How Can You Book Iceland Airlines Tickets At The Best Price?

Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, volcanoes, and unique culture, has become a popular travel destination in recent years. Whether you’re visiting Reykjavik, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, or exploring the Golden Circle, Iceland offers something for everyone. However, as with any international trip, securing the best airfare is crucial for travelers looking to make the most of their budget.

In this article, we will explore how you can book Iceland Airlines tickets at the best price. We will discuss a range of strategies to help you save money, including how to use comparison tools, the best times to book, insider tips, and how to take advantage of discounts and rewards programs. Additionally, we’ll answer common questions about booking Iceland flights and provide useful takeaways to ensure you can book your tickets with confidence.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Use Flight Comparison Websites: Compare prices across multiple platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to find the best deal.
Book in Advance: Aim to book your flight 3-6 months before departure to secure the lowest prices.
Leverage Icelandair’s Stopover Program: Take advantage of Icelandair’s stopover program to experience Iceland for free on your way to another destination.
Sign Up for Alerts: Stay updated on promotions and price drops by subscribing to email alerts and newsletters.
Use Travel Rewards: Maximize savings by using travel credit cards and loyalty programs to earn points toward future flights.

Use Flight Comparison Websites to Find the Best Deals

When booking flights to Iceland Airlines, one of the first things you should do is use flight comparison websites. These platforms aggregate pricing data from airlines, booking websites, and travel agencies, giving you an extensive view of available options. By using comparison websites, you can quickly find the best-priced flights and tailor your search to your preferences.

Popular Flight Comparison Tools

Google Flights: Google Flights is an excellent platform for finding cheap flights. It allows you to track prices, set up price alerts, and compare flight options across different airlines, including Icelandair, the flagship carrier of Iceland.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a comprehensive travel search engine that shows prices for a variety of airlines and offers a flexible search option to help you find the best deals to Iceland.
Momondo: Momondo is known for uncovering hidden gems when it comes to cheap flights. It compares multiple online booking sources and helps you discover options you may not find elsewhere.
Kayak: Kayak is another popular option for comparing flights. It features price alerts and offers a tool for predicting whether flight prices will rise or fall, which can help you decide when to book.
Expedia: Expedia is a well-known travel agency that often offers package deals, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it a good option if you want to book a full Icelandic vacation.

How to Use Flight Comparison Websites Effectively

Set Price Alerts: Most comparison websites allow you to set price alerts for specific routes. This ensures you’ll be notified when prices drop, helping you snag a deal as soon as it becomes available.
Be Flexible: Try to adjust your travel dates by a few days to see if the prices change. Flights to Iceland can be significantly cheaper on weekdays rather than weekends, and traveling during off-peak seasons (like fall and spring) often offers more affordable options.
Compare Multiple Sources: Some flight comparison websites may show different results. It’s best to cross-check multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price available.

Book Icelandair Tickets in Advance

One of the easiest ways to save on Iceland Airlines tickets is by booking in advance. Booking early allows you to lock in lower fares, as last-minute tickets are often more expensive. Here’s a breakdown of when you should book:

When is the Best Time to Book Flights to Iceland?

Book 3-6 Months in Advance: For the best prices, aim to book your flight to Iceland about 3 to 6 months before your departure date. This gives you a better chance of securing a lower fare, especially for peak travel times like summer or holidays.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Last-minute bookings can be significantly more expensive, especially during high-demand periods. Booking 2 weeks or less before your travel date can result in hefty price increases.
Flexible Travel Dates: If you’re flexible with your departure and return dates, use a flight comparison tool to find the cheapest travel dates. For example, mid-week flights are usually cheaper than those on weekends.

Use Icelandair’s Own Booking Website and Loyalty Program

Iceland Airlines, the national carrier of Iceland, often offers exclusive deals and discounts through their website. Booking directly with Icelandair not only ensures you’re getting the best deal but also provides additional benefits such as loyalty points and special offers.

Why Book Directly with Icelandair?

Frequent Promotions: Icelandair frequently runs promotions, especially for international flights. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on these limited-time offers and discounts.
Frequent Flyer Program: Icelandair has a frequent flyer program called Saga Club, which allows members to accumulate points and redeem them for flights, upgrades, and other perks. You can earn points on every Icelandair flight and even partner airlines in the airline alliance network.
Special Offers and Discounts: Booking directly on Icelandair’s official website also gives you access to discounts that may not be available on third-party booking sites. Look out for “Early Bird” offers or sales during certain seasons.

Explore Alternative Routes and Airlines

While Iceland Airlines is the primary carrier flying to Iceland, other airlines also offer affordable flights. You may be able to find cheaper flights by booking with other airlines or considering alternative routes.

Alternative Airlines That Fly to Iceland

WOW air (now defunct): Although WOW Air ceased operations in 2019, there are still several budget airlines that offer affordable flights to Iceland, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, especially from European cities.
Transatlantic Flights with Stopovers: If you’re flying from the U.S. or Canada, consider booking a flight with a stopover. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue often offer connecting flights to Reykjavik with a layover in other European cities.

Alternative Airports

Keflavik International Airport (KEF): Keflavik is the main international airport serving Reykjavik and Iceland in general. If you plan to visit Iceland’s capital city, Keflavik is your best option. However, flights to Reykjavik may also be cheaper if you’re flying into other airports on the island, though it may require additional travel by bus or car rental.
Consider Low-Cost Airports: If you’re traveling from Europe, check for flights into secondary airports like Copenhagen or London Gatwick, which sometimes offer cheaper connections to Iceland.

Take Advantage of Icelandair’s Stopover Program

One of the best ways to maximize your visit to Iceland and save money is by taking advantage of Iceland Airlines Stopover Program. Icelandair offers travelers the option to stopover in Iceland for up to 7 days on their way to another destination. This allows you to explore Iceland without booking a separate flight, often at no additional cost.

Benefits of the Stopover Program

Explore Iceland for Free: If you’re flying from North America to Europe (or vice versa), Icelandair’s stopover program lets you spend a few days in Iceland without any additional cost to your flight fare.
Unique Travel Experience: The stopover program allows you to experience Iceland’s stunning landscapes, culture, and attractions before heading to your next destination.
Customizable Stopover: You can extend your stopover for up to a week, and you have the option to book a tour, hotel, or car rental through Icelandair for added convenience.

Sign Up for Email Alerts and Travel Newsletters

Many airlines, including Iceland Airlines, offer email newsletters that notify subscribers about special promotions, sales, and exclusive deals. Signing up for these newsletters is a great way to stay informed about price drops, limited-time discounts, and flash sales.

Why You Should Sign Up for Newsletters

Early Bird Notifications: Often, deals and discounts are announced via email first. Signing up ensures you get early access to these offers.
Exclusive Offers: Airlines may offer exclusive discounts to their subscribers, especially during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal sales.
Track Seasonal Offers: Icelandair and other airlines frequently offer promotions during the low season (fall or spring), so signing up for their newsletter can alert you to these great deals.

Use Travel Reward Programs and Credit Cards

Travel reward programs and airline-branded credit cards can significantly reduce the cost of your Icelandair ticket. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider signing up for a credit card that offers points for travel bookings.

Credit Cards That Offer Travel Points

Chase Sapphire Preferred: A popular travel card offering 2x points on travel purchases and 1x point on other purchases, which can be redeemed for Icelandair tickets.
American Express Platinum: This card provides 5x points on airfare purchases and a suite of travel perks, including access to lounges and travel credits.
Icelandair’s Saga Club Credit Card: If you’re a frequent flyer with Icelandair, consider getting their co-branded credit card to earn Saga Points that can be redeemed for future flights or upgrades.

Consider Flying with Multiple Airlines

While Iceland Airlines is a leading carrier to Iceland, there are often opportunities to save money by flying with a combination of airlines. For instance, you could fly into one European hub with a low-cost carrier and then connect to Iceland with Icelandair or another major airline. Multi-leg itineraries can sometimes offer significant savings if you’re willing to make an extra connection or choose longer travel times.

Popular Airline Routes to Iceland

From the U.S. or Canada: Consider connecting flights through hubs like Boston, New York, or Toronto, which have frequent flights to Reykjavik. From there, you can switch to Icelandair or other airlines like Delta or American Airlines to complete your journey.
From Europe: Major European carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France fly to Iceland with competitive prices. Alternatively, budget carriers like Ryanair, Norwegian Air, and Wizz Air operate within Europe and might provide low-cost options for connecting flights to Iceland.

Multi-City Flights

Another option to save money is booking a multi-city flight ticket. These tickets often cost less than buying separate one-way tickets. If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, you can use the multi-city feature on platforms like Google Flights to plan your route through different hubs at a lower overall price.

Use Cashback and Discount Websites

In addition to using comparison tools, taking advantage of cashback websites and coupon codes can further reduce the price of your Iceland Airlines tickets. These sites partner with travel agencies and airlines to offer a percentage of the ticket price as cashback or discounts when you purchase through their links.

Popular Cashback and Discount Websites

Rakuten: Rakuten (formerly Ebates) offers cashback on travel bookings through several platforms, including airlines. By booking through their link, you can earn a percentage back on your Icelandair ticket.
TopCashback: Similar to Rakuten, TopCashback offers cashback on flight bookings. It’s worth checking this platform to see if you can earn a rebate for booking through their affiliated sites.
Honey: This browser extension helps you find coupon codes during the checkout process. If Icelandair or booking sites offer a promotion, Honey will automatically apply the code to save you money.

Combining Cashback with Other Strategies

To get the best deal, combine cashback with the other strategies mentioned in this article. For example, use flight comparison tools to find the lowest price, and then go through a cashback website to receive a refund on your purchase. This can add up over time, especially for large family or group bookings.

Take Advantage of Iceland Airlines Baggage Policy

Baggage fees can quickly add up, especially on international flights. While Icelandair allows one carry-on and one personal item for free, extra baggage may come with fees, depending on your ticket class and route. However, you can often save on baggage fees by selecting the right fare or purchasing a bundle deal.

Iceland Airlines Baggage Policy

Saga Class (Business Class): Passengers flying in Saga Class can bring two checked bags free of charge.
Economy Class: Economy passengers are typically allowed one checked bag for an additional fee. However, Icelandair often offers a baggage bundle with their Economy Flex or Economy Comfort fares that can include additional baggage at a discounted rate.
Maximize Carry-On Allowances: If you’re traveling light, try to make the most of Icelandair’s carry-on allowances. They allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, which can significantly reduce your overall travel costs by avoiding checked baggage fees.

Baggage Bundles

Iceland Airlines offers several fare options, including Economy Light, Economy Standard, and Economy Flex, with varying baggage inclusions. By choosing the right fare for your needs, you can ensure that baggage fees won’t add unexpected costs to your flight.

Stay Flexible with Your Travel Plans

Flexibility can be one of your best tools for securing cheap flights. By adjusting your travel dates, destinations, and times, you can often find much lower fares. Here are some ways flexibility can work in your favor:

Flexible Dates and Times

Midweek Flights: Flights on Tuesday or Wednesday are usually cheaper than on weekends because demand is lower. If you’re flexible, you can save a lot by adjusting your travel dates.
Flights Outside Peak Seasons: Traveling in the shoulder seasons—such as spring and fall—offers lower prices compared to the peak summer months, which are popular for tourists visiting Iceland.

Alternative Airports

If you’re willing to fly into a nearby airport and take public transport or a short domestic flight, you might find cheaper options. For instance, some travelers find cheaper flights to Akureyri (Iceland’s second-largest city) or Egilsstaðir in the east of the country, before taking a local flight or bus to Reykjavik.

Consider Booking Flights on a Low-Cost Carrier and Adding a Connecting Flight

If Iceland Airlines is not the only option on your route to Iceland, consider using low-cost carriers for part of your journey. Many budget airlines in Europe fly to Iceland from major hubs. This can give you an edge in reducing costs.

European Low-Cost Carriers to Iceland

Wizz Air: This European budget airline often has sales and low-cost flights to Reykjavik from several European cities. While you may need to book separately from your other flights, Wizz Air’s prices are often unbeatable for budget-conscious travelers.
Ryanair: Ryanair is another affordable option for flying into Reykjavik. You can find flights that connect to Iceland from various cities in Europe, especially from locations in the UK or Ireland.

Combining Flights

If you’re open to a longer trip with more travel connections, combining multiple flights with a stopover can often be cheaper. For example, you could fly from London to Reykjavik with Wizz Air, then use Icelandair for your return flight from Reykjavik to Boston.

Watch for Flash Sales and Special Offers

Flash sales and special promotions are common in the airline industry, and Iceland Airlines is no exception. Many airlines, including Icelandair, run flash sales throughout the year to fill seats on certain flights. Signing up for alerts or monitoring Icelandair’s website for these sales can help you secure discounted tickets.

How to Catch Flash Sales

Icelandair Website: Frequently check Icelandair’s homepage for special promotions and sales events. Sometimes, the airline offers discounts for certain destinations or specific routes.
Set Price Alerts: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to set alerts for the destinations you’re interested in. These tools can notify you of price drops or flash sales, which can help you get the best deal at the perfect time.

Book Package Deals for Better Value

If you’re planning to travel to Iceland for a longer stay, booking a package deal that includes flights, hotels, and car rentals can often result in a better overall price. Many travel agencies, including Iceland Airlinesitself, offer package deals for travelers looking for convenience and savings.

Benefits of Package Deals

Bundling Savings: When you book your flight, hotel, and car rental as a package, you often receive a discount compared to booking each element separately.
Icelandair Holidays: Icelandair offers package deals that include flights, accommodation, and activities. If you plan to visit specific attractions, like the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle, these packages often come with special deals on tours and activities, making your trip more affordable overall.

Also Read: What Are The Best Strategies For Scoring Cheap Flights Online?

Conclusion

Booking tickets to Iceland at the best price involves utilizing a combination of strategies. By using flight comparison websites, booking in advance, and exploring the benefits of Iceland Airlines stopover program, you can secure affordable airfare and even enjoy a mini-trip in Iceland along the way. Additionally, taking advantage of promotions, loyalty programs, and alternative airports can help you save even more.

Remember that flexibility, patience, and planning ahead are key to finding the best deals. So start early, keep an eye out for discounts, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the land of fire and ice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How far in advance should I book flights to Iceland for the best price?

You should aim to book your Iceland flights 3 to 6 months in advance for the best prices, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak seasons (summer or winter holidays).

2. Are there any low-cost airlines flying to Iceland?

Yes, budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair offer affordable flights to Iceland from certain European cities.

3. Can I find cheaper flights to Iceland from North America or Europe?

Flights from North America are typically more expensive than from Europe. However, Icelandair often offers stopover packages from North America to Europe, which can help save on costs.

4. Is it better to book directly with Icelandair or use a third-party site?

Booking directly with Icelandair can often give you access to exclusive deals, loyalty points, and special offers, so it’s worth checking their official website first.

5. Does Icelandair have a frequent flyer program?

Yes, Icelandair has the Saga Club program, where you can earn points for flights, which can be redeemed for discounts, upgrades, or free tickets.

6. Can I get a discount if I book multiple tickets to Iceland?

Icelandair sometimes offers group discounts or promotions, but it’s best to check directly on their website or inquire with customer service for details on any group travel discounts.

7. What is the best time of year to visit Iceland for cheaper flights?

Flights to Iceland are generally cheaper in the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May), as these are off-peak seasons. Summer (June-August) and the holidays tend to be more expensive.