTeam awards are more flexible: up to two transfers per direction, plus one stopover during the entire journey in a city other than your destination (the stopover counts as one of the transfers). One open jaw is allowed, at the destination only.
On itineraries within the US and Canada, Korean Air counts a stay of 4 hours or more as a stopover; on all other itineraries, the threshold is 24 hours. SkyTeam awards can be booked on the Korean Air website and app.
Example: Fly SkyTeam partners from Los Angeles to Rome with a stopover in Amsterdam.
Strategies for Maximizing Stopover Opportunities
To make the most of these stopover policies, consider these strategies:
- Focus on programs with one-way stopover allowances: Aeroplan and Alaska Atmos Rewards both allow a stopover on one-way awards, which gives you the most flexibility.
- Consider hub cities: Plan stopovers in airline hub cities where you’ll find the most connection options (Paris for Air France, Istanbul for Turkish, etc.).
- Think creatively about routing: Sometimes routing through a different region can open up interesting stopover possibilities, like visiting Europe en route to Asia.
- Combine stopovers with open-jaws: Many programs allow both stopovers and open-jaws on the same ticket, creating even more flexibility.
- Book well in advance: Award space with stopovers can be more limited, so booking early increases your chances of success.
Bottom Line
While free stopovers on award tickets have become less common over the years, several airline loyalty programs still offer this valuable benefit. The most generous options are currently Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Alaska Atmos Rewards, and Air Canada Aeroplan, each offering different advantages depending on your travel needs.
For travelers looking to maximize their miles and experience multiple destinations on a single award ticket, understanding these stopover policies can lead to significant value. Whether you’re planning a quick city break en route to your main destination or want to create a complex multi-destination itinerary, these programs provide the flexibility to do so without redeeming additional miles.
As airline programs continue to evolve, it’s worth taking advantage of these opportunities while they still exist. With some creative planning and flexibility, stopovers can transform a simple point-to-point journey into a rich, multi-destination adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an award ticket with a stopover?
The booking process varies by program. Some airlines like Alaska and Air Canada allow you to book stopovers online using their multi-city search tool. Others, like Flying Blue and Turkish Airlines, require you to call their reservation center. When booking by phone, be clear that you want to include a stopover and have your desired routing ready.
Can I add a stopover to an existing award ticket?
Generally, no. Stopovers must be booked as part of the original itinerary. Changes to add a stopover later would typically require canceling and rebooking the entire award, subject to availability and any applicable change/cancellation fees.
Are there any restrictions on where I can have a stopover?
Yes, most programs have some restrictions. Common limitations include: stopovers must be at airline hubs (Emirates in Dubai, Turkish in Istanbul), stopovers must be along a logical routing path, or stopovers aren’t allowed within the same region. Each program has its own specific rules, so check the detailed terms before planning.
How long can my stopover be?
This varies by program. Most allow stopovers of unlimited duration within the ticket validity period (typically one year from the date of issue). However, some programs set a limit: Aeroplan allows up to 45 days, and Singapore Airlines limits stopovers to 30 days. Check the specific program rules for any time limitations.
Do I pay additional taxes and fees for a stopover?
Sometimes. While the mileage cost may not increase (or may increase only slightly, as with Aeroplan’s 5,000-point fee), you might incur additional airport taxes and fees depending on the stopover location. Some countries charge departure taxes that would apply when you continue your journey after the stopover.
Which transfer partners work with these airline programs?
Several of these programs are partners of transferable points currencies. According to the issuers' own transfer partner lists in October 2026, Flying Blue, Aeroplan and Singapore KrisFlyer take points from Amex, Capital One and Chase; Emirates Skywards takes points from Amex and Capital One; ANA Mileage Club takes points from Amex; and Etihad Guest and JAL Mileage Bank take Capital One miles. Alaska Atmos Rewards is a Bilt Rewards transfer partner. Transfer lineups and ratios change, so check the issuer's current list before you move points.
