Stopovers between two flights are the nightmare of many travelers, who are often forced to go through them for budgetary reasons. Aware of this problem, airlines have decided to reinvent the stopover to make it a pleasant experience, rich in discovery, reports Geo .
Many companies today offer programs “stopover” or STPC (“Stopover Paid by Carrier”). This involves voluntarily extending connections between two planes to allow passengers to make a real stopover and explore the city in which they have landed.
An interesting initiative but not very eco-friendly
The largest airlines in the world, such as Air France, Air Canada, Emirates, Finnair and Japan Airlines, have all developed this program. In most cases, the comfortable stopover, from one night to several weeks, is offered in the airline’s country of origin, or even precisely in the city where its connecting hub is located. Companies sometimes offer free nights at a hotel, a meal in a city restaurant or even a taxi offer.
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The objective is clear: attract new travelers and boost tourism in the city in question. If the idea is appealing, globetrotters sensitive to ecological issues will move on. These programs risk encouraging an increase in connecting flights, and therefore an increase in aircraft in circulation.
The stopover also requires additional preparation since travelers will not be able to access their hold luggage, which will only be collected at the final destination. It is therefore important to choose carefully what you put in your cabin baggage if you embark on the experience “stopover”.
