Swiss International Airlines and Brussels Airlines, both of
which are part of the Lufthansa Group, are now offering free extended stopovers
for passengers transiting through Zurich and Brussels from the U.S.
Flyers on Swiss can stop for up to four nights free of
charge before continuing onto their next destination. The stopovers are available
on most fares from the U.S. to Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia via
Zurich.
Brussels customers can do a stopover of up to five days. The
stopovers are available on most fares from the U.S. to Africa, the Middle East,
Eastern Europe and Asia.
Both airlines are also selling stopover packages.
The "Stopover Switzerland" program has eight
customizable packages, which includes lodging and all public transit. Travelers
can choose to do their stopover in one or two cities.
"Belgium Stop Over" also offers one or two cities.
Via partnerships with 17 local tourism bureaus, travelers will have access to
free museums and tourist activities.
Free stopovers have become more common in recent years. Iceland
Air, Wow Air, Air Canada and Turkish Air are among the carriers that offer the
perk.