According to Flight Centre’s latest Global PR Survey, 51% of South Africans now prefer an intentional stopover when travelling abroad – a number that signals a major rethink in how long-haul journeys are designed.
“For years, we saw stopovers as something to minimise, especially since South Africans face some of the world’s longest flight times,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “Now our clients are turning them around and using them to maximise rest and wellbeing. When you approach a journey like this intentionally, every hour in transit becomes part of your holiday.”
It’s true. Smart travellers are turning geographic isolation into an advantage and proving that sometimes the best upgrade isn’t in your seat class but in how you use your time between flights.
Why stopovers are getting their moment in the spotlight
South African travellers have always been pragmatic – 97% say getting value for money is their top priority when planning a trip. But new data from Flight Centre’s survey shows a further evolution: 86% now actively seek slow, restful journeys over speed at any cost. Most importantly, this shift doesn’t stop at saving rands; it’s also about maximising wellbeing and enjoyment en route.
Here are some tips on planning a stopover as a micro-retreat or a bonus chapter of your trip.
1. Align your stopover with your body clock
Don’t just pick the cheapest or quickest route. Choose stopovers that split your journey to allow real rest when your body needs it most. For eastbound trips, breaking the journey into manageable 6–8 hour segments and sleeping during local nighttime can help you arrive alert and minimise jet lag.
Garrett’s tip: Advisors can map out itineraries so your layover arrival aligns with sleep-friendly hours, turning what used to be dead time into genuine recovery.
2. Choose hubs with purpose-built wellness infrastructure
Not all airports are equal: some now offer circadian lighting, nap pods, oxygen bars, or on-demand spa treatments designed specifically for transit passengers to boost mood and energy post-flight.
Garrett’s tip: Ask which lounges or airport hotels offer priority access; many require advance booking or agent partnerships unavailable via DIY sites.
3. Use layovers as micro-retreats tailored to you
Build your layovers around what you need most: a stroll through Singapore’s living gardens, a digital detox in Istanbul’s hammams, or even just silence in a dedicated quiet zone.
Garrett’s tip: Share your goals (restful? energising? cultural?) so travel experts can pre-arrange quick-access experiences matched to your itinerary length and personal preferences.
4. Build in flexibility for last-minute upgrades & perks
Airlines and hotels often release premium lounge passes, day rooms, or city tours at deep discounts close to travel dates, but only flexible tickets make you eligible.
Garrett’s tip: Travel advisors know which routes/dates yield spontaneous perks and structure bookings so upgrades don’t break the bank if plans shift last minute.
5. Leverage currency arbitrage & local promotions during stopovers
Given rand volatility, some hubs (like Istanbul or Dubai) deliver surprising value for SA travellers, whether it’s airport-exclusive sales on wellness services or tourist cards only available airside.
Garrett’s tip: Agents track local deal calendars so South Africans can tap flash sales on food/spa/shopping at exactly the right moment – a layer of savings missed by one-size-fits-all international websites.
“The difference between surviving long-haul travel and arriving genuinely refreshed comes down to how well you use those in-between hours,” explains Garrett. “With a bit of expert design behind every leg of the journey, even economy-class flyers land ready instead of wrecked.”
5 standout stopover destinations for South Africans
1. Doha (Hamad International Airport)
- Why it stands out: Doha has redefined the layover with world-class wellness centres (think The Orchard’s indoor tropical garden), as well as luxury nap pods and spa suites inside the terminal.
2. Singapore (Changi Airport)
- Why it stands out: Consistently rated the world’s best airport for good reason: butterfly garden, rooftop pool, sleep pods – even free transit city tours for longer layovers on Asia/Australia routes.
3. Istanbul (Istanbul Airport)
- Why it stands out: Gateway to Europe via Turkish Airlines’ hub, with free “Touristanbul” city tours for transit passengers on eligible itineraries with a minimum of six hours between flights. Plus, the Turkish lira is often favourable against the rand, and local excursions are surprisingly affordable compared with Western Europe en route.
4. Dubai (Dubai International Airport)
- Why it stands out: Major Emirates hub where innovation and comfort unite. Prep for AI-powered relaxation pods, ultra-modern sleep suites, and quick metro links into central Dubai – even if you only have hours between flights. The cherry on top? Regular duty-free promotions and airport-exclusive deals can make luxury goods much more accessible here than at your final destination.
5. Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport)
- Why it stands out: Ethiopian Airlines offers highly competitive fares connecting Southern Africa to Asia/Middle East/Europe, and Bole is emerging as an unexpectedly rewarding hub. Visas-on-arrival make spontaneous exploration feasible.
For South Africans facing long-haul realities and ever-tightening budgets, the right stopover transforms inconvenience into an edge. With mindful planning, those hours between flights become wellbeing boosters or even mini-adventures that set the tone for your entire trip.
Work with experts who see every connection as an opportunity and you’ll discover that true first class is less about where you sit and more about how intentionally your journey is built.
After all, it isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about how you feel when you arrive.
FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$2.80 billion and a current share price of AU$12.84 as of 3 July 2025. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.
