Award stopovers are harder to find: Aeroplan and Flying Blue offer useful options
Fewer loyalty programs let you add an extended stop to an award trip. Canadians and Americans should compare Aeroplan, Flying Blue and Alaska’s Atmos Rewards before transferring credit card points.
Free stopovers have become less common on award tickets, making the program you book through increasingly important. Before transferring points, compare the full itinerary with separate awards and confirm current rules: a stopover generally means spending at least 24 hours in an intermediate city, but definitions vary by program.
For Canadian travellers departing Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL) or Calgary (YYC), Air Canada Aeroplan is a practical starting point. It permits a stopover on a one-way award for 5,000 additional points, excluding trips wholly within North America, with booking available online. Longer routings can also raise the underlying award price. Amex Membership Rewards Canada users should check eligible transfers; WestJet Rewards members should not assume their rewards offer the same booking flexibility.
Flying Blue allows a stopover on eligible one-way awards, including partner flights, without an additional mileage charge for the stopover itself, though taxes, fees and partner-segment pricing can increase the total. These bookings require a phone call. Alaska’s Atmos Rewards also permits stopovers on eligible awards between regions, bookable through its multi-city search—for example, Japan Airlines travel from Los Angeles to Singapore with time in Tokyo, subject to availability.
For US travellers using major hubs, compare these alternatives rather than assuming United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage or Delta SkyMiles offers equivalent stopover benefits. Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards US holders should verify transfer partners and award space before moving points; Canadian and US card transfer options differ. Compare cash charges in CAD or USD as appropriate, including currency conversion, rather than judging value solely by the points required.
Other options come with tighter conditions: Emirates Skywards permits Dubai stopovers on one-way Flex Plus awards, while Singapore KrisFlyer’s allowance depends on the award type and whether travel is one-way or roundtrip. Before committing, confirm the permitted routing, booking channel and total surcharges with the issuing loyalty program—not just the airline operating the flights.
Country context
This briefing was written for the Loyalty desk of the Canadian and US editions. Fares and offers change quickly — confirm details with the airline or issuer before booking.
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