Lufthansa Group Launches 'Stopover' Programs

The Lufthansa Group is now offering two different stopover options that aim to help travelers make the most of their flights and connection times.

"We continuously search for new ways to cater to our customers and provide them with premium and memorable experiences," said Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Vice President Airlines Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. "Our two new stopover services truly support the Group's commitment to providing first-rate, quality travel experiences for the entirety of the trip – from the airport, to inflight and on-the-ground experiences."

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and Switzerland Travel Centre, is offering the "Stopover Switzerland" program, which allows both leisure and business travelers to extend their stopover in Switzerland by one to four nights. With eight customizable travel packages, travelers can take advantage of the density and variety of Switzerland's many attractions, experiencing so much in so little time. Each package includes accommodations in a three- or four-star hotel at the chosen destination, plus all public transportation.

With the single-destination Stopover Switzerland packages, which are bookable for one to four nights, guests choose one Swiss city, such as Zurich, Interlaken or Lucerne, as the base for their excursions and discoveries. The package also includes tips on local trips and activities to help the guest make the most of their stay. All packages also include a Swiss Travel Pass for first or second class travel, giving unlimited rides on Switzerland's extensive public transport system for the duration of the stopover.

The multi-destination Stopover Switzerland packages, which are bookable for two to four nights, offer a fixed itinerary including transport to different locations for overnight stays in three- or four-star hotels, as well as a flexible range of activities.

The United States, Singapore and India are the first SWISS markets to introduce the new stopover program. Generally, from point of commencement U.S. and Canada, most fares to destinations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia allow stopovers free-of-charge.

Brussels Airlines, another member of the Lufthansa Group, is also introducing its version of a stopover program that offers passengers the opportunity to visit two different Belgian cities when flying via Brussels Airport to Africa, Europe, the U.S., Israel, Canada or India. Within the program, "Belgium Stop Over," travelers can chose from a variety of Belgian cities, including Brussels or Durbuy (Europe's tiniest city), for a stay of one to five days. All of the cities are located less than an hour's travel from each other, thus making Belgium an ideal location for a quick stay. Due to partnerships with Visit Flanders, Visit Brussels and Wallonie Belgique Tourisme, as well as 14 Belgian cities, travelers will be able to enjoy free access to tourist activities and museums during their stopover.

The offer is available for Brussels Airlines guests traveling from the U.S., Canada, Israel or India and can be booked through the airlines website brusselsairlines.com/BelgiumStopOver. Generally, from point of commencement U.S. and Canada most fares to destinations in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia allow stopovers free-of-charge.