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Why Choose Iceland Air?

As long as I can remember, Iceland Air has offered convenient flights from Minneapolis to Iceland via Keflavik Airport, connecting Minnesotans not only to Iceland but to destinations across Europe.

One of the biggest perks of flying Iceland Air is the Iceland Air Stopover Program, which allows travelers to create a multiday layover in Iceland without additional airfare. Another standout feature is the ability to book one-way airfare without penalties, making it a flexible option for transatlantic travel.

Even a single day allows visitors a chance to see Iceland’s Golden Circle or South Coast Waterfalls.

Strokkur Geyser
Strokkur Geyser - Part of Iceland's Golden Circle
Approaching the Skógafoss Waterfall (August 2018)
Skógafoss Waterfall - Part of Iceland's South Coast Waterfalls

Flying Iceland Air - My Experiences - Table of Contents

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My Experiences Flying Iceland Air

I’ve flown Iceland Air a few times, each offering a unique perspective. My first experience in 2018 was aboard one of their last wide-body Boeing 767s. More recently, in January 2025, I flew on one of Iceland Air’s newer Boeing 737 Max narrow-body aircraft.

For transatlantic flights, I definitely prefer the Boeing 767. Unfortunately, Iceland Air now operates only three of these aircraft. Spending 6.5 hours on a smaller 737 Max just isn’t comfortable.

Both of my flights had seatback entertainment, multiple drink services, and reasonably priced food for purchase. The 737 Max also features WiFi, a nice perk for staying connected. Overall, flying with Iceland Air felt comparable to flights on other major carriers.

Iceland Air 767 at Minneapolis International Airport
Iceland Air 767 at Minneapolis International Airport
Iceland Air 737 Max at Keflavik Airport
Iceland Air 737 Max at Keflavik Airport

Arriving in Iceland: Keflavik Airport (KEF)

When flying Iceland Air, remember that Keflavik Airport is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik City Center. There are multiple ways to make the journey:

Blue Lagoon Stopover

Blue Lagoon Stopover
During my 2018 visit, my Iceland Air flight from Minneapolis arrived at 8:00 am, hours before hotel check-in. I booked a transfer from Keflavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s top attractions. The Blue Lagoon provides luggage storage for ISK 800 to make this stopover work.

After relaxing in the geothermal waters, I retrieved my luggage and took another bus to my hotel in Reykjavik. The total cost of the package in 2018 was around $125, though prices have since increased.

Iceland's Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon
One of the My Many Photographs of the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon

FlyBus Airport Transfer

Another reliable option is the FlyBus, which operates based on arriving flight schedules. Tickets can be purchased online or at kiosks in the arrivals area of Keflavik Airport.

During my most recent visit in 2025, I used the FlyBus to get to Bus Stop #12 in Reykjavik. Passengers are first shuttled to a hub terminal and then transferred to smaller buses to reach their final destinations. The entire trip from KEF to my hotel took just under an hour.

The FlyBus costs around $37 for a one-way ticket and around $75 for a roundtrip ticket.

The FlyBus
The FlyBus
Inside the FlyBus
Inside the FlyBus
Bus Stop #12 - Steps from My Hotel
Bus Stop #12 - Steps from My Hotel

Iceland Air: Summer vs. Winter Flights

Flying Iceland Air in different seasons highlights the unique travel experience Iceland offers year-round:

  • Summer Flights: Enjoy long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and peak tourist activities.
  • Winter Flights: Fewer crowds, magical snowy landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights from the plane!*
* I haven’t seen the auroras from the plane, but I did see a spectacular northern lights show during my most recent visit to Iceland!
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall
Inside the Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Northern Lights - Iceland, January 2025
Northern Lights - Iceland, January 2025 (Not from the Plane)

Travel Tips for Iceland Air Flights

  • Book the Iceland Air Stopover Program to explore Iceland without additional airfare costs.
  • For longer flights, opt for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 767 if available.
  • When flying on the 737 Max, note that some seats, like exit row seats, may not recline.
  • Plan your arrival transfers from Keflavik Airport ahead of time for a smooth transition to Reykjavik.
Iceland Air In Flight Map - MSP to KEF
Iceland Air In Flight Map - MSP to KEF

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