Actually, some flights do have or issues hotel vouchers and free meal during your layover. This actually depends on the layover time. For instance, Emirates starts from 8hrs layover to give you free visa, hotel, shuttle and meal ticket.

Generally, airlines do not provide free food during a standard, scheduled layover, as the airport is considered a "neutral zone" where passengers are responsible for their own meals. However, there are two major exceptions in 2026. First, if a layover is excessively long (often 8–12 hours or more) and is part of a "Stopover" program, some flagship carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Emirates may provide meal vouchers as part of a transit hotel package. Second, if your layover is the result of a significant delay or a missed connection caused by the airline (such as a mechanical failure), the airline is often legally required—or will offer as a courtesy—to provide meal vouchers redeemable at airport vendors. For most travelers, food during a layover is a self-funded expense, which is why access to airport lounges has become so popular, as they provide complimentary dining and drinks that can save a traveler $30 to $50 per transit.