According to the latest global PR survey from Flight Center, 51% of South Africans have become more fond of intentional stopovers when traveling abroad.
“For years, we've seen stopovers as a minimum, especially as South Africans face some of the world's longest flight times,” says Sue Garrett, pricing and marketing at flight centres in South Africa. “Now our clients turn them around and use them to maximize rest and happiness. If we intentionally approach a journey like this, we become part of our holiday every hour during our transport.”
That's true. Smart travelers have turned geographical isolation into advantages, and sometimes the best upgrades are proven how time between flights rather than seat classes.
Why are stopovers in the spotlight?
South African travelers have always been practical. 97% say that getting the value of your money is your number one priority when planning a trip. However, new data from the Flight Center survey shows further evolution. 86% are now actively seeking slow and stable travel at any cost. Most importantly, this shift goes beyond preserving the land. It also involves maximizing happiness and fun along the way.
Here are some tips for planning a stopover as a micro-retreat or bonus chapter in your trip.
1. Set the stopover to the internal clock
Do not choose the cheapest or fastest route. Choose a break to split your journey to split your journey when your body needs most. On an eastbound trip, you can break the journey into the manageable 6-8 hour segment and sleep at the local nights to arrive at alerts and minimize jet lags.
Garrett's tip: Advisors can map itineraries, and the arrival of layovers coincides with sleep-friendly times, turning what used to be dead time into a real recovery.
2. Choose a hub with a dedicated wellness infrastructure
Not all airports are equal. Currently, they offer circadian lighting, nap pods, oxygen bars, or on-demand spa treatments specifically designed to enhance post-flight mood and energy for passengers.
Garrett's tip: Ask which lounge or airport hotels offer priority access. Many require advance bookings or agent partnerships that are not available through DIY sites.
3. Use Layover as your microretreat
Walking around Singapore's living gardens, digital detox at Hammam in Istanbul, or even silence in a dedicated quiet zone.
Garrett's tip: Share your goals (rest? energize? cultural?). Travel experts can organize your quick access experience in advance that suits the length of your itinerary and your personal preferences.
4. Build flexibility for last-minute upgrades and perks
Airlines and hotels often release premium lounge passes, day rooms, or city tours at deep discounts near travel days, but only flexible tickets can qualify.
Garrett's tip: Travel advisors know which routes/date generates voluntary perks and structure reservations, so if the plan shifts last, the upgrade won't break the bank.
5. Utilize currency arbitration and local promotions during suspension
Given the volatility of the Rand, some hubs (such as Istanbul or Dubai) bring amazing value to SA Travelers, whether they are exclusively for airport sales at wellness services or only available airside.
Garrett's tip: agents can track local trading calendars to allow South Africans to tap on flash sales at food/spa/shopping at the right moment.
“The difference between a surviving long trip and a truly refreshed arrival depends on how well you use those intermediate times,” explains Garrett. “There's a bit of expert design behind every foot on the journey, and even economy-class flyers are ready instead of being destroyed.”
5 Outstanding Stopover Purposes for South Africans
1. Doha (Hamad International Airport)
Why it stands out: Doha has redefine the Labour with its world-class wellness centre (think Orchard's indoor tropical garden) and gorgeous nap pods and spa suites within the terminal.
2. Singapore (Changi Airport)
Why it stands out: Butterfly Garden, Rooftop Pool, Sleep Pod – Even the free transport tours for longer layovers in Asia/Australia Rialto have consistently rated the best airport in the world for good reason.
3. Istanbul (Istanbul Airport)
Why it stands out: a gateway to Europe through Turkish Airlines hub. The free “tourist” city tours cover passengers for passengers to pass by within a minimum of six hours on a eligible itinerary. Moreover, Turkish liras often have an advantage over the Rand, and local excursions are surprisingly affordable compared to Western Europe along the way.
4. Dubai (Dubai International Airport)
Why it stands out: the main Emirates hub that unites innovation and comfort. Prepare a quick metro link to Central Dubai, with AI-powered relaxation pods, ultra-modern sleep suites, and even if you only have time between flights. Cherry blossoms above? Regular tax-free promotions and airport-only transactions can make luxury items much more accessible than their final destination.
5. Addis Ababa (Bor International Airport)
Why it stands out: Ethiopian Airlines offers highly competitive fares that connect South Africa with Asia/Middle East/Europe, with Bole emerging as an unexpectedly rewarding hub. Visaon Arrival allows for spontaneous exploration.
As South Africans face long distance reality and constantly close budgets, stopovers on the right turn inconveniences to the edge. With mindful planning, time between flights becomes a gospel booster or a mini adventure that sets the tone of the entire trip.
Work with experts who view all connections as opportunities. You discover that true first class about where you sit is less about how intentionally your journey is built.
After all, it's not just about reaching your destination. It's about how you felt when you arrived.
Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel agency listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and as of July 3, 2025, it has a market capitalization of $2.8 billion and its current stock price of $12.84. FCTG SA is entirely owned and has been recognized as one of Deloitte's best companies to work in South Africa for over a decade.
