A number of years ago we were able to stop over in a city that United stopped in before our final destination and spend a few days there (at no cost) before going on. Today I was told by two agents that you can no longer do that - you have to pay a $300 fee to stay longer than 4 hours. Am I getting accurate information? What are your experiences? Thanks again.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
Many airlines do now charge a fee on stopovers. I thought the fees were usually imposed when the stopover exceeded 24 hours.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I believe the fee is charged for stopovers of more than 24 hours. I have had lengthy (unintentional) layovers several times (twice in May) that were over four hours and nothing additional was charged.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington, United States
284 posts
It all depends on the fare. There are fares that allow stopovers. There are fares that require a fee for stopovers. There are fares that don't allow it at all. Sometimes the length of time in a place can trigger other fees that the airline passes to you. Different airlines have different rules and the same airline may have also simply changed the rules.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I always book the second leg of any trip to Europe to include a maximum 23 hour layover time (I'm flying from the West Coast). Fly out from San Diego in the late morning, spend the night and then catch a morning flight to Europe or a variation thereof. Done this with American, Delta etc. You are usually given a choice of checking your luggage through to your destination or not - but not always. Never been charged an extra fee. That less than 24 hour rule is based on the airlines d schedule. If your second flight is delayed so that you go over the 24 hour rule you have a "get out of jail free" card.