✈️ Top 7 best programs for transit passengers

Don’t like long layovers because you have to look for something you like and waste valuable time? The carriers solved this problem in no time! Airlines have developed special offers for connections so passengers can get to know the country better and even get discounts on communication services, excursions and public transport. We have collected up-to-date information about what the programs include and how to participate in them.

Turkish Airlines

It is almost impossible to refuse such a package. Why? Now you will understand.

Turkish Airlines did not skimp on comfort for tourists with transit in Istanbul. Business class clients with a wait of more than 20 hours receive a room in a five-star hotel for up to two nights. But holders of tickets to the economy segment can recuperate for free in four-star apartments.

But in order to use bonuses, you need to notify the company about it in time. After booking your tickets, send information about your name, reservation, ticket numbers, date of stay and room category with the number of seats to the carrier's email address. Don't forget to add your phone number and email address. This must be done at least 72 hours before landing in Turkey. 

But if the transit takes from 6 to 24 hours, go on a free tour of colorful Istanbul. By the way, you don’t need to pay for bus transfers and meals, or book activities in advance. You just need to go to the Touristanbul counter at the airport of the capital and decide on the appropriate option. Did you remember to read the guide about what you should definitely try when traveling to Istanbul?

Qatar Airways

The program of this airline can surprise even the most experienced passenger. If you stay in Doha from 8 to 24 hours, the carrier provides a free hotel room and transfer. But if you plan to stay for more than a day, get ready for big discounts on accommodation in four- and five-star hotels. A room in the highest category will cost at least $77 per night, but more modest apartments can be rented for only $14.

To take advantage of the offer, fill out the form on the airline website and provide all the necessary information, including dates and number of days of transit. When you book your tickets, be sure to choose one of the available hotels for your stay. After that, enter your flight details when booking a hotel, and the system will automatically reduce the cost of your stay.

In addition, you have discounts on a tour of a Bedouin settlement and a tour of an oriental bazaar. By the way, you can read the complete guide to Doha here.

Etihad

One of the best airlines on the planet has taken care to provide its customers with truly luxurious conditions during connections in Abu Dhabi.  

The terms of the program depend on several factors. If travelers stay in the UAE capital for less than 24 hours, they receive a free hotel room near the airport.

The “Transit at our expense” option involves a two-night stay in a three- or four-star hotel with 24-hour check-in and free Internet access. 

But if you are a fan of luxury, then the “Best of Abu Dhabi” program was literally created for you. There are discounts of up to 40% on accommodation in a four- or five-star hotel, as well as free breakfasts. Hurry, because the last two offers are only valid until December 20, 2023.

When booking a connecting flight to Abu Dhabi, choose your preferred option and make sure your hotel has availability. However, you must book a room at least 72 hours before departure. 

Ethiopian Airlines

Do you have a connection in Addis Ababa? Take a quick look at what Ethiopian Airlines has to offer. 

The company provides a hotel room, as well as a free transit visa, meals and transfers if necessary. You can claim bonuses if the transit lasts strictly from 8 to 24 four hours. At the same time, you are not limited in your chance to book any suitable departure time to relax in your room. As a rule of thumb, when paying in cash, the carrier charges an additional $70 for a later departure. But this rule does not apply to redeeming miles. 

Please note that you must arrive and depart on the same airline using the same ticket. Accordingly, if you already have tickets from different carriers, you won’t be able to count on hotels, meals and transfers. 

Do I need to book a room in advance? No, because upon registration they give you vouchers for all the goodies from the special program. But if you forgot about this at the airport, the transit service in Addis Ababa is always ready to help. 

Iberia

The Hola Madrid program will allow you to fully experience Spanish hospitality. First, make sure that you will be connecting to Madrid. Then decide how many days from one to six, allowed by the company, you will spend in the capital. Then book your connecting flight. By the way, the offer also applies to return flights. All is ready? Then take bonuses and explore every corner of the city.

At your service – a real scattering of pleasant compliments from Iberia. The airlines offer free two-day travel on Madrid public transport, discounts on a local SIM card, car rental, a tour of the Real Madrid stadium, cooking classes, museum tickets, musicals and even flights to other cities in the country.

By the way, do not forget that to travel to Spain you need a Schengen visa. But you won’t be able to experience the program for yourself without the coveted stamp in your passport. We recommend taking a look at one of the oldest restaurants in the world, which has been operating in Madrid since 1725.

TAP

Making an emergency stop in Portugal? Be sure to check out what TAP Air Portugal has to offer. 

First, you need to check that the flight complies with the terms of the program. These must be one-way or both-way trips with transit in Lisbon or Porto over a medium or long distance. At the same time, there may be several points on the route, and transfers in Portugal are allowed at any stage of the trip.

You can stay in one of two cities if the stop takes from one to five days. Participating in the program is quite simple. When you enter your personal information to purchase tickets, select the “Add a transfer” option. The system will transfer to new cells that need to be filled in with additional information about the city and length of stay.   

As soon as you complete registration, you will have access to bonuses from TAP. Choose whatever your heart desires: Lisboa Card or Porto Card at a special price for free travel on public transport, discounts to restaurants, museums, and author’s tours. By the way, don’t forget about -25% on tickets to the next point on the map of Portugal.

Emirates 

Waiting for your next flight in Dubai? Emirates Airlines has taken full care of your comfort. 

The offer is valid for flights with a transfer from 8 to 26 hours for the premium economy and economy segment. But first and business class passengers are required to comply with the norm from 6 to 26 hours. In addition, the docking time should be as short as possible. This means that the program is not valid for flights with a longer waiting period.

You must add hotel accommodation, transfers, and meals at least 24 hours before departure to Dubai when booking online.

Are you interested in finding out how every program in life works? Tiqets.com is ready to organize your trip and take care of every step of the trip. Professionals in their field will take into account all the details and will allow you to get maximum impressions not only from the main point of the route, but also from the transit cities.