Stopover perks can spice up a business trip

Freebies range from free night to tuk-tuk rides

Who doesn’t like a freebie? That’ s why stopover programs present such great value for business travellers. The basic concept: you pay for your airfare from point A to point B, but you can build in a free stopover in a city or country along the way.

For business travellers, such programs present a chance to finagle two business trips f rom a single plane ticket, or to add in a few days of R&R.

Even better, there may just be a few perks thrown in. On a recent Icelandair flight from London’s Heathrow airport to Reykjavik, Iceland, to New York City, we passengers were treated to an immersive theatre performance that featured the history of the scrappy little airline ( now celebrating its 80th birthday).

In fact, stopover programs helped put Iceland on the map for travellers. When Icelandair launched international commercial flights, it didn’t have a licence to travel directly from North America to Europe, so it had to offer a layover in Reykjavik.

In 1955, the airline made the decision to turn a possible disadvantage into an advantage, by adding a free stopover, which became a hit with hippie backpackers. The stopover program has been offered ever since and, at least in part as a result, Iceland — a country with just 330,000 inhabitants — attracted some 1.8 million tourists last year.

But while Icelandair may have been the first to offer a stopover program, it’s not alone now. Many airlines also offer special perks to stopover guests, including discounted airfare for stopover flights, free accommodation, visas and special entertainment.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find: ❚ Air Canada: If you’re passing through Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver en route to a city outside Canada or the U. S. and have to wait six hours or more, take advantage of a stopover program that includes a free or cheap night’s hotel accommodation. Tango and Flex passengers pay $ 49 plus tax, while Latitude, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get a night free or at a reduced rate. The trip must be return ( not multi- destination), but you can book stopovers on both legs of the journey. ❚ Icelandair: Until March 2018, Icelandair passengers can transform their boarding pass into a stopover pass that gives them a chance to win entertaining prizes — from a private gig in the front room of a local, to a seat at a chef ’s table. The airline flies from Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to 19 European cities. Stopovers up to seven days are free. ❚ TAP Air Portugal: On your way to one of TAP’s many European or African destinations, stop over in Porto or Lisbon for up to five days at no extra cost. You’ll even get hotel discounts and other perks such as free tuk- tuk rides or museum entrance and a complimentary bottle of wine in partner restaurants. Available for return, one-way and multi-city trips. Gateway city: Toronto. ❚ Cathay Pacific: If you are travelling before March 31, 2018, you can take advantage of Cathay’s “Your Little Piece of Hong Kong” stopover program, offering such perks as a cable car ride over Lantau Island and lunch at Walt’s Café at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (stopovers without the perks will still be available after April 1). The fine print? You must stay six to 24 hours, or for three nights or more en route to the airline’s extensive network of Asian destinations (including 22 cities in Mainland China). Gateway cities include Toronto and Vancouver. ❚ China Southern: Stop over for eight to 24 hours when flying through Beijing, Guangzhou or Shanghai and you’ll get a free shuttle, hotel and breakfast. The caveat: there must be no onward flights to your destination that day. Gateway cities: Vancouver and Toronto. ❚ Emirates: Planning a business trip to Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe or the Middle East? Make a pit stop in Dubai for one to seven days, gratis. You’ll break up the trip, maybe squeeze in another meeting, or check out a part of the world you haven’t seen. Emirates will book your stay ( at your expense) at your choice of 99 hotels and you’ ll get free transfers to and from the airport and 24-hour check-in and check-out. Gateway city: Toronto. ❚ Qatar Airways: Travellers can stay in Doha for up to four days on the same ticket and get a free transit visa and hotel night. The airline flies from Montreal to Africa, Central Asia, Europe, the Far East, South Asia, the Middle East, South America and Oceania. Gateway city: Montreal. ❚ Etihad Airways: Until December, stop over in Abu Dhabi en route to multiple international destinations in Africa, Asia- Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. You must stay at least two nights, but passengers in The Residence ( a private three- room suite in the sky) get put up at the luxurious Emirates Palace free. First- class passengers get two nights’ accommodation in a five-star hotel; business class gets one. Gateway city: Toronto.