Do you ever feel frustrated when booking reward flights only to discover that the available options come with long layovers? It can feel like you’re stuck wasting precious vacation time sitting in an airport waiting for your next connection. A lengthy layover might even make you rethink your travel plans altogether. But what if we told you those long connections could work to your advantage with certain airlines? You might be wondering why on earth I would choose to extend my travel time on purpose. Let us show you how this can be a game-changer with free hotels and tours with Turkish Airlines.

 

Perks with Flying Turkish Airlines

There are many fantastic airline programs, but Turkish Airlines offers one of the most unexpected and impressive perks for its passengers. Whether you’re flying economy or business class, you could qualify for free hotel accommodations and complimentary tours during your stopover in Istanbul. We’ll break it down so you know all your best options!

 

Touristanbul

Suppose you’re flying with Turkish Airlines and have a layover in Istanbul lasting between 6 and 24 hours. In that case, you can take advantage of Touristanbul—a free layover service exclusively for Turkish Airlines passengers arriving in IST.

With a variety of tours offered daily, you’ll have the chance to explore Istanbul’s iconic historical landmarks and savor its incredible cuisine. Touristanbul covers all entrance fees to attractions and will even provide meals during the tour!

 

 

With options to suit virtually any layover schedule, why spend hours in the airport when you can experience the magic of Istanbul—all on Turkish Airlines?

 

How to Reserve a Tour

To reserve a tour during your layover, sign up with your reservation details on the Turkish Airlines website. If you’re a Turkish Miles&Smiles member, you’ll enjoy priority access and even have the flexibility to join a tour at the last minute—just arrive at the Touristanbul desk at least 30 minutes before the tour’s departure.

When planning your experience, just allow at least 1.5 hours between the tour’s return and your connecting flight. This will give you enough time to collect your belongings and pass through security without feeling rushed.

 

 

Stopover Istanbul Program

Not only do you have the option to take advantage of Touristanbul, but if your layover exceeds 20 hours, you could be eligible for free accommodations at Turkish Airlines partner hotels. Keep in mind that you cannot take advantage of Touristanbul AND free accommodations through the stopover program with the same reservation—it’s one or the other, so plan accordingly. What does the stopover program mean for you? 

If you’re flying on an international route with a layover in Istanbul (IST), where your trip is fully operated by Turkish Airlines and the layover is more than 20 hours, you may qualify for this benefit.  If you’re flying Economy (above ‘N’ and ‘R’ class), you could receive one free night in a Category 4 hotel.  Business class passengers may be eligible for two free night stays in a Category 5 hotel. The airline will assign you the hotel, which cannot be changed. 

However, there is some flexibility if you want to stay at the hotel longer. The stopover can be up to 7 days, and Turkish Airlines offers special rates for additional nights. Contact the hotel if you wish to extend your stay. 

 

How do you apply for this benefit? 

At least 72 hours before your flight into Istanbul (anything less will not be processed), you can request a reservation. You will need to send the following information to Turkish: 

• Full first and last name 
• Turkish Air reservation code (PNR)
• Ticket number
• Dates for which you need accommodation (remember to factor in the time zone change to ensure you’re requesting the correct night(s))
• Preferred room type
• Phone number
• E-mail address 

Ensure that the above information is sent to the correct stopover accommodation service email from the country you’re departing from. Departing from within the U.S., the email to use is freehotelusa@thy.com.

You are also able to request this benefit using the airline’s online form by using your booking number and the last name associated with the reservation. 

Once approved, you’ll receive a hotel voucher to take to the hotel upon check-in. You’ll also need your boarding pass. Do note that Turkish Air will not reimburse you for transportation to and from the airport to the hotel. There are many public transportation options from IST into the city center, such as the Metro, buses, or taxis. 

 

 

 

As with anything, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the requirements or restrictions required to take advantage of either program. 

 

Turkish Free Layover Hotel Program

Are you flying Economy with a layover in Istanbul of 12+ hours or Business Class with a layover of 9+ hours? If so, you might qualify for a one-night hotel layover benefit—different from the Stopover Program described earlier. Unlike the Stopover Program, this service is available for codeshare flights. However, you must be booked on the first available connecting flight to your destination to be eligible. If you meet the criteria, you can visit the Turkish Airlines hotel desk at IST Airport to apply for your hotel voucher. It’s an easy way to make your extended layover more comfortable!

 

 

Bottom Line

When planning on flying Turkish, do plan ahead to make the most of these incredible benefits during your travels through Turkey! Free hotels and tours with Turkish Airlines? Yes, please! Now excuse us while we go search for award availability with a long stopover in Istanbul!