Iceland, the land of fire and ice, magnetic northern lights, and dramatic landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, the perception of Iceland as an expensive country often deters potential visitors. While certain aspects of Icelandic travel can be costly, finding affordable flights is entirely achievable with the right knowledge and strategy. This article delves deep into the world of booking budget-friendly flights to Iceland, revealing the best times to book, savvy money-saving tips, and insider insights.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Icelandic Travel Seasons
- The “Sweet Spot” for Booking Cheap Flights to Iceland
- Money-Saving Tips for Booking Flights to Iceland
- 1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
- 2. Be Flexible with Your Airports
- 3. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
- 4. Consider Budget Airlines
- 5. Book in Advance, But Don’t Book Too Early (Usually)
- 6. Explore Multi-City or Open-Jaw Flights
- 7. Look for Stopover Opportunities
- 8. Sign up for Airline and Travel Website Newsletters
- 9. Use a VPN to Check for Different Prices
- 10. Be Wary of Skyscanner “Cheapest” Deals Without Further Research
- The Evolving Landscape of Airfare
- Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence
Understanding the Icelandic Travel Seasons
To strategically target cheap flights, it’s crucial to understand the flow of tourism in Iceland and how it impacts airfare. Iceland essentially has three main travel seasons:
1. Peak Season (June to August)
This is the most popular time to visit, offering the warmest weather, longest daylight hours (including the magical Midnight Sun), and access to all parts of the country (some F-roads open during this period). Naturally, demand for flights is at its highest during peak season, and consequently, prices skyrocket. Expect to pay the most for your airfare during these months.
Characteristics of Peak Season Flight Prices:
- Significantly higher than other seasons.
- Limited availability, especially for direct flights and popular routes.
- Booking well in advance is essential, often 6-9 months ahead.
2. Shoulder Season (April & May, September & October)
The shoulder seasons offer a fantastic balance of reasonable prices, fewer crowds, and enjoyable weather.
- Spring Shoulder (April & May): You’ll see the landscape waking up, waterfalls flowing strongly from melting snow, and increasing daylight. The tourist crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. Flight prices are generally lower than peak season but may start to creep up in May as summer approaches.
- Autumn Shoulder (September & October): This is a prime time for Northern Lights viewing as the nights get darker. The landscapes are painted with beautiful autumn colors. Tourist numbers begin to decrease after the summer rush, leading to more competitive flight prices. October can offer some fantastic deals before the full onset of winter.
Characteristics of Shoulder Season Flight Prices:
- Noticeably lower than peak season.
- More flexibility and availability compared to summer.
- Booking 3-6 months in advance can yield good results.
3. Low Season (November to March)
This is the coldest and darkest time of year in Iceland. However, it’s also the best time to witness the Northern Lights and experience the unique beauty of a winter wonderland. Critically, this is typically the cheapest time to fly to Iceland. While daylight hours are limited, you’ll find the lowest prices and the fewest tourists.
Characteristics of Low Season Flight Prices:
- Significantly lower than peak and shoulder seasons.
- Excellent availability and flexibility.
- Booking 2-4 months in advance can be sufficient, but last-minute deals can also pop up.
- Be mindful of potential weather disruptions and road closures in winter.
The “Sweet Spot” for Booking Cheap Flights to Iceland
While general seasonality is a good starting point, there’s often a “sweet spot” within these seasons for finding the absolute best deals. Based on historical data and industry trends, the following times often present the lowest prices for flights to Iceland:
- Late September and October: After the peak summer rush and before the full swing of winter, this period often sees a dip in demand, leading to competitive pricing, especially for those hoping to see the Northern Lights.
- February and March: After the initial post-holiday lull and before the spring shoulder season picks up, February and March can offer incredibly low fares, particularly if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
- Mid-week Travel: Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is generally cheaper than flying on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Weekend travel is always in higher demand.
Important Considerations:
- Major Holidays and Events: Avoid flying around major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, or popular Icelandic festivals, as prices will inevitably increase.
- School Holidays: If you’re traveling with family, be aware of school holiday periods in your departure country and in Iceland, as these can influence demand.
Money-Saving Tips for Booking Flights to Iceland
Knowing when to look for flights is only half the battle. Employing smart booking strategies can further reduce your airfare costs.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
This is perhaps the single most effective tip for finding cheap flights. Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can result in significant savings. Utilize airline and flight comparison websites that have flexible date search options (e.g., Google Flights’ calendar view or Skyscanner’s “Cheapest Month” feature).
2. Be Flexible with Your Airports
Consider flying into or out of different airports if possible. While Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main international hub, exploring nearby airports in other European countries with affordable connecting flights to KEF might be an option. However, factor in the cost and time of the additional travel.
3. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
These platforms are invaluable for comparing prices across multiple airlines. Popular options include:
- Google Flights: Excellent for exploring flexible dates, price trends, and multi-city itineraries.
- Skyscanner: Offers a “Cheapest Month” feature and allows you to search “Everywhere” from your origin airport to find the cheapest destinations (useful if you are open to a stopover).
- Momondo: Known for finding hidden deals and comparing a wide range of airlines, including smaller carriers.
- Kayak: Offers price forecasts and allows you to track prices for specific routes.
Tips for Using Comparison Websites:
- Set Price Alerts: Most platforms allow you to set alerts for specific routes, notifying you when prices drop.
- Clear Your Cookies: Some websites may increase prices if they see you frequently searching for the same route. Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode.
- Check Individual Airline Websites: Once you’ve found a good price on a comparison site, check the airline’s direct website. Sometimes, booking directly can be slightly cheaper, and it simplifies any potential issue resolution.
4. Consider Budget Airlines
Several budget airlines operate routes to Iceland, particularly from Europe. While baggage fees and other add-ons can increase the final cost, the base fares are often significantly lower. Popular budget airlines flying to Iceland include:
- EasyJet
- Ryanair
- Wizz Air
- PLAY (Icelandic low-cost carrier with routes to North America and Europe)
Important Considerations with Budget Airlines:
- Baggage Allowances: Scrutinize their baggage policies carefully and factor in any fees for checked or carry-on luggage beyond the basic allowance.
- Seat Selection: Selecting your seat often incurs an extra charge.
- Food and Drink: These are rarely included in the fare.
- Airport Location: Some budget airlines fly into smaller or less conveniently located airports.
5. Book in Advance, But Don’t Book Too Early (Usually)
While booking too late is detrimental, booking too early (more than a year out) usually doesn’t offer the best value. Airlines haven’t typically released all their fare classes at this point. The sweet spot for booking international flights is usually 2-6 months in advance, though for peak season to Iceland, extending that to 6-9 months is advisable.
6. Explore Multi-City or Open-Jaw Flights
If you’re considering visiting other destinations in Europe, look into multi-city or open-jaw flights. Flying into one city and out of another can sometimes be cheaper than a round trip.
7. Look for Stopover Opportunities
Some airlines offer free or inexpensive stopovers in their hub cities. This can be a great way to break up a long journey and experience another city at no extra flight cost. Icelandair famously offers stopovers in Reykjavík for up to seven nights at no additional airfare. This can be a fantastic option if you want to spend a few days in Iceland before or after visiting another European destination.
8. Sign up for Airline and Travel Website Newsletters
Subscribe to newsletters from airlines that fly to Iceland and from flight comparison websites and travel agencies. They often announce sales, promotions, and error fares to their subscribers first.
9. Use a VPN to Check for Different Prices
In some rare cases, airlines and travel websites may display different prices based on your geographical location (detected by your IP address). Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to a server in a different country might occasionally reveal lower prices. However, this is not a guaranteed method and should be used with caution.
10. Be Wary of Skyscanner “Cheapest” Deals Without Further Research
While Skyscanner is a fantastic tool, be cautious if it presents an incredibly low price through an unknown third-party booking site. Always research the reputation of these third parties before booking, as their customer service or refund policies might be less reliable than booking directly with the airline or a reputable Online Travel Agency (OTA).
The Evolving Landscape of Airfare
It’s important to remember that airfare pricing is dynamic and influenced by factors beyond seasonality and booking time, including:
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel costs directly impact ticket prices.
- Airline Competition: Increased competition on a particular route can drive prices down.
- Economic Conditions: Global and regional economic conditions can affect travel demand and pricing.
- Special Events: Major events in Iceland (like music festivals or sporting events) can temporarily increase demand and prices.
Therefore, while these tips provide a strong framework, being adaptable and continuously checking prices is key to securing the best deals.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence
Finding cheap flights to Iceland requires a bit of patience, persistence, and a willingness to be flexible. By understanding the travel seasons, knowing when to look, and employing the money-saving tips outlined above, you significantly increase your chances of making your Icelandic dream a budget-friendly reality. Start searching early, compare prices diligently, and be ready to snag that fantastic deal when it appears. Good luck with your flight search – Iceland awaits!