How to Maximize Airline Stopover Programs Using Miles for Extra Destinations

Stopovers are one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in the world of award travel. Imagine flying from New York to Tokyo, but instead of a direct flight, you get to spend a few days exploring Honolulu or Seoul along the way—all for the same number of miles. That’s the magic of airline stopover programs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to leverage stopover rules, which frequent flyer programs offer the best value, and advanced strategies to book multi-city adventures using miles.


Understanding Stopovers vs. Layovers

Before diving into specific programs, it’s crucial to distinguish between a stopover and a layover. A layover is a short connection, typically under 24 hours for international flights (or under 4 hours for domestic U.S. flights). A stopover, on the other hand, is an intentional break in your journey that lasts longer than a layover—anywhere from 24 hours to several days or even weeks. Stopovers allow you to explore an intermediate city without paying extra miles, though you may still be responsible for taxes and fees.

Airlines set their own definitions, but the general rule is:

• Stopover: A stay of more than 24 hours in a connecting city on an international itinerary.
• Layover: A connection under 24 hours (or 4 hours for domestic U.S. flights).

Some programs, like United MileagePlus, do not allow stopovers on award tickets at all, while others, like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, encourage them. Knowing which programs permit stopovers—and how to maximize them—can turn a simple round-trip into a multi-destination adventure.

The Best Frequent Flyer Programs for Free Stopovers

Not all frequent flyer programs are created equal when it comes to stopovers. Here are some of the most generous programs that allow free or low-cost stopovers on award tickets.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan is renowned for its generous stopover policy: you can add one free stopover on a one-way award ticket, even on partner airlines. This means you could fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo on Japan Airlines with a stopover in Seattle, or from Chicago to Sydney on Qantas with a stopover in Brisbane—all for the same miles as a direct itinerary. The only catch is that the stopover must be on an Alaska-issued award ticket, and you must call to book partner awards with stopovers (online booking may not allow it).

Aeroplan (Air Canada)

Aeroplan offers one of the most flexible stopover policies in the industry. You can add one stopover for 5,000 points on any one-way award ticket. This is a fixed cost, regardless of distance or class of service. For example, flying from New York to Singapore on Singapore Airlines? Add a stopover in Frankfurt for just 5,000 extra points. Aeroplan’s vast partner network (over 40 airlines) makes it a favorite among points enthusiasts. Note that stopovers are not permitted on domestic Canada itineraries.

ANA Mileage Club

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club is a hidden gem for stopovers, especially on round-trip awards. ANA allows up to 4 stopovers on a round-trip award ticket, though you must pay for them based on distance and class. However, ANA’s award chart is distance-based, so adding stopovers can sometimes increase the required miles. Still, it’s a great option for those planning multi-city trips in Asia or beyond. Keep in mind that ANA requires round-trip bookings for most awards, and fuel surcharges can be high on certain partners.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program allows up to 2 stopovers on a round-trip award ticket, or 1 stopover on a one-way award. The cost is included in the mileage price, making it a fantastic deal. For instance, you could fly from San Francisco to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific, stop over for a few days, then continue to Bangkok on a partner airline—all for the same miles as a direct flight to Hong Kong. Asia Miles also permits open-jaws and mixed-cabin awards, adding to its flexibility.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer allows one free stopover on a round-trip Saver award ticket, but only in Singapore. However, Singapore Changi Airport is consistently ranked among the world’s best, and the city itself is a destination worth exploring. KrisFlyer also offers a Stopover Holiday package for paid tickets, but for award travelers, the free stopover is a nice perk. Note that stopovers are not permitted on one-way awards or on partner airline itineraries.

Other Notable Programs

• Avianca LifeMiles: Allows stopovers on partner awards for a fee (typically $25–$50 per stopover).
• British Airways Executive Club: Does not permit stopovers on award tickets; each segment is priced separately.
• Delta SkyMiles: No stopovers allowed on award tickets.
• United MileagePlus: No stopovers on award tickets (except for the Excursionist Perk, which is a free one-way within a region on multi-city itineraries).
• American Airlines AAdvantage: No stopovers on award tickets.

How to Book Award Tickets with Stopovers

Booking a stopover award requires careful planning and often a phone call. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Research Program Rules

Start by understanding the stopover policy of the program you’re using. Visit the airline’s website or use tools like AwardHacker or Point.me to see which programs allow stopovers on your desired route.

Step 2: Search Segment by Segment

Most airline websites don’t handle complex stopover itineraries well. Search for availability segment by segment. For example, if you want to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo with a stopover in Seoul, search for LAX–ICN and then ICN–NRT separately. Note the dates, flight numbers, and availability.

Step 3: Call to Book

Once you’ve confirmed availability, call the airline’s frequent flyer service center to book. Explain that you want to book an award with a stopover, and provide the flight details. Some programs, like Alaska Airlines, may waive the phone booking fee if the itinerary can’t be booked online.

Step 4: Verify Taxes and Fees

Stopovers can sometimes increase the taxes and fees, especially if you’re changing airports or countries. Ask the agent to break down the costs before ticketing.

Step 5: Confirm the Stopover Duration

Ensure the stopover is correctly reflected in the itinerary. Double-check that the connection time is indeed over 24 hours (or the program’s threshold) to qualify as a stopover.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Stopovers

Combine Stopovers with Open-Jaws

An open-jaw ticket is one where you fly into one city and out of another. Combining a stopover with an open-jaw can create a complex but rewarding itinerary. For instance, using Alaska Mileage Plan, you could fly from Seattle to Tokyo (stopover) to Osaka, then return from Kyoto back to Seattle—all on one award ticket with a stopover in Tokyo. This effectively gives you three destinations for the price of one.

Use the United Excursionist Perk

While United doesn’t offer traditional stopovers, its Excursionist Perk is a valuable alternative. On a multi-city itinerary, you can get a free one-way award within a designated region. For example, fly from Newark to London, then London to Paris (free Excursionist), then Paris back to Newark. This perk works best when the free segment is in the middle of a round-trip.

Leverage Partner Airlines

Many programs allow stopovers on partner flights. For example, using Aeroplan points, you can book a Star Alliance itinerary with a stopover in Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) on your way to Johannesburg. Always check which partners are available and whether stopovers are permitted on those specific carriers.

Take Advantage of Fifth Freedom Routes

Fifth freedom flights operate between two foreign countries as part of a route originating or ending in the airline’s home country. These can be useful for stopovers. For example, Singapore Airlines flies from Houston to Manchester, continuing to Singapore. You could potentially book a stopover in Manchester on a KrisFlyer award (though rules vary).

Use Credit Card Transfer Partners

Flexible points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points can be transferred to multiple airlines, giving you access to various stopover policies. For example, transfer Chase points to Aeroplan for a 5,000-point stopover, or to Singapore Airlines for a free Singapore stopover.

Stopover Program Comparison Table

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

High Fuel Surcharges

Some airlines pass on hefty fuel surcharges, especially on partner awards. For example, ANA awards on Lufthansa can incur hundreds of dollars in fees. Always check the estimated taxes before booking. Programs like Aeroplan and Alaska Mileage Plan are known for lower surcharges.

Award Availability

Stopovers require award space on each segment. If one leg has no availability, the entire itinerary can’t be booked. Be flexible with dates and use tools like ExpertFlyer to monitor availability.

Phone Booking Fees

Some programs charge a fee for booking over the phone. If the online system can’t handle your stopover itinerary, ask the agent to waive the fee. Alaska Airlines, for instance, often waives it for partner stopovers.

Stopover Time Limits

Most programs limit stopovers to a certain duration (e.g., 30 days). Plan your trip accordingly to avoid exceeding the maximum.

Real-World Examples of Stopover Awards

Example 1: Alaska Mileage Plan to Asia

• Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Tokyo Narita (NRT) on Japan Airlines, stopover for 5 days, then NRT → Bangkok (BKK) on JAL.
• Miles: 60,000 Alaska miles in economy (same as LAX–NRT direct).
• Value: Two destinations for the price of one.

Example 2: Aeroplan to Europe

• Route: New York (JFK) → Frankfurt (FRA) on Singapore Airlines, stopover for 3 days, then FRA → Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines.
• Miles: 72,500 Aeroplan points in business class + 5,000 for stopover.
• Value: Explore both Frankfurt and Singapore on one ticket.

Example 3: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to Australia

• Route: Vancouver (YVR) → Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific, stopover for 4 days, then HKG → Sydney (SYD) on Qantas.
• Miles: 70,000 Asia Miles in economy.
• Value: Visit Hong Kong en route to Sydney at no extra mileage cost.

FAQ

What is the difference between a stopover and a layover?

A layover is a short connection, typically under 24 hours (or 4 hours for domestic U.S. flights). A stopover is a stay longer than 24 hours, allowing you to leave the airport and explore the city.

Which airline has the best stopover program?

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Aeroplan are widely considered the best for free or low-cost stopovers on partner airlines. Alaska offers one free stopover per one-way, while Aeroplan charges just 5,000 points.

Can I book a stopover online?

Most airline websites do not support complex stopover itineraries. You usually need to call the frequent flyer service center to book. Some programs, like Aeroplan, allow online booking of stopovers on certain routes.

Do stopovers cost extra miles?

It depends on the program. Alaska and Cathay Pacific offer free stopovers, while Aeroplan charges a flat 5,000 points. ANA charges based on distance and class. Always check the specific program rules.

Can I have a stopover on a one-way award?

Yes, some programs like Alaska Mileage Plan and Aeroplan allow stopovers on one-way awards. Others, like Singapore KrisFlyer, only permit them on round-trip tickets.

References

1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Stopover Policy: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/use-miles/award-charts (2025)
2. Air Canada Aeroplan Stopover Rules: https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/aeroplan/redeem/flights/stopover.html (2025)
3. ANA Mileage Club Award Rules: https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/amc/reference/ (2025)
4. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Stopover & Open-Jaw: https://www.asiamiles.com/en/afr.html (2025)
5. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Stopover: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/plan-travel/stopover/ (2025)