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Qatar Airways offers a unique stopover program that allows travelers to explore Doha while en route to their final destination. Here's an overview of this program and the two types of stopovers on offer to help you discern whether you're eligible to avail yourself of it — and if you should.
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Qatar Airways Stopover Program Overview
Qatar Airways provides a neat opportunity to make the most of your (extended) layover in Doha. With this stopover program, you can explore the city for as little as $14 per night at a 4-star hotel or indulge in a luxurious 5-star stay starting at just $24 per person. Sounds great, right?
Eligible travelers might even score a complimentary night at a hotel through an STPC (Stopover for the Purpose of Connection) package.
The program caters to all types of travelers, with options ranging from budget-friendly stays to luxury experiences. We'll explain how it works and how to take advantage of it.
Related: What Is the Difference Between a Layover and a Stopover?
The Two Types of Qatar Airways Stopovers
Qatar Airways offers two main stopover options: a complimentary stay through the STPC program or heavily discounted paid packages for up to four nights. Here's an overview of both types of stopovers.
Complimentary hotel night with STPC
One type of Qatar Airways stopover is (mostly) free and limited to travelers with layovers between eight and 24 hours. However, eligibility is subject to a few conditions. Your ticket must have a fare value of at least $400 for adults or $300 for children (base fare + surcharges). Additionally, there should be no connecting flights available within eight hours in the same cabin class.
Award flights booked with Qatar Airways Avios often qualify, but tickets booked through partner airlines like American Airlines generally do not.
Economy passengers are accommodated in 3-star hotels, while business and first-class travelers are accommodated in 4-star or 5-star properties. Qatar Airways also provides meal vouchers and airport transfers on these long layovers.
It’s worth noting that mixed-cabin itineraries or certain discounted fares may require additional fees of $75-$100 to access this benefit.
Paid stopover packages
If you want to spend more time in Doha, Qatar Airways’ paid stopover packages are worth your attention. These packages start at just $14 per person (based on double occupancy, so multiply the price you see by two) for a stay in a 4-star hotel. Premium 5-star hotels are available from $48 per night for two people, and luxury options with breakfast start at $166 per night.
These packages are available to Qatar Airways and codeshare-confirmed ticket holders whose transit time in Doha is at least 12 hours. Travelers from eligible countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, can book these packages directly with their flights.
Who Is Eligible for the Qatar Airways Stopover Program?
Broader eligibility for the Qatar Airways stopover program depends on a few factors. Passengers with layovers of at least eight hours (for STPC) or 12 hours (for paid packages) qualify, provided their flights are operated and ticketed by Qatar Airways.
Ticket must also meet specific fare value requirements, as outlined above, and detailed further in the ultra-long (and confusing) program terms and conditions.
Unfortunately, travelers connecting within eight hours or those booked on partner airline codeshares (like American Airlines award flights on Qatar Airways) are not eligible for the complimentary STPC program. However, they can still take advantage of the paid stopover packages as long as Qatar Airways or a codeshare airline operates their flight.
How To Book a Qatar Airways Stopover
Booking a Qatar Airways stopover is mostly straightforward. When searching for flights on the Qatar Airways website, select the “Stopover/Packages” option and enter your origin and destination (excluding Doha).
You can then choose to plan your stopover on your outbound or return journey and decide how many days you want to spend in Doha. But it's worth noting you can book one-way journeys as well. Here, you can also select your hotel and room type and schedule your airport transfers.
For paid packages with extended layovers, you can book using the multi-city function and include 24 hours or more in Doha. And once you have your flights, visit the Discover Qatar website to book and pay for your hotel stay.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stopover
If you're considering booking a Qatar Airways stopover, there are a few things to remember. While the stopover deals are virtually unbeatable, it's still worth comparing the hotel rates on offer with what's available direct with the property. Sometimes, the difference isn't so pronounced.
Moreover, it's worth mentioning that breakfast is not included in most packages unless you opt for a higher-tier luxury package.
Additionally, visa requirements vary by nationality, so you should confirm whether you need a visa before traveling. And lastly, note that award tickets are eligible only if booked directly with Qatar Airways. Tickets issued by partner airlines, even for flights operated by Qatar Airways, generally do not qualify for the complimentary STPC program.
But if you're unsure, you should reach out to Qatar Airways directly. The program terms could be clearer, but representatives can get you pointed in the right direction no matter what.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning on traveling through Doha, it's worth considering the Qatar Airways stopover program. Whether you want to extend your trip by a day for free or stay for up to four days for a deeply discounted rate, this program can offer a ton of value. Just remember to double-check the terms before you book to ensure you're eligible to take advantage of it.
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