Planning a trip to Iceland can be an exhilarating experience, from exploring stunning waterfalls and geothermal hot springs to witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights. However, the cost of flights can be a significant portion of your travel budget. Fortunately, with strategic planning and insider knowledge, you can secure cheap flights to Iceland without compromising on your travel plans. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the best times to book flights to Iceland and provides actionable money-saving tips to make your journey both memorable and affordable.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Flight Costs to Iceland
- Best Times to Book Flights to Iceland
- Money-Saving Tips for Flying to Iceland
- Popular Airlines Flying to Iceland
- Additional Tips for Reducing Travel Costs
- Conclusion
Understanding Flight Costs to Iceland
Before diving into when and how to book cheap flights, it’s essential to understand the factors influencing flight prices to Iceland:
- Seasonality: Iceland experiences distinct high and low tourist seasons, impacting flight demand and prices.
- Advance Booking: Booking too early or too late can either lock you into high prices or leave you scrambling.
- Airline Competition: More airlines vying for routes can drive prices down.
- Economic Factors: Exchange rates, fuel prices, and global events can influence flight costs.
By grasping these dynamics, you can better navigate the flight booking landscape to secure the best deals.
Best Times to Book Flights to Iceland
Securing cheap flights to Iceland hinges significantly on the timing of your booking. Let’s explore the optimal periods to fly and when to purchase your tickets.
High Season vs. Low Season
Iceland’s tourist seasons are primarily divided into:
- High Season (June to August):
- Pros: Mild weather, extended daylight, numerous festivals, and events.
Cons: Higher flight and accommodation prices, crowded tourist spots.
Shoulder Seasons (May and September):
- Pros: Moderate prices, fewer tourists, still favorable weather.
Cons: Limited daylight compared to summer.
Low Season (October to April):
- Pros: Lowest flight and accommodation prices, opportunities to see the Northern Lights, unique winter landscapes.
- Cons: Cold weather, shorter daylight hours, some attractions may be inaccessible.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for the cheapest flights, the shoulder and low seasons offer the most significant savings. Traveling in late September or early October, or between January and March, can yield substantial discounts.
Optimal Booking Window
Research indicates that the timing of your booking can dramatically affect flight prices. Here are some guidelines:
Advance Booking: For international flights to Iceland, the sweet spot is typically 3 to 6 months in advance. This window balances availability with competitive pricing.
Last-Minute Deals: While riskier, occasionally airlines offer discounts for unsold seats within 2-4 weeks of departure. However, this strategy requires flexibility and spontaneity.
Midweek vs. Weekend Purchases: Flights booked on Tuesday or Wednesday tend to be cheaper than those booked on weekends when demand peaks.
Tip: Utilize historical flight price data from platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to identify trends and determine the best booking window for your travel dates.
Money-Saving Tips for Flying to Iceland
Beyond timing, several strategies can help you reduce the cost of your flights to Iceland. Implementing these tips can lead to significant savings.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is one of the most effective ways to find cheaper flights:
Adjusting Travel Days: Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) are generally cheaper than weekend flights.
Flexible Vacation Periods: If you can shift your vacation dates by a few days or weeks, you may access better deals.
Tools to Help:
– Google Flights: Allows you to view prices across a month to identify the cheapest days to fly.
– Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” Search: Shows the lowest fares throughout the entire month.
Choose the Right Airports
Iceland primarily serves two airports: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavik and Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV).
Keflavík International Airport (KEF): The main gateway for international flights, often offering more competitive prices due to higher traffic.
Alternative Airports: Depending on your location, flying into nearby cities with cheaper flights and then taking a domestic flight or ferry to Iceland can sometimes save money, though this is less common.
Regional Variations: Some European cities may have direct flights with lower fares, so consider flying from alternative nearby major airports.
Opt for Budget Airlines
Several low-cost carriers operate flights to Iceland, providing affordable options without compromising safety or basic amenities.
Icelandair: While not a budget carrier, they offer competitive prices and the unique “Stopover” program, allowing free stops in Iceland without additional airfare.
WOW air (Note): WOW air ceased operations in 2019, but similar carriers may have emerged. Always verify current airline options.
Other Budget Airlines: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Play are examples of carriers that often provide competitive pricing to KEF.
Caution: Budget airlines may charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. Factor these into your total cost.
Utilize Fare Comparison Tools
Leveraging technology can streamline your search for cheap flights:
Google Flights: An intuitive interface with flexible date searching and price tracking.
Skyscanner: Aggregates prices from various airlines and offers flexible search options.
Kayak: Provides fare alerts and a comprehensive search across multiple platforms.
Momondo: Known for finding unique routing options that can save money.
Pro Tip: Use multiple comparison tools to ensure you’re accessing the full range of available deals.
Book Connecting Flights
Direct flights to Iceland are convenient but often pricier. Opting for connecting flights can lead to substantial savings.
Popular Layover Cities: London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Reykjavik are common transit points for flights to KEF.
Flexible Routing: Combining different airlines for different legs of your journey can sometimes reduce costs.
Drawback: Longer travel time and potential for missed connections. Ensure sufficient layover periods and reliability of airlines.
Take Advantage of Stopovers
Icelandair’s Stopover program allows travelers to spend up to seven days in Reykjavik at no additional airfare cost when booking a connecting flight through KEF. Here’s how to maximize this opportunity:
Extended Layover: Turn a layover into a mini-trip to explore Iceland without the extra flight cost.
Additional Destinations: Depending on your itinerary, stopovers can be strategically placed to visit multiple destinations.
Highlight: This feature is unique to Icelandair and a few others, offering a cost-effective way to see multiple places in one trip.
Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Staying informed about price drops is crucial for snagging the best deals. Fare alerts notify you when flight prices to your desired destination decrease.
Set Alerts on Multiple Platforms: Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Be Prompt: When notified of a price drop, act quickly as deals can vanish fast.
Bonus Tip: Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to prevent dynamic pricing based on your search history.
Consider Package Deals
Bundling your flight with accommodations or car rentals can sometimes offer overall savings.
Travel Agencies: Traditional and online travel agencies (e.g., Expedia, Travelocity) often have package deals.
All-Inclusive Packages: Some providers offer all-inclusive packages that cover flights, hotels, and tours at discounted rates.
Evaluate Costs: Compare the individual costs of booking separately versus bundled packages to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Popular Airlines Flying to Iceland
Several airlines operate flights to Iceland, each offering different pricing structures and amenities. Here are some of the main carriers:
Icelandair
- Routes: Extensive network across Europe and North America.
- Features: Free stopovers in Reykjavik, generous baggage policies for long-haul, in-flight entertainment.
- Pricing: Competitive for direct flights, especially when booked in advance.
Play (Play Airlines)
- Routes: Primarily Europe-based carriers offering direct flights to KEF.
- Features: Low-cost model with optional add-ons for baggage, seat selection.
- Pricing: One of the cheaper options for direct flights within Europe.
WOW air (Note: Ceased Operations)
- History: WOW air was a popular low-cost carrier to Iceland but ceased operations in 2019.
- Impact: The market saw a gap, slightly increasing prices due to reduced competition. Always verify current low-cost airlines operating to Iceland.
Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Routes: Limited direct flights to KEF, mainly from Europe.
- Features: Budget-friendly, with a focus on efficiency.
- Pricing: Often competitive, especially during sales.
Other European Carriers
- Examples: British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, and Air Canada offer flights to KEF.
- Features: Reliable service, frequent flights, loyalty programs.
- Pricing: Can vary; booking in advance enhances chances of lower fares.
Tip: Always compare airlines’ total costs, including baggage and other fees, not just the base fare.
Additional Tips for Reducing Travel Costs
While flight costs are significant, other expenses can add up. Here are ways to save on your overall trip to Iceland:
Travel During Off-Peak Times
- Accommodation: Lower rates in the shoulder and low seasons.
- Attractions: Some tours and activities might offer discounts during off-peak times.
Opt for Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Offer shared spaces at lower costs.
- Airbnb: Can provide affordable and flexible lodging options.
- Camping: If you’re adventurous, camping is a budget-friendly way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty.
Use Public Transportation
- Bus Services: Reliable and cost-effective for getting around Reykjavik and other major areas.
- Rent a Car Strategically: If you plan to explore extensively, renting a car can be cost-effective, especially when shared among travel companions.
Plan Your Itinerary Efficiently
- Free Attractions: Geothermal areas, waterfalls, and certain hiking trails are free or low-cost.
- Limit Expensive Tours: Prioritize must-see attractions and limit the number of paid tours to manage your budget.
Dine Wisely
- Self-Catering: Purchasing groceries and preparing your meals can save significantly compared to eating out.
- Local Bakeries: Offer affordable and delicious options for breakfast and snacks.
Conclusion
Traveling to Iceland is a dream for many, and with careful planning, you can turn this dream into an affordable reality. By understanding the flight cost dynamics, booking during optimal times, and implementing strategic money-saving techniques, you can secure cheap flights to Iceland without sacrificing your travel experience. Remember to stay flexible, utilize available tools, and explore various booking options to maximize your savings. With these insights, you’re well-equipped to embark on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure without breaking the bank.
Happy travels and may your journey to Iceland be both magical and budget-friendly!