STPC, short for Stopover Paid by Carrier, is a travel benefit offered by select airlines to passengers experiencing extended layovers due to flight schedules. Instead of spending hours waiting in the terminal, eligible travelers are provided with complimentary or discounted accommodations, meals, and sometimes airport transfers—courtesy of the airline.
This perk is especially common on long-haul or multi-leg international itineraries where a convenient connecting flight may not be available on the same day.
What Does STPC Include?
While offerings vary by airline and route, a typical STPC package may include:
- One-night hotel stay near the connecting airport
- Meals (usually dinner and/or breakfast at the hotel)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Assistance at transit desks for check-in or visa processing
Some airlines or airports go a step further, including complimentary city tours or expedited visa handling—especially in cities like Doha, Istanbul, and Seoul.
Who Qualifies for STPC?
Eligibility is usually determined by:
- Flight schedule: Layover must exceed a minimum number of hours (often 8+ for economy, shorter for business class)
- Ticket type: Must be a full-fare or eligible fare class; deeply discounted tickets may not qualify
- Stopover city: Only certain hubs are covered by STPC programs
- Booking channel: STPC often must be requested in advance through the airline or a travel agent
Each airline sets its own terms, and many require passengers to book the STPC at least 24–72 hours prior to arrival.
Why Airlines Offer STPC
For carriers, STPC is a strategic way to:
- Make long layovers more appealing
- Encourage bookings on multi-leg itineraries
- Highlight their hub cities as tourism destinations
- Compete with other airlines offering similar perks
For travelers—especially business class passengers—it turns what might be an inconvenient wait into a chance to rest, refresh, or even explore a new destination.
Examples of Airlines Offering STPC
- Turkish Airlines: Offers both hotel stays and free Istanbul city tours
- Qatar Airways: Stopover packages with hotel + visa options in Doha
- Etihad Airways: Offers complimentary or discounted hotel stays in Abu Dhabi
- Air China & Ethiopian Airlines: Provide hotel and transfer for long layovers
- Singapore Airlines: Offers low-cost stopover packages including hotel, transport, and perks
Note: Some airports, like Incheon (Seoul) and Changi (Singapore), also sponsor stopover programs independently of airlines.
How STPC Differs from a Free Stopover
While both involve pausing between flights in a connecting city, free stopovers refer to booking a longer connection at no extra airfare. STPC specifically refers to the airline covering costs (like lodging and meals) for an unavoidable or scheduled layover.
Tips for Using STPC
- Book through the airline’s call center or official site to ensure eligibility
- Confirm whether a transit visa is required and if it’s included in the program
- Ask about business class benefits—some airlines offer upgraded hotel options
- Plan your time: Even a short overnight stay can provide valuable rest during long-haul journeys