NEXT time you’re flying somewhere long-haul, there is a little-known code you might spot on your boarding pass.
The ‘secret’ code means you could be entitled to a complimentary hotel room, certain meals, and airport transfers by the airline.
STPC is an abbreviation for ‘Stopover Paid by Carrier’ – it’s a perk for when a long-haul journey requires a longer layover.
Usually this is given if there is no connecting flight available and travellers then have to take a stopover between eight to 24 hours.
In some cases you can request this at the gate, but in most, you will have to apply for the STPC voucher days in advance through the airline’s website or customer service.
Talking to Travel + Leisure, Andrés Serra, head of operations at Optimise Travel said: “This is a transit service arranged in advance for long layovers. It is different from compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.”
She continued to add that in some cases if a traveller chooses to take the longer layover when a shorter one is available, some airlines might offer STPC, while others might not.
Eligibility depends on the airline, specific route, fare class, cabin type, and the exact length of the connection.
Included in STPC programs is usually the hotel room, some meals and airport transfers, but additional things like room service and alcohol usually are not.
Turkish Airlines offers complimentary STPC for passengers with long connections in Istanbul.
This is available for passengers travelling in economy with a layover of 12 hours or more.
Those travelling in business class with the airline who have a layover of nine hours or more are eligible for a complimentary hotel stay if a shorter layover flight option is not available.
Emirates‘ STPC is called Dubai Connect, providing a free hotel, transfers, and meals for those with long stopovers.
For those travelling in economy and premium economy there must be a minimum of an 8 hour layover with a maximum of 26 hours.
Business and first class passengers are entitled to Dubai Connect for a layover that’s a minimum of six hours.
Those who want to use Dubai Connect must book at least 12 hours ahead of the incoming flight to Dubai.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways offers STPC for passengers with a long layover at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The connection in Doha must be between 8 and 24 hours.
For those buying tickets through the likes of Avios or other award schemes, the STPC will not be able to be used.
The hotel will be between four and five stars, with complimentary round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers and a visa will be supplied too.