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Airline launches new scheme that lets passengers book two-night city breaks for free
And which airlines have the best food for passengers
HOLIDAYMAKERS looking for a bonus break this year could claim a free city stay if they have a layover.
Having to change flights is often a bit of a pain, but a new initiative from Etihad Airways could change that.
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For passengers with changeovers in the UAE capital, the airline is offering them a free one or two night stay, so they can explore the city.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme is exclusive to Etihad customers and promises to let them break up their journey with a stay en route to their eventual destination.
The scheme was announced at the Arabian Travel Market, with the airline hoping it will bring an extra 100,000 visitors to the city.
An agreement was signed by Abu Dhabi’s Director General for Tourism and His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry with Etihad’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves to promote the city through the programme.
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Al Geziry said: “Our partners are an integral part of our mission to share the very best of Abu Dhabi with global travellers.
“Our Stopover programme with Etihad offers an exciting introduction to the Emirate for curious visitors.
"This innovative initiative provides a snapshot of the diverse experiences available here – from entertainment and culture to leisure and beyond – inspiring travellers to return and immerse themselves in the complete Abu Dhabi experience.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, added: “We plan to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover programme over the next year, and we’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more.
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"We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to showcase what the Emirate has to offer to the world.”
Among a number of popular tourist sites in the city, visitors can head to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.
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In order to have the chance to see those passengers have to book their flights directly with Etihad, via the airline's website.
When doing that, they'll get the option to add their stopover and pick from a list of complimentary hotels as part of the booking process.
Guests can choose a free one or two night stay in a range of premier accommodation options throughout the city.
The initiative is one of several in the world offering people free trips to cities for layover passengers.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year's Global Traveler's awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader's Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars - so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: "Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants."
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
Another can be found in Istanbul, with a complimentary tour service offered for Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfer flights.
Passengers who have connecting flights from the Turkish city, with a layover time between six and 24 hours can use the "Touristanbul" scheme to explore the city.
Meanwhile, passengers with a connection period of more than 20 hours can book a hotel stay free of charge.
They just need to send their flight info to the airline at least 72 hours before their first flight in order to make their bookings.
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Meanwhile, this is how you can get free hotel stays, according to a hotel worker.
And this is how you can get yourself a free hotel upgrade.
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