If your US-India itinerary includes a significant layover in a third country, consider turning it into a delightful sightseeing adventure rather than simply waiting around at the transit airport. Many airlines now offer transit stopovers and city tours, allowing you to enjoy a mini vacation for yourself or your family during your upcoming trip to India this summer. While some stopovers last for 24 hours or more, transit city tours are available in various packages at discounted rates for layovers of 5 to 10 hours. Additionally, you can visit Flyopedia to get a flight ticket from Canada to India on affordable price.
Certain airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, provide transit city tours as a complimentary addition, while others like Emirates and Qatar Airways offer them at reduced rates. Some airlines, like Singapore Airlines, even offer guided tours to popular tourist destinations within easy reach of the transit airports. What adds to the appeal of these transit city tours for Indians and US citizens is the visa-free entry, visa waiver, visa on arrival, or easy-to-obtain e-visa policies in the countries through which the flights transit.
Fly Turkish Airlines and Tour Istanbul
If you book cheap business class tickets to India via Istanbul, you might qualify for Turkish Airlines’ free Istanbul City tour or stopover program, depending on your layover duration. Regardless of whether you’re flying economy or business class on Turkish Airlines flights to India/USA, you can explore Istanbul during a layover of at least 6 hours. Passengers with a layover of 20 hours are entitled to a complimentary hotel stay in Istanbul. With eight packages to choose from, you can tailor your experience with the Touristanbul program to suit your layover in Istanbul. It is important to note that Turkey is a visa-free destination for US citizens.
Fly Emirates and Explore Dubai during a layover
Dubai International Airport stands out as the top transit hub, offering layover tours for Indians flying with Emirates to India/USA. Dubai, known for its vibrant culture, luxury activities, and desert safaris, is ideal for stopovers of up to 48 hours.
With customized tour packages and Emirates Airline Fares, you can transform your layover into a memorable mini holiday on your way to India or the USA. These packages include hotel accommodation with 24-hour check-in/check-out and exclusive deals for theme parks, water parks, and desert safaris.
Fly Qatar Airways and Add Doha Sightseeing to Your Itinerary
Among the top airline stopover programs, Qatar Airways’ Doha stopover can enhance your travel between the USA and India without any extra airfare. With a layover of over 12 hours at Hamad International Airport, you can enjoy a Doha City tour, including one-night accommodation at a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways’ destination management arm, offers budget-friendly Doha stopover packages – Standard, Premium, and Luxury – starting from $14 per night for standard 4-star accommodation, $23 for premium 5-star accommodation, and $81 for luxurious 5-star accommodation.
If your itinerary with Qatar Airways doesn’t allow for a Doha stopover, you can opt for a brief sightseeing tour of Doha during a 6-8 hour layover at Hamad Airport. Both Indian and US citizens can avail of a visa waiver upon arrival at Hamad Airport, provided they have a passport valid for at least 3 months and a confirmed flight ticket for onward or return travel. You can book your cheap USA to India flight tickets through Flyopedia.com for a memorable experience.
Fly Japan Airlines and Enjoy a Multicity Stopover
Among the top international airlines with stopover-friendly policies, JAL offers the flexibility to book multiple itineraries from the USA to Delhi and Bangalore, allowing travellers to visit multiple transit cities without extra airfare. If your connecting flight departs from Kansas International Airport, you can explore Osaka City, which is just a 15-20 minute high-speed train ride away from Kyoto. With a Japan Explorer Pass, you can enjoy affordable air travel within JAL Airlines’ domestic network.
For travellers connecting through Tokyo Haneda or Narita airports on their JAL Airlines US-India itinerary, layovers of 6 hours or more present an opportunity to explore both Haneda and Narita City. Notably, Narita International Airport offers free English-language tours led by knowledgeable guides as part of its transit tour program. While the tour guides are complimentary, travellers are responsible for transportation, entrance fees, and other associated expenses. Lastly, if you are in a hurry and looking for Canada to India flight deals then you can now check out our last minute flight to India only on Flyopedia.
