How easyGDS Helps Airlines Monetize Stopovers

Airlines today face rising costs and strong competition. Ticket prices alone are no longer enough to keep profits stable. This has pushed airlines to look for new ways to grow revenue. One of the strongest areas is ancillary revenue, which comes from services beyond selling seats.

Checked baggage, seat upgrades, and other add-ons already play a big role. But there is still untapped potential in airline holidays and stopover programs. Instead of treating hubs as just transfer points, airlines can turn them into destinations. Travelers on long layovers represent a valuable market, willing to spend more if options are simple and well packaged.

The Opportunity in Stopovers

Most airlines still see stopovers as an operational need, not a business opportunity. Passengers spend hours in airports with limited options beyond shopping or dining. Yet studies show many travelers would explore a stopover destination if the experience was easy to book and clearly presented.

Airlines already have customer relationships and distribution channels. By including stopover products in booking flows, mobile apps, and follow-up communications, carriers can create new revenue streams while improving passenger satisfaction.

Airlines Already Using Stopover Programs

Several airlines have shown how stopovers can add value:

• Etihad Airways: Through easyGDS, Etihad offers Abu Dhabi hotel stays and city tours as part of its stopover program.
• Qatar Airways: Provides hotel and tour options in Doha.
• Turkish Airlines: Gives free city tours in Istanbul.

These programs prove that when stopovers are packaged well, passengers spend more and are more likely to rebook.

How easyGDS Supports Stopover Monetization

Many airlines know the potential but face challenges in launching stopover programs. Technology gaps, system integration, and operational complexity often make it difficult. easygds solves this with a ready-to-use SaaS platform built for airline holidays and stopovers.

Key features include:

• Dynamic packages: Combine flights, hotels, and ground services into one offer.
• Real-time inventory: Direct links to hotels and tour operators ensure accurate availability.
• Multi-channel distribution: Sell through airline websites, apps, and GDS.
• Revenue optimization: Flexible tools to maximize commissions and margins.

Airlines can launch programs quickly without heavy internal development. The modular setup also allows carriers to start small and expand over time.

Better Passenger Experiences

Well-designed stopover programs give passengers more value from their journey. Options can include tours, cultural visits, local dining, and easy transfers. Services like visa help and baggage handling reduce stress.

Passengers who take part in stopover packages report higher satisfaction and are more likely to book again. Sharing these experiences on social media also gives airlines stronger visibility.

Additional Revenue Streams

Through easygds, airlines can grow revenue from:

• Hotel bookings across all price ranges
• Day tours and activities
• Airport transfers and ground transport
• Local experiences

Upsell options like premium tours, private transfers, or lounge access increase spend per traveler. Airlines using easygds report significant revenue improvements per stopover passenger.

Why Airlines Should Act Now

Traveler demand is shifting toward experiences, not just flights. Interest in stopovers is growing, and passengers are willing to spend more for them. Airlines that act early can stand out, while those that delay risk falling behind competitors.

Conclusion

Stopovers are no longer just waiting time between flights. They are a real chance for airlines to increase revenue, build loyalty, and create stronger travel experiences.

easygds provides the technology to make this simple. With our unified platform, airlines can turn stopovers into profitable and customer-focused products. Designed with more than 25 years of industry experience, easygds was built to solve the real challenges airlines face every day. That is why leading carriers trust easygds to grow revenue and deliver better passenger experiences at scale.

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