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<ul><li><strong><keyword id="6355203" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="qatar" source="Orion">Qatar</keyword> is hosting the 2022 <keyword id="57149" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="fifa" source="Orion">FIFA</keyword> World Cup across eight stadiums with an average capacity of 47,500 seats.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Over 2.45 million FIFA tickets have already been sold with the next ticket window opening in September.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Doha is a four hour flight from India and Indian travel agencies are offering FIFA World Cup packages.</strong> </li></ul>With less than 100 days left for the world’s biggest sporting event FIFA World Cup, tickets are flying off the shelves. As many as 2.45 million tickets are already sold out for Qatar <keyword id="653179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FIFA-World-Cup-2022" source="Orion">FIFA World Cup 2022</keyword>, and Indians too are planning trips to Doha. <br /><br />It comes as no surprise, since Doha is a four hour flight from India. Even without Indian representation, India has many football fans and the 32-team event with 65 matches across eight avenues, is taking a lot of them to Qatar. <br /><br />“We have booked over 160 travel packages until now. Over 70% of the queries have come from Kolkata. Although the tickets of the most important matches are sold out, we do have executive travel packages for flight and accommodation,” said Adit Sarin, founder of LestacIndia, a travel agency in India. <br /><br />Apart from LestacIndia, agencies like Fanatic Sports, Asia-based travel agency for customized sporting events and Make My Trip too have launched packages for the season. <br /><br /><strong>Travel and Ticket Categories for FIFA</strong> <br /><br />The average venue capacity of FIFA World Cup venues is 47,500 <a href="https://www.stadiumguide.com/tournaments/fifa-world-cup-2022-stadiums-qatar/">seats</a>. The FIFA federation has divided the tickets into four categories. Tickets for fans are only available in the categories 1, 2 and 3 as category 4 is reserved for Qatar residents. <br /><br />After the launch of the phase 1, 2 and 3 of FIFA tickets, the federation has announced the next sales phase to be launched in <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-tm-ticket-sales-reach-2-45-million">September</a>. This last minute sales phase will be allocated on a first-come first serve basis. <br /><br />The most expensive tickets would be from the Category 1 ticket finals costing over ₹1 lakh per person. Other categories are spread across categories 2 and 3 with the cheapest category 4 tickets only reserved for Qatar residents. <br /><br />In total, 65 games will be played at the FIFA World Cup 2022. While many travelers would reside at fan villages and hotels, food can be quite expensive. The average food cost for a tourist in Doha is ₹3,800 per day. <br /><br />“The public transport is free but the stay at the fan village is costly, with $70 per day only for accommodation. But we are excited nevertheless. This will be the last world cup for football mega stars <keyword id="704" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lionel-messi" source="Orion">Lionel Messi</keyword> and Christiano Ronaldo. Qatar world cup is extra special because underdogs like Belgium and African teams came into the limelight,” said Shilarze Saha Roy, a 35-year-old from Kolkata, India attending the world cup.<br /><br />“Brazil, after a long time, will be favorites again,” added Roy. <br /><br /><strong>What are the packages?</strong><br /><br />FIFA <a href="https://hospitality.fifa.com/2022/en/?utm_source=Social%20Media:%20Facebook&amp;utm_medium=Paid%20Post%20-%20Video&amp;utm_campaign=100%20Days%20To%20Go%20-%20ENG%20Boosted%20Post&amp;utm_id=FIFA%20WORLD%20CUP%20QATAR%202022%E2%84%A2&amp;fbclid=IwAR2Uj0YiwP9cn66VR1TA8W41qCa_o0cCW_FtBrVqtSKb6W2K0fFF_7xSTpY">listed</a> hotel packages starting from ₹26,934 per person. The packages can be broadly classified into three categories — premium, premium economy and economy. The ticket costs can be accessed<a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tickets?cid=FIFA_Draw_Tickets_20220312_En"> here.</a> <br /><br /><strong>Middle and upper-middle packages</strong> <br /><br />Three travel agencies in India are listed below for offering travel packages that don’t include match tickets. <br /><br />Fanatic Sports, a Mumbai-based sports travel agency, has been appointed as the joint match hospitality partner in India for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. Its packages begin from ₹75,929 with the highest price being over ₹3 lakh. <br /><br />LestacIndia is offering travel packages for Indians traveling to Doha. This, however, does not include match tickets. The four-night package begins from ₹51,000 per person.<br /><br />MakeMyTrip is offering five flexi packages for the world cup ranging from ₹32,000 to ₹86,000 per person.<br /><br />LestacIndia packages <br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Category of accomodation for 4 nights in Qatar during FIFA world cup 2022</strong><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Approx cost per person</strong><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2* Category of Accommodation in FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹51K-90K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3* category of accommodation in FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹75K- 275K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4* category of accommodation in FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹150K-700K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5* category of Accommodation in Qatar FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹290K – 170K<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br /><br />The cheapest range of packages offered by the company begin at ₹35,000 for three nights in Qatar by LestacIndia and MMT. Package for the same amount of nights from MMT will cost ₹32,250 per person. <br /><br />LestacIndia <br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Category of accomodation for 3 nights in Qatar during FIFA world cup 2022</strong><br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Approx cost per person</strong><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2* Category of Accommodation in FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 35K-60K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3* category of accommodation in Fifa package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 55K- 2 lakh <br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4* category of accommodation in Fifa package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 1.3 lakh -6 lakh <br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5* category of Accommodation in Qatar FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹2.5 lakh – 1.5 lakh <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br /><br /><strong>Premium Economy: <keyword id="109797" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="qatar-airways" source="Orion">Qatar Airways</keyword><br /></strong><br />Qatar Airways too is offering seven travel packages with tickets. This would include hotel stay in the category of one’s choice, match tickets and a cruise ship that will dock at Qatar. <br /><br />Capital travel, in association with Etihad Airways, has announced flight and one-night accommodation packages for ₹18,060 excluding tickets. <br /><br />The Qatar Airways ‘Support Your Team Package’ for a 13-night stay will range from over ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore. The package includes four match tickets of the fan’s favorite team, with one ticket randomly selected. <br /><br />Early Groups Packages for the premium category includes a seven-night stay and three matches with residence in five star hotels of Qatar. They range from ₹6 lakh to ₹1 crore.<br /><br />The round of 16 packages consist of four nights, with two matches ranging from ₹3.9 lakh to ₹5.7 lakh. Another premium package can be accessed through Indian travel agency LestacIndia. <br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Category of accomodation for 3 nights in Qatar during FIFA world cup 2022</strong><br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Approx cost per person</strong><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2* Category of Accommodation in FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 75K-120K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3* category of accommodation in Fifa package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹100K- 300K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4* category of accommodation in Fifa package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 210K-900K<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5* category of Accommodation in Qatar FIFA package<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;padding:6pt 6pt 6pt 6pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 350K – 200K<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br />After accessing these travel packages, there are a number of checklist documents required for travel to Qatar which have been listed below: <br /><br /><ul><li><keyword id="14724602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hayya-Card" source="Orion">Hayya Card</keyword> (<a href="https://hayya.qatar2022.qa/web/hayya/home">apply</a> after buying a match ticket): Having Hayya will give free access to public transport in Qatar during the day of the match.</li></ul><ul><li>Visa, if applicable</li></ul><ul><li>Travel insurance policy</li></ul><ul><li>Passport with six months validity</li></ul><ul><li>Valid vaccination certificate (booster recommended)</li></ul><ul><li>Covid-free certificate</li></ul>The weather in Doha during November and December 2022 would be pleasant ranging from 21-30 degrees. However, the temperature across stadiums may just pick up, hence pack accordingly. <br /><br />SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/india-to-witness-45-50-mg-ev-on-the-road-by-2030-with-various-charging-technologies-says-a-new-report/articleshow/93882300.cms">India to witness 45-50 mg EV on the road by 2030, charging a primary concern, says a new report</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/hcl-tech-beats-wipro-to-become-indias-third-largest-it-company/articleshow/93879712.cms">HCL Tech beats Wipro to become India’s third largest IT company</a>

Best travel packages for Indians traveling to Doha for FIFA World Cup 2022

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Many people intentionally book flights with long connections so they can explore the layover city.</li><li>Airlines capitalize on this trend with "stopover" programs, some even offering free hotels and food.</li></ul><p>A special segment of adventurous travelers will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/skiplagging-how-to-save-money-flights-travel-airfare-airline-2024-2">purposely book itineraries with long connections in layover cities</a> just to leave the airport and explore for a few hours or days between flights.</p><p>Airlines have jumped on this growing trend with built-in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airline-stopover-program-perks-overview-how-to-get-2020-2">"stopover" programs,</a> which can come with free or discounted hotels, excursions, transportation, and food at the layover destination.</p><p>It's basically a vacation within a vacation.</p><p>Although it sounds too good to be true, stopovers benefit everyone involved. Travelers get more choices and don't have to be confined to an airport, airlines gain customers who may have otherwise chosen a nonstop option on a competitor, and the carrier's home country sees a boost in tourism.</p><p>Plus, the cheap or complimentary accommodations typically come at a small cost to airlines, thanks to partnerships with local hotels or tour companies.</p><p>Not all stopover programs are structured with an emphasis on tourism, though, as some were created simply to offer conveniences during long layovers. Still, they are a way to secure a free hotel and explore an extra city.</p><p>Here are 22 global airline stopover programs, each lasting anywhere from hours to months.</p><p>Many carriers allow stopovers to be added to a regular cash booking, but some are only available <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-book-free-travel-cheap-deals-credit-card-rewards">via award tickets</a>. This means the flight was paid for using points/miles or a combination of points/miles and cash.</p><h2>Air Canada</h2><div type="image" title="An Air Canada Boeing 777 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Tuesday 8th of August 2023." height="2000" width="3000" msid="109476915" hostid="261" sizebytes="282340"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/redeem/air-canada.html#/">Air Canada</a> has a stopover option built into its Aeroplan loyalty program. It allows customers booking award flights to add a stop on international journeys and explore practically any city the airline flies to outside the US and Canada.</p><p>The add-on costs 5,000 Aeroplan points each way and can only be booked if the stop is at least 24 hours, capping out at 45 days.</p><h2>Air France/KLM</h2><div type="image" title="Air France/KLM." height="724" width="1086" msid="109476916" hostid="261" sizebytes="67370"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.flyingblue.fr/en/news/stopover">Air France and Dutch carrier KLM's</a> Flying Blue loyalty program offers a stopover of 24 hours or more in a connecting city on either carrier or their airline partners.</p><p>The option is free to add to award tickets, and passengers can stay up to a year in the stopover city.</p><h2>China Southern Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="An Airbus A350-900 arrives at the Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 6, 2022" height="2000" width="3000" msid="109476917" hostid="261" sizebytes="188668"></div><p>China Southern Airlines <a target="_blank" href="https://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/transit_flow/">offers</a> a free one-night hotel stay for transfer passengers with connection times lasting between six and 30 hours, though there are some time and route restrictions.</p><p>Breakfast and transportation are included for eligible travelers.</p><h2>Copa Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="Copa Airlines" height="1960" width="3000" msid="109476918" hostid="261" sizebytes="306574"></div><p>Copa Airlines' Panama <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stopoverinpanama.com/">stopover</a> program allows customers to spend anywhere from 24 hours to seven days in the nation's capital, Panama City, on their outbound or return trip.</p><p>The option is free for the first stopover, but a second stopover can cost up to $250 plus taxes. Copa offers discounted hotels and tours that can be booked via its stopover website.</p><h2>Emirates</h2><div type="image" title="Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft as seen flying on final approach to Heathrow Airport during a blue sky summer sunny day with some clouds," height="3333" width="5000" msid="109476919" hostid="261" sizebytes="346826"></div><p>Emirates allows a <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=c9d7328c8f759303d7f78393e608574e537732fe7d479e6cc6703c99e5020eb2&amp;postID=661ed55f3d4b1e89043ecdd3&amp;postSlug=airlines-that-offer-stopover-programs-free-hotels-2024-4&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emirates.com%2Fus%2Fenglish%2Fdiscover-dubai%2Fdubai-stopover%2F">stopover</a> in Dubai with the option to add discounted tours or hotel bookings to the itinerary via its website.</p><p>The UAE carrier also has a "<a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=30090e1d92e1638bb3dbee74ff21d69d781958c6380afff9757b678c39864fef&amp;postID=661ed55f3d4b1e89043ecdd3&amp;postSlug=airlines-that-offer-stopover-programs-free-hotels-2024-4&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emirates.com%2Fus%2Fenglish%2Fbefore-you-fly%2Fdubai-international-airport%2Fdubai-connect%2F">Dubai Connect</a>" program that gives passengers with layovers between 6 and 26 hours, depending on the cabin, a complimentary hotel, transfers, meals, and any needed visa.</p><p>Dubai Connect only triggers if the customer takes the next available flight. Essentially, you can't intentionally book a longer layover to quality for the free stopover hotel.</p><h2>Ethiopian Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="ethiopian airlines" height="2191" width="3500" msid="109476920" hostid="261" sizebytes="256450"></div><p>Ethiopian Airlines' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/services/services-at-the-airport/addis-ababa-stopovers">transit</a> program gives customers flying via Addis Ababa a free hotel, transit visa, and transfers during layovers lasting between eight and 24 hours.</p><p>The hotel on the airline's website is the Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel, located inside the airport.</p><h2>Etihad Airways</h2><div type="image" title="Etihad Airways Airbus A380 and Boeing 777" height="1666" width="2500" msid="109476921" hostid="261" sizebytes="47862"></div><p>Etihad Airways offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.etihad.com/en/abu-dhabi/stopover#Book%20a%20flight">stopover</a> in its Abu Dhabi hub, which comes with an undisclosed discount at select three-star hotels for up to two nights.</p><p>Two and four-night stays can be booked at more luxurious four and five-star hotels at a 40% discount. The minimum stay is 24 hours.</p><p>Although Etihad's website says it is temporarily unavailable, the airline used to allow eligible travelers to use a so-called Transit Connect Package that provided a free hotel near the airport for layovers lasting 10 to 24 hours. It is unclear when or if the program is returning.</p><h2>Fiji Airways</h2><div type="image" title="Fiji Airways" height="724" width="1086" msid="109476922" hostid="261" sizebytes="28550"></div><p>Fiji Airways offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fijiairways.com/en-us/book/fiji-stopover/">stopover</a> program in Fiji for those traveling to and from Australia, New Zealand, and other South Pacific nations.</p><p>Hotels and activities like ziplining and beach resorts can be booked through the airline as part of the stopover package.</p><h2>Finnair</h2><div type="image" title="Finnair." height="724" width="1086" msid="109476923" hostid="261" sizebytes="43942"></div><p>Finnair allows passengers to book 6, 12, or 24-hour layovers in Helsinki at no additional fare charge and outlines itinerary ideas and information on its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.finnair.com/us-en/bluewings/destinations/helsinki-layover--6--12-and-24-hour-adventures-in-the-finnish-capital-2045984">website</a>, like transportation, free walking tours, and restaurants.</p><p>Customers can book a hotel through the airline and earn Finnair Plus points.</p><h2>Iberia</h2><div type="image" title="Iberia Airbus A350" height="1177" width="1692" msid="109476924" hostid="261" sizebytes="95882"></div><p>Iberia customers can plan a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iberia.com/us/en/stopover-in-madrid/?cq_src=google_ads&amp;cq_cmp=8086808832&amp;cq_con=86419954791&amp;cq_term=iberia%20stopover&amp;cq_med=&amp;cq_plac=&amp;cq_net=g&amp;cq_plt=gp&amp;esl-k=google-ads|ng|c396700888033|me|kiberia%20stopover|p|t|dc|a86419954791|g8086808832&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH51RPCRMHrH7LkIMBoUmLlnsORzema_s_hpJtEkyYuZKdddMsd9Xr60aAjTgEALw_wcB">stopover</a> in Madrid to or from an international destination for one to six nights at no extra cost.</p><p>Discounts on hotels, excursions, and transfers in the Spanish capital are available through Iberia.</p><h2>Icelandair</h2><div type="image" title="Icelandair." height="800" width="1200" msid="109476925" hostid="261" sizebytes="25464"></div><p>Icelandair offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.icelandair.com/flights/stopover/">stopover</a> option for one to seven days in its capital city of Reykjavik on transatlantic itineraries for no additional charge.</p><p>The airline offers itinerary help and assistance in booking excursions and tours. Hotels need to be booked separately.</p><h2>Japan Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="japan airlines" height="3328" width="5000" msid="109476927" hostid="261" sizebytes="180882"></div><p>Japan Airlines considers itself one of the "most <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/guide-to-japan/plan-your-trip/tips/what-to-know-multi-city-flights-booking.html">stopover</a>-friendly" carriers in the world.</p><p>The stopovers, which trigger at 24 hours, are not limited to JAL's hubs in Tokyo but can be enjoyed in places like Osaka and Kyoto using the airline's multi-city booking tool.</p><h2>Latam Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="LATAM 'LAN Chile' Airlines Boeing 787-8 takes off from Los Angeles international Airport on July 30, 2022" height="3402" width="5100" msid="109476928" hostid="261" sizebytes="474782"></div><p>Latam Airlines offers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latamairlines.com/br/pt/experiencia/prepare-sua-viagem/stopover">stopovers</a> for between one and three days on flights that connect in São Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recife, Manaus, Curitiba, and Belem. Only international itineraries that connect in São Paulo.</p><p>Hotels and amenities can be booked via Latam, but the stopover booking is free.</p><h2>Oman Air</h2><div type="image" title="Oman Air" height="3670" width="5694" msid="109476929" hostid="261" sizebytes="437346"></div><p>Oman Air offers customizable <a target="_blank" href="https://services.omanair.com/om/en/stopover">stopover</a> packages to give travelers time to explore the country's capital, Muscat, and beyond. An additional fare charge may be applicable, though the airline does not fly to the US.</p><p>Packages and a-la-carte options include discounted hotels for up to three nights, as well as organized tours, meals, and transfers.</p><h2>Qantas</h2><div type="image" title="A Qantas 787 Dreamliner" height="2839" width="4500" msid="109476930" hostid="261" sizebytes="624756"></div><p>Australian flag carrier Qantas offers its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/flights/multi-city/stopovers.html">stopovers</a> in a similar manner to JAL in that multi-city bookings can be manipulated to add extra days between flights in layover cities, like Bangkok, Osaka, or San Francisco.</p><p>This comes at no extra cost on eligible Qantas fares and can be used on its Oneworld partner airlines.</p><h2>Qatar Airways</h2><div type="image" title="A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Qatar Airways is landing at Barcelona Airport in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28, 2023" height="3648" width="5472" msid="109476933" hostid="261" sizebytes="271642"></div><p>Qatar Airways' <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=c4ca8cabd61ffc446d7639b9dab652c81cb17b051d3e88b0d627cc2f1c131172&amp;postID=661ed55f3d4b1e89043ecdd3&amp;postSlug=airlines-that-offer-stopover-programs-free-hotels-2024-4&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qatarairways.com%2Fen-us%2Foffers%2Fqatar-stopover.html">stopover</a> program allows passengers with a minimum layover of 12 hours and up to 24 hours to choose from a list of deeply discounted four and five-star hotels. Certain flight itineraries allow for up to four nights.</p><p>Nightly hotel rates start at $14 per person for 1 night at four-star standard hotels, with premium five-star beach hotels starting at $30 per person for one night.</p><h2>Royal Jordanian Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="Royal Jordanian Airlines Boeing 787 in all-black livery with gold lettering." height="3067" width="4600" msid="109476934" hostid="261" sizebytes="240542"></div><p>Royal Jordanian Airlines' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rj.com/en/info-and-tips/our-hub-and-beyond/transit-accommodation">transit</a> program gives economy and business-class travelers with at least eight and six-hour layovers, respectively, a free hotel room, meals, and transit, assuming certain fare conditions are met.</p><p>However, the connecting flight must be the earliest possible — meaning, similar to Emirates, passengers can't intentionally book a longer layover to be eligible for the complimentary perks.</p><h2>Swiss International Air Lines</h2><div type="image" title="An Airbus A330 passenger aircraft of Swiss airlines arrives from Zurich at JFK International Airport in New York as the Manhattan skyline looms in the background on February 7, 2024." height="4902" width="7353" msid="109476935" hostid="261" sizebytes="681656"></div><p>Swiss International Air Lines, or SWISS, has a multi-city <a target="_blank" href="https://www.swiss.com/content/lx/markets/us/en/book-and-manage/stopover-switzerland">stopover</a> booking tool on its website that allows passengers to find itineraries with extra days in Switzerland.</p><p>The cost of hotels and other perks is on the customer, though.</p><h2>Singapore Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="An Airbus A350 Singapore Airlines in 2021." height="3333" width="5000" msid="109476936" hostid="261" sizebytes="171094"></div><p>Singapore Airlines' <a target="_blank" href="https://hbth.singaporeair.com/">stopover</a> program is available via the multi-city tool, similar to other carriers, where travelers can add hotels, transfers, and activities. The stopover can last one to seven days.</p><p>Singapore also offers free transit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/plan-travel/privileges/free-singapore-tour/">tours</a> to passengers with layover times between five and a half and 24 hours at Singapore's Changi Airport. It's first-come, first-serve and includes sightseeing around Singapore.</p><h2>TAP Air Portugal</h2><div type="image" title="TAP Air Portugal Airbus A330-900neo" height="1562" width="2500" msid="109476937" hostid="261" sizebytes="179444"></div><p>TAP Air Portugal allows customers to add a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flytap.com/en-us/stopover">stopover</a> in Lisbon or Porto between one and 10 days, offering discounts on hotels, food, and activities.</p><p>It also offers 25% off a domestic flight to a second Portuguese destination, like the Azores or Madeira islands, to take during the stopover.</p><h2>Turkish Airlines</h2><div type="image" title="Turkish Airlines' 400th aircraft, an Airbus A350-941, is taking off from Barcelona Airport in Barcelona, Spain, on November 23, 2023." height="2613" width="3757" msid="109476938" hostid="261" sizebytes="118158"></div><p>Turkish Airlines' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/flights/stopover/">stopover</a> program gives economy travelers a one-night free hotel stay and business flyers a two-night free stay if the period between their connecting flights in Istanbul exceeds 20 hours.</p><p>Those traveling from the US in economy class can stay up to two nights in a four-star hotel, while those traveling in business can stay up to three nights in a five-star hotel.</p>

Many airlines have 'stopover' programs that let travelers tour a city between connecting flights, and some will even pay for a hotel — here's how to book them

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Qatar World Cup will be the most expensive ever for fans.</li><li>A trip — including tickets, accommodations, and flights — could cost as much as $20,000. </li></ul><p>Going to the FIFA World Cup to watch their country battle it out against the best teams in the world is a dream for most, if not all, soccer fans.</p><p>That dream, however, will be out of reach for many this year, with next month's tournament in Qatar set to be the most expensive ever for prospective visitors.</p><p>According to research from Polish financial services firm Conotoxia, not only are tickets for games in Qatar the priciest in World Cup history, travel and accommodation prices are also sky-high.</p><p>While tickets are discounted for locals, for traveling supporters, group stage tickets cost between $70 and $220, and knockout matches between $600 and $1,600.</p><p><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10419695/World-Cup-expensive-FIFA-hammering-supporters-insist-fan-groups.html">According to SportsMail,</a> prices for general sale tickets for the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18 are up by 46% from the final in Russia in 2018.</p><p>Tickets to most matches are now sold out. However, FIFA is operating an official resale platform for those who can no longer attend until the end of the tournament. </p><p>Tickets aside, Conotoxia estimates that the cheapest two-person, 10-day trip to Doha during the tournament – including flights from New York, accommodation, car rental, and money for food and drink – would cost $5,400.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.hullfinancialplanning.com/how-much-would-you-have-to-budget-to-go-to-the-world-cup-in-2022/">separate study by Hull Financial Planning</a> suggests that fans should budget $9,600 each for a similar trip. </p><p>With flights and accommodation rapidly selling out, however, that price could be much higher, especially if fans want to attend matches after the group stages.</p><p><a href="https://booking-dp.lastminute.com/hotel/route/search-results?search.departureIntervals=20221126-20221203&amp;search.departureAirports=NYC&amp;search.destinationCities=157399&amp;search.accomodationOnly=false&amp;search.type=OSE&amp;search.rooms[0].adults=2&amp;search.rooms[0].children=0&amp;bf_subsource=S07HPV10S07RR01&amp;businessProfileId=HOLIDAYSBOOKINGCOUK_PROMO&amp;hdpSearchId=1h47ztcbt02yo&amp;searchId=571689329">According to Booking.com,</a> a seven-day stay in Doha with flights from New York for the third week of the tournament costs anywhere between $4,600 and $18,500 per person. That's without match tickets and spending money.</p><p>Qatar Airways is also <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qatarairways.com%2Fapp%2Ffifa2022%2Fen">offering luxury packages</a> that include flights, accommodation, and match tickets. These start at $3,500 per person but can cost upwards of $7,000.</p><p>The cheapest accommodation for fans during the tournament is at the fan village, which has temporary en-suite portacabins that sleep two people, available for around $200 a night. Again, however, most dates are sold out. </p><div type="image" title="An aerial view of Lusail Stadium at sunrise on June 20, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The 80,000-seat stadium, designed by Foster + Partners studio, will host the final game of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022." height="1333" width="2000" msid="95127403" hostid="261" sizebytes="154350"></div><p>Ashley Brown of FSA – a representative body for soccer supporters in England and Wales – said the prospective price of a trip to Qatar will stop many from attending. </p><p>"This is another World Cup supposedly for the fans where the cost of seeing your team all the way to the final is at least £1,200 ($1,400)," <a href="https://thefsa.org.uk/news/qatar-2022-ticket-prices-reveal-most-expensive-world-cup-yet/">said Brown.</a></p><p>"On top of the costs of flights, human rights concerns, and expensive accommodation – this is a huge barrier for most ordinary fans.</p><p>"It will likely put off thousands from going to a tournament that will prove difficult to get to at a time of year when money is tight."</p><p>Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, an umbrella group for soccer fans across Europe, said, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/qatar-2022-travel-tickets-and-accommodation-among-fan-concerns/a-61510533">according to DW Sports:</a> "There is a systemic problem that tournament organizers generally don't really care enough about traveling fans, or in the case of Qatar, they have an offer that doesn't match the actual profile and budget of the people who are traveling."</p>

The Qatar World Cup will be the most expensive ever for fans, with a trip costing as much as $20,000 per person

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Neal Van Beers has been working remotely at the Anantara Veli Resort, the <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword>, since December.</li><li>Van Beers and partner Charmaine Sanchez spent $30,000 on a long-term stay at the resort.</li><li>The "Unlimited Stays in Paradise" package lets guests stay at the luxury resort for up to a year.</li></ul><p>Many people dream of relocating to a tropical island, but few make it happen.</p><p>Canadian restaurateur Neal Van Beers and his partner, Charmaine Sanchez, made their dream a reality - that is, by spending $30,000 to stay at a luxury resort in the Maldives for up to a year.</p><p>The couple swapped snowy British Columbia for the Maldives in December by purchasing the <a href="https://www.anantara.com/en/veli-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anantara Veli</a> resort's "<a href="https://visitmaldives.com/en/news/anantara-veli-maldives-resort-launched-unlimited-stays-for-an-annual-fee-of-us-30000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unlimited Stays in Paradise</a>" package. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/anantara-veli-resort-in-maldives-offers-30000-unlimited-stay-deal-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$30,000 package</a> allows two people to stay "as often as you please" in one of the resort's luxury overwater bungalows until December 23, 2021. It includes daily breakfast, transportation, and discounts on dining and the spa.</p><h2>The couple intended to visit the Maldives in the summer of 2020 but changed their plans</h2><p>Van Beers, who owns a Dairy Queen franchise in Golden, British Columbia, and Sanchez originally wanted to get away for the summer but canceled their plans when <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#_Travellers_departing_Canada">the Canadian government advised its residents against nonessential travel</a> due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p>As of January 6, 2021, travelers returning to Canada <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221" target="_blank" rel="noopener">must provide proof</a> of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before flying and must still quarantine for 14 days.</p><div type="image" title="Neal van beers charmaine sanchez" height="1200" width="1600" msid="81172576" hostid="261"></div><p>When the first snow began to settle in British Vancouver, Van Beers knew he still wanted to get away. Then, he came across the unlimited package at the Anantara Veli resort after reading about it online.</p><p>"I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity," he told Insider, adding that he had visited the resort on his past travels. This became the deciding factor for going ahead and booking the vacation.</p><p>Van Beers said he and Sanchez took a PCR test, where both tested negative, before flying as required by <a href="https://immigration.gov.mv/faq-for-visiting-the-maldives/">government guidance</a>. They traveled in Qatar Airways' "<a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/en/onboard/qsuite.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q Suite</a>," which he said made him personally feel comfortable due to the personal space offered. It's worth noting, however, that <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> comes with an inherent risk and that many countries <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html">including the US do not recommend</a> nonessential travel during this time.</p><p>The suites are private business class cabins, giving passengers privacy and space, and passengers are <a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/en-gb/safety-measures.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">required</a> to wear face masks throughout their journey.</p><div type="image" title="Qatar Q Suite" height="682" width="1024" msid="81172580" hostid="261"></div><p>When they arrived in the Maldives in December, Van Beers said their luggage was disinfected several times during their airport transfer and check-in and that the staff members they encountered wore masks.</p><p>The resort's website has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anantara.com%2Fen%2Fveli-maldives%2Fhealth-safety-update">a message to guests outlining its safety protocol</a> and says it has "taken extra measures to reflect the advice and guidance of the World Health Organization, Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the local authority" in the Maldives. This includes table spacing at its bars and restaurants, increased cleaning of all public spaces, and temperature screening stations.</p><p>The resort also offers guests an app to request in-room services, make payments, and reserve tables at its bars and restaurants. All staff members are required to wear masks, whereas guests don't have to.</p><div type="image" title="Anantara Veli" height="720" width="1280" msid="81172583" hostid="261"></div><p>In order to <a href="https://immigration.gov.mv/faq-for-visiting-the-maldives/">travel to the Maldives</a>, international visitors must provide a confirmed hotel reservation, submit a health self-declaration form within 24 hours before flying to the Maldives, and a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate in English conducted at a maximum of 96 hours before flying.</p><p>According to the resort's guidelines, travel from other resorts, local islands, guest houses, or safari boats to Anantara Veli is not permitted.</p><div type="image" title="142874705_4222986871050649_8866282713657840455_n" height="900" width="1200" msid="81172585" hostid="261"></div><p>Van Beers said that, in his experience, the resort's safety measures have made him feel safe as a guest.</p><p>"Everything is outdoors here," he said, speaking of the activities offered at the resort, such as coral garden snorkeling and cooking classes. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anantara.com%2Fen%2Fveli-maldives%2Fleisure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Activities</a> offered are mainly outdoors and exclusive to couples, which he said has made social distancing easier to maintain.</p><p>According to data from <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">Johns Hopkins University</a>, the Maldives has had a total of 18,930 cases at the time of writing.</p><h2>Van Beers has been using the time to work remotely</h2><p>Van Beers has been able to work remotely from the Maldives, though he says the only downside is that Canada is 12 hours behind. </p><div type="image" title="Maldvies workspace and bedroom" height="1125" width="2000" msid="81172587" hostid="261"></div><p>Van Beers starts his day with a coffee, then he settles into his workspace: a desk next to an ocean-view window. He then checks emails and does some admin before heading to breakfast.</p><p>The couple spends the rest of the day exploring the island and taking part in outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. They also pass the time by reading and taking cooking classes. By dinner time, Canada has woken up, so Van Beers would reply to more emails or take a meeting.</p><div type="image" title="Neal and Charmaine" height="720" width="1280" msid="81172588" hostid="261"></div><h2>A number of tourism-dependent countries are catering to digital nomads</h2><p>The Maldives is among many countries that offer various <a href="https://www.insider.com/countries-welcoming-remote-workers-live-and-work-2020-7">remote-working schemes</a>. Travelers can enter the country on a 30-day visa, which can be extended to 90 days, which Van Beers and his partner have done.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-gb/global-citizen-concierge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Citizen Concierge Program</a> launched by the Cayman Islands allows travelers to work remotely there for up to 24 months. <a href="https://www.insider.com/countries-welcoming-remote-workers-live-and-work-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Other countries</a>, including <a href="https://www.insider.com/why-i-want-to-digital-nomad-after-remote-working-barbados-2020-12">Barbados</a> and Aruba, have also started their own initiatives that allow <keyword id="2421877" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="remote-working">remote working</keyword>.</p><p>Van Beers said that although he's been having a great time, he has missed some of the comforts of working in an office. He said the resort has provided printing services and a stable WiFi connection, though.</p><div type="image" title="Maldvies" height="2667" width="2000" msid="81172589" hostid="261"></div><p>Van Beers was planning on returning to Canada in March - and quarantining for 14 days upon his arrival - before going back to the Maldives after the summer. However, the couple has decided to stay at the resort for now and will return to Canada once it's safer to do so.</p>

A couple who paid $30,000 to work remotely from a Maldives resort split their time between meetings and scuba diving

<ul class="summary-list"><li>First and <keyword id="121626" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Business-Class">business class</keyword> <keyword id="30815" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="flight">flight</keyword> experiences are currently heavily stripped back due to the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-cases-maps-us-world-spread-symptoms-death-rate-2020-1">coronavirus</a> pandemic.</li><li>Equally, lots of airlines are spacing passengers out in economy to comply with social distancing guidelines.</li><li><keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Travel">Travel</keyword> experts told Insider that although a premium ticket may not be worth it right now if you care about perks, it's likely that overall, it will become more appealing than ever.</li><li>This is largely due to the space and privacy offered, particularly with the trend for business class suites with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.</li></ul><p>It's safe to say the <keyword id="31907" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Aviation">aviation</keyword> industry has been hit incredibly hard by the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-cases-maps-us-world-spread-symptoms-death-rate-2020-1">coronavirus</a> pandemic.</p><p>Global travel restrictions have resulted in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-traffic-during-coronavirus-pandemic-changes-effects-around-the-world-2020-4">a dramatic decrease in flights</a>, airlines are <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52606374">legally required</a> to refund passengers for canceled trips, and the limited planes that <em>are </em>still taking to the sky are often <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-flying-is-like-during-coronavirus-pandemic-airport-plane-photos-2020-4">flying at half capacity or less</a>.</p><p>While this period of time won't last forever, when more of us can start going on holidays and work trips once again, the whole <keyword id="52392" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Flying">flying</keyword> experience is <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-flying-airports-air-travel-could-change-future">going to look very different</a> for a long time.</p><p>In fact, it's possible things may never completely go "back to normal."</p><p>Many airlines are currently flying with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/empty-middle-seat-depends-on-which-country-you-are-flying-in-2020-5">empty middle seats</a> in economy due to social distancing. Meanwhile, most are operating with a highly stripped-back service in the premium classes, begging the question of whether it's still worth shelling out to fly business or <keyword id="131186" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="first-class">first class</keyword> when travel restrictions life but these measures are still in place.</p><p>However, travel experts told Insider that although a business or first class ticket may not be worth it right now if you're fussed about all the perks, it's likely that overall, it's about to become more appealing than ever.</p><h2>Airlines have drastically stripped back the business and first class experience</h2><p>Although all non-essential travel has been advised against for the past few months as part of various countries' national lockdowns, some people have had to fly.</p><p>The flight experience, however, isn't currently what it used to be, both due to airlines attempting to limit human contact and stay afloat economically — Emirates, for example, has cut its inflight WiFi and live TV to cut costs, <a href="https://simpleflying.com/emirates-cuts-wifi-tv/">Simple Flying reports</a>, as has <a href="https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/travel-info/travel-updates/coronavirus/impact-to-lounges.html">Qantas</a>.</p><p>Middle seats have been largely removed in economy to aid social distancing, cabin crew on airlines such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/qatar-airways-introduces-full-body-protective-gear-cabin-crew-coronavirus-2020-5">Qatar</a> are wearing full body Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and others have introduced <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-flying-airports-air-travel-could-change-future#temperature-checks-might-become-the-norm-2">temperature checks prior to take-off</a>.</p><p><div type="image" title="qatar airways ppe 2" height="2000" width="2667" msid="75866235" hostid="261"></div></p><p>It's perhaps in business and first class, however, where the biggest changes have been felt.</p><p>When you're flying in an upper class, one of the things you're paying for is extra attention from flight attendants. Now, airlines are trying to minimize interaction, keeping physical contact to what is strictly necessary.</p><p>Perks like fine dining, bowls of nibbles, and hot towels are off the menu, too. </p><p>On <a href="https://www.insider.com/qatar-airways-introduces-full-body-protective-gear-cabin-crew-coronavirus-2020-5">Qatar Airways</a>, for example, business class meals are being served on a tray instead of a table set up, with a cutlery wrap offered to passengers rather than individual cutlery service.</p><p>On American Airlines, first and business class meals are also being served on one tray instead of in courses, there's no longer a pre-departure beverage, and alcohol is ony available in first class, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-airlines-axes-most-food-and-drink-service-amid-coronavirus-2020-3">Business Insider's Graham Rapier reported</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.aircanada.com/uk/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/service-offering-changes.html">Air Canada</a> has replaced its normal bar service simply with bottles of water, the usual business class cuisine has been replaced with a pre-packaged meal, and special dietary requests can no longer be accommodated.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-deserted-empty-airports-world-coronavirus-air-travel-2020-2#meanwhile-cathay-pacific-has-announced-that-it-would-stop-offering-in-flight-hot-towels-pillows-blankets-magazines-and-duty-free-sales-30">Cathay Pacific announced</a> that it would stop offering in-flight hot towels, pillows, blankets, magazines, and duty-free sales.</p><p>Virgin Atlantic and Qantas are among others offering similar streamlined services, providing just orange juice and water.</p><h2>If you care about perks, don't fly business during or after lockdown</h2><p>If the business class flight experience is as much about the complimentary Champagne as the leg room for you, some experts believe it would be a mistake to pay for a premium ticket any time soon.</p><p>"Right now, in-flight service perks for all classes have been removed or changed to reduce the chance of contamination, removing a lot of the draw of these upgraded fares," Jack Sheldon, founder of <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/">Jack's Flight Club</a>, told Insider.</p><p>"We are also seeing fewer deals on business and premium classes," Sheldon said, adding that business and first class seats won't be as valuable for travelers unless they are after the leg room.</p><p>Even if your main motivation for flying business or first class is the greater personal space, there's no shortage of space in economy right now.</p><p>"Where <keyword id="34984" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="airline">airline</keyword> loads are light, you may get a whole row to yourself, that's better (and more distanced) than flying up front," Gary Leff, founder of <a href="https://viewfromthewing.com/">View From The Wing</a>, told Insider.</p><p><div type="image" title="Emirates first class 4" height="933" width="1400" msid="75866239" hostid="261"></div></p><p>What's more, you don't get to appreciate the usual joy of being able to whizz through the airport's priority lanes at security and boarding, because either <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-flying-is-like-during-coronavirus-pandemic-airport-plane-photos-2020-4">there are no queues</a>, or lanes have been consolidated. </p><p>"With airport security in the US currently screening no more than about 200,000 people a day, down over 90%, it doesn't take long to get through the airport," Leff said.</p><p>However, Sheldon pointed out that "with the extra temperature checks and customs checking now added, we might actually be seeing longer wait times no matter your class."</p><p>Leff believes that, especially for short-haul flights, it's a waste of money to fly business or first class the way things are at the moment.</p><p>"Right now there's not much benefit to sitting up front on a short flight," Leff said. "Where the extra space is minimal and the service on short flights is minimal, there isn't much incremental value."</p><p>Long-haul flights, however, may be a different story.</p><h2>The privacy of a premium experience may prove more attractive than ever</h2><p>When leisure travel begins again, it's likely that the majority of people will return to flying somewhat tentatively, and many experts believe the added privacy of flying business or first class may in fact end up being a reassurance worth paying for.</p><p>"Those keen to keep a safe distance will like the security of the roomier classes," Sheldon said.</p><p>Gilbert Ott, founder of <a href="https://www.godsavethepoints.com/">God Save the Points</a>, agrees.</p><p>"I think at the right price, many travelers will look for any opportunity to enjoy more space, and this could tie into a pre-existing trend airlines were exploring with unbundled business class, where all the fixings were no longer included," he told Insider.</p><p><div type="image" title="©NickyKelvin 18 IMG_0404 2" height="1666" width="2500" msid="75866244" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Nicky Kelvin, Director of Content at <a href="https://thepointsguy.co.uk/">The Points Guy UK</a>, also predicts that more people will want to pay for extra space once they start flying again.</p><p>"Privacy and distance is likely to be in the forefront of many passengers' minds when they start flying again," he told Insider.</p><p>"An empty middle seat simply won't cut it for many, especially when there might be a fellow passenger directly in front or behind you."</p><h2>Suites with sliding doors offer extra protection</h2><p>Over the past few years, many airlines have been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-business-class-club-suite-review-private-cocoon-a350-2019-8">upgrading their business and first class offerings</a> to launch suites, some with <a href="https://www.insider.com/emirates-first-class-suites-review-photos-voted-best-in-world-2019-11">floor-to-ceiling sliding doors</a> for ultimate privacy. For those who can afford them, it's likely these will become more popular than ever.</p><p>"Even before the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> pandemic brought travel to a halt, many airlines were introducing new premium cabins that, often for the first time, included closing doors," Kelvin said.</p><p>"When travelers return to the skies they'll be more conscious than ever before about their personal space, and these airlines will be eagerly waiting to greet them with some of the most spacious and comfortable premium cabins imaginable.</p><p>"<a href="https://www.insider.com/emirates-first-class-suites-review-photos-voted-best-in-world-2019-11">Emirates</a>, Singapore, Etihad, and ANA [below] lead the way for ultimate segregation. All have first class suites with doors on certain aircraft. The Qatar Qsuite business class product is also an enclosed cabin and is set to become even more of a favorite for those wanting to socially distance."</p><p>It's possible that people will fly less frequently but fly better, deciding to splash out on the flights they do take.</p><p>"For many, 'fewer' trips will be the way forward, in favor of attempting to fly in business or first class to create natural social distancing," Ott suggested.</p><h2>Frequent business class travelers will still want to fly business</h2><p>"I'd expect premium classes to remain popular with the travelers who have always found these perks attractive," Sheldon said.</p><p>"The extra leg room, lie-flat space, and guarantee of personal distancing will always be worth the extra cost for some."</p><p> As Ott explained, business class travel often isn't even about the perks which have now disappeared.</p><p>"For business travelers, the experience was always about space to sleep or work while in transit, and rarely about the Champagne or the sodium heavy meals," he told Insider.</p><p><div type="image" title="Nicky Kelvin British Airways BA A380 First LHR ORD (74 of 102) (1)" height="1875" width="2500" msid="75866247" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Canceled holidays and trips due to lockdown have led many people to realize how much they appreciate travel, and Kelvin believes that they will simply be so happy to be flying again that they won't care about not having the usual premium perks.</p><p>"The desire to travel with increased privacy and distance from others could become the ultimate way to fly, even if the old trappings of first and business class travel do not come with the package," he said.</p><p>"After being stuck on the ground for so long, many travelers will be so happy to be flying safely again that Champagne and caviar will not be a priority."</p><h2>Both on the ground and in the sky, what will happen is up in the air</h2><p>While the majority of airport lounges are now closed, as <a href="https://paxex.aero/2020/03/airport-lounges-closing-coronavirus-covid19/">Paxex</a> reported, Kelvin believes that if they do reopen, they'll be extra appealing.</p><p>"Passengers are likely to want to be away from the crowds, so premium check-in areas and lounges (if they are open) will provide for an easier experience," he said.</p><p>Kelvin also believes more people will want to take longer trips when they can fly again, so the additional baggage and carry-on allowances that most airlines grant premium passengers will be "incredibly helpful."</p><p>Although no one knows what will happen to airlines as travel restrictions are lifted, Ott says the experience will "no doubt be very different."</p><p>He predicts smart cabin crew uniforms will be replaced by PPE gear, and Sheldon thinks face masks on flights may be a permanent change, as well as pillows and blankets replaced by hygiene-related perks like free hand sanitizer or masks.</p><p>"When it comes to food and drink, it's hard to imagine when that will return to any level of normalcy," Ott added.</p><h2>The price needs to be right</h2><p>As airlines attempt to dig themselves out of a hole, Ott says the price of fares will be important.</p><p>"Ideas that prices are going up are foolish, because airlines need cheap fares as much as we do. It's why we saw <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/qatar-airways-offering-free-changes-may-be-too-soon-2020-5?_ga=2.59079469.1098233960.1589789570-2057136890.1556640142">Qatar Airways recently offer $1,600 round trip business class fares</a> from just about anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world," he said.</p><p>"Lots of seats to fill, lots of people who want them and now less pressure to deliver on service aspects. It's all about cleanliness, distance, and comfort."</p><p>Although there <em>are </em>many seats to fill right now, Sheldon thinks middle seats in economy will be full again "before we know it."</p><p>"The travel sector has continued to grow and will continue to again once the worst of this crisis is over," he said.</p><p><div type="image" title="Emirates first class 10" height="933" width="1400" msid="75866249" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Leff believes that as flights begin to fill back up, we will see business class proving more popular than before.</p><p>"Having even just a little bit of space will mean more than it used to — even if it's not enough space to be socially distanced, not having someone literally touching you is of benefit," he said.</p><p>It's possible that the coronavirus pandemic may make people appreciate business and first class even more.</p><p>"I, for one, will value business class more than ever," Ott said.</p><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-flying-airports-air-travel-could-change-future">18 ways air travel might be different in the future, from immunity passports to blood tests</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-business-class-club-suite-review-private-cocoon-a350-2019-8">I flew business class for the first time on British Airways' new A350, and the cocoon-like privacy impressed me far more than the food or the lounge</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/emirates-first-class-suites-review-photos-voted-best-in-world-2019-11">I tested out Emirates' first class suites, and it was clear why they were voted the best in the world — especially if you hate other people</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/comparison-emirates-first-business-and-economy-class-2019-11">I sat in all three classes on Emirates, and while the jump from economy to business was massive, I couldn't work out why someone would pay so much more for first</a></p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/business-first-class-more-valuable-post-coronavirus-flight-experts-2020-5">Insider</a>

Business and first class travel may be a waste of money right now, but premium tickets are about to become more valuable than ever

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<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Air France and KLM started selling new business class light tickets on April 24.</strong></li><li><strong>The fare does not include perks like lounge access, seat selection before check-in, and refunds.</strong></li></ul><p>Air France and KLM are the latest airlines to join in on the "basic" business class trend: offering passengers a cheaper business class ticket, without some of the perks usually associated with the class. </p><p>If you want the comfy business class seat, but have no time to go to the lounge, for example, or don't need to check a bag, you can purchase a business ticket that forgoes those perks, depending on the airline and route. </p><p>The tickets are slightly cheaper than regular business class and have names like "light", "special", "saver", "lite", and "simple". These are usually sold in comparison to the full<em> </em>business class experience, called "flex", "flex plus", "comfort", and "elite".</p><p>The new offering is part of the unbundling strategy that has been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-airlines-charge-so-many-fees-to-fly-2018-7">widespread in economy class</a> for some time, and it has raised some eyebrows when it comes to business class, as some people perceive it as taking things away from an already pricey ticket rather than offering more flexibility. </p><p>Here are some of the airlines that have gone basic with their business offerings: </p><h2><strong>Air France and KLM</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Air France new business class cabin." height="665" width="1182" msid="99887637" hostid="261" sizebytes="36612"></div><p>As of April 24, Air France and KLM — two large European airlines that share a parent company — have started selling business class light tickets, in addition to the standard and flex tickets they were already offering. </p><p>Business light does not include lounge access, it does not have a free seat selection before check-in, and it allows only one checked baggage with a maximum of 70 pounds, instead of two. Additionally, the ticket is non-refundable and ticket changes are permitted only by paying a fee of roughly $300. </p><p>For about $100 more, business standard has lounge access, two pieces of checked baggage, and the option to change the ticket for free, but no free seat selection before check-in, and no refunds. <strong> </strong></p><p>The most expensive option, business flex, has it all. </p><p>As an example, KLM business tickets from Amsterdam to Singapore in August on a randomly selected flight would run $1,662 for light, $1,772 for standard, and $ 1,938 for flex. </p><p>The goal of the new fare is to "offer personalized fares" and "offer more choice," a KLM spokesperson told Insider in an email.</p><p>The new option is available on long-haul flights, except for routes to North America, China, Vietnam, and Mauritius. </p><h2><strong>Emirates</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Tonya Russell's Emirates business class trip" height="1124" width="1500" msid="99887639" hostid="261" sizebytes="83302"></div><p>Emirates is <a href="https://simpleflying.com/emirates-unpackages-business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> one of the first major airlines to have started unbundling its business class offering back in 2019. </p><p>That's when it rolled out its special business class tickets, with no lounge access, no chauffeur service, restricted seat selection, no refunds, a more expensive change fee, and no ability to upgrade to first class through miles. </p><p>The special business fare is a cheaper alternative to Emirates' saver, flex, and flex plus ticket options. </p><p>Flex plus, the most expensive offering, allows passengers to change tickets and have refunds without any charge. </p><p>Baggage allowance is the same for all business class passengers, regardless of the fare selected. </p><p>As an example, business tickets on a randomly selected flight from New York to Dubai in August would cost $3,456 for special, $3,747 for saver, $4,527 for flex, and $ 6,607 for flex plus.</p><h2><strong>Qatar Airways </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Qatar Airways' Boeing 787 business class." height="1875" width="2500" msid="99887643" hostid="261" sizebytes="205254"></div><p>Qatar Airways <a href="https://onemileatatime.com/qatar-airways-basic-business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduced</a> its own unbundled business class in 2020 — offering Classic, Comfort, and Elite business tickets — and it has since then added an <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=7326f9c93a64c9bfd70603bb5a3d52514776230088c103d3c38dcd3c5fb967dc&amp;postID=644a89f6d0139653e21273fc&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qatarairways.com%2Ftradeportal%2Fen%2FNewFareFamilies.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">additional tier</a>, the Lite business class ticket. <strong> </strong></p><p>Qatar's business class Lite fare is its cheapest. It does not offer seat selection before check-in and charges passengers for refunds, changes, and lounge access. </p><p>Elite business tickets, on the other hand of the spectrum, are refundable with unlimited changes, lounge access, and seat selection all included in the original price. </p><p>Lite business tickets could cost <a href="https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qatar-unbundled-business-class-basic-fare">as much as $3000</a> less than elite business tickets, according to reviews. </p><h2><strong>Finnair </strong></h2><div type="image" title="Finnair current business class." height="1280" width="1706" msid="99887646" hostid="261" sizebytes="71888"></div><p>When Finnair introduced its light business class in June 2021, <a href="https://onemileatatime.com/finnair-basic-business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a popular travel blog called it "brutal</a>." </p><p>Unlike most "cheaper" business class tickets, <a href="https://www.finnair.com/us-en/finnair-ticket-types" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finnair Business Light </a>has no checked baggage, no allowed changes of travel dates or potential refunds, it doesn't offer advanced seat selection, has no lounge access, and does not give passengers priority boarding. </p><p>Lounge access, checked baggage, and seat selection can all be purchased for an additional fee. </p><p>The light fare is in comparison to Finnair's business classic and business flex tickets. </p><p>Business tickets from Amsterdam to Hong Kong in November — a randomly selected route as an example — would cost approximately $1,043 for Light, $1,208 for Classic, and $1,526 for Flex. </p><h2><strong>ZIPAIR</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="ZIPAIR business" height="2784" width="3712" msid="99887648" hostid="261" sizebytes="559140"></div><p>The<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/zipair-san-francisco-tokyo-narita-route-japan-airlines-low-cost-2023-4"> new low-cost Japanese airline </a>has unbundled its business class tickets so much that a passenger can purchase the seat and nothing else, and it claims to have merely two different kinds of seats in its planes instead of two classes of service. </p><p>ZIPAIR's business class seats are called Full-Flat, and while passengers can select three Full-Flat packages — Value, Biz, and Premium — they can also decide to customize their own package and buy nothing more than the seat. <strong> </strong></p><p>Things like in-flight meals, check-in baggage, seat selection, and lounge access are not included in the cheapest full-flat ticket price but can be purchased as add-ons. </p><p>Full-flat tickets from Honolulu to Tokyo in August — a route randomly selected by Insider — would cost approximately $1,420 for just the seat. For about $100 more, passengers would get a meal, seat selection, checked bag, and an amenity set.</p>

More airlines are selling a cheaper business class where you'll get comfy lie-flat seat but won't get to pick which one. Meet basic business.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>As the Trump <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-wants-to-speed-up-the-nafta-talks-2017-2" target="_blank">administration moves to re-examine the international agreements</a> that have underpinned trade in the US over the past few decades, UPS, one of the nation's largest employers, has weighed in on NAFTA and Openskies.</p><p>On Tuesday, at its investor's conference, UPS CEO David Abney told reporters that his company is "encouraged" by the Trump White House's decision to look into the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement. </p><p>"The agreement is a little bit old. It's not reflective of 21st century agreements. That's what we thought TPP would do," Abney said. "So we're encouraged by the fact that the President and his administration talks about modernizing the agreement."</p><p>However, Abney went on to emphasize the importance of trade across our southern border and international trade in general to job creation</p><p>In fact, according to Abney, every 22 packages that cross in and out of US borders creates a job at UPS. </p><p>In addition to NAFTA, Abney also discussed his views on the contentious battle between America's three largest legacy carriers - United, American, and Delta - and their rivals from the Middle East - Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. </p><p>The three major US carriers believe the ME3 have received more than $50 billion in government subsidies over the past decade. As a result, the US3 would like for the Trump administration to reexamine the terms of the Openskies agreement, which governs air travel between the US and the Middle Eastern national. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>AP</span></p><p class="caption">UPS CEO David Abney.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Even though fellow freight carriers FedEX and Atlas have come out against the US3, UPS has not taken a side on the matter. And that has not changed.</p><p>"We are monitoring the situation," Abney told Business Insider. </p><p>While UPS is for free trade and open borders, it also believes in fair trade, Abney told us. That's why the company has been very careful to come out publicly for policies that may create barriers to trade. </p><p>NAFTA, which has been around since 1994, has eliminated most of the tariffs for products traded among Mexico, Canada, and the US. The Trump administration believes the agreement, in its current state, puts US exporters at a disadvantage. As a result, the White House has pushed to renegotiate the terms of the agreement.  On January, 30, t<a href="https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2017/january/US-Withdraws-From-TPP" target="_blank">he Trump administration officially withdrew</a> the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-billionaire-steve-cohen-avoided-charges-hedge-fund-sac-capital-2017-2">How billionaire hedge fund titan Steve Cohen walked away from the biggest insider trading scandal in history</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="t1ZHZwOTE6caS5yCoU-q_Jm8A6H38J7J" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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Business and first class travel may be a waste of money right now, but premium tickets are about to become more valuable than ever

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More airlines are selling a cheaper business class where you'll get comfy lie-flat seat but won't get to pick which one. Meet basic business.

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