Free stopover in
Reykjavik
Dramatic mountains and black sand beaches at the edge of the Arctic.
IcelandairAccepting bookingsVerified 17d ago
Iceland Stopover
4.6(523 reviews)
Eligibility
Duration:24h - 504h layover (7 days max)
Classes:
EconomySaga Premium
Routes:All transatlantic routes via KEF
Full terms▾
- Stay in Iceland at no extra airfare on transatlantic routes
- Maximum stopover length depends on fare: Economy Light up to 3 nights; Economy Standard and Saga Premium 7 nights; Economy Flex and Saga Premium Flex up to 21 nights (8-21 nights require phone booking, cannot be self-served online)
- Current Icelandair fare families (5-tier): Economy Light / Economy Standard / Economy Flex / Saga Premium / Saga Premium Flex
- Available on round-trip and one-way tickets; stopover can be on outbound or return leg
- Hotel and activities at your own cost
- Saga Premium cabin: 767 retirement accelerated to end-2026; Saga Premium is now primarily a narrowbody RECLINER product (A321LR/737 MAX) — NOT lie-flat
- Saga Premium lounge access was cut April 2025: only Saga Premium Flex retains outstation-lounge access; base Saga Premium does not
- Schengen visa rules apply (most visitors visa-free for 90 days)
- ETIAS (€20, 3-year validity) launches in Q4 2026 with a 6-month transitional period + 6-month grace period — not enforced immediately at launch
- EES (biometric Entry/Exit System) active at Schengen borders since 9 April 2026 — expect longer processing times at major European airports during early rollout; countries may pause checks up to 90+60 days to manage congestion
How it Works
- 1
Book an eligible Icelandair itinerary
Your trip must route through KEF (Reykjavik) with a 24–504 hour layover. Eligible classes: Economy, Saga Premium.
- 2
Request the stopover
Book directly on Icelandair.com and add a stopover during booking. Stays of 8-21 nights must be booked via the Icelandair service center.
- 3
Receive your voucher
The airline confirms your hotel and any included tours via email, usually within a few business days.
- 4
Enjoy Reykjavik
Make your own way to the hotel (most cities have cheap metro/airport taxis). Take any included tours, then continue your journey.
Things to do in Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon
Geothermal spa 20 minutes from the airport — book ahead.
Golden Circle
Geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic plates in a single day loop.
Hallgrímskirkja
Iconic basalt-column church with a view over the city.
Traveler Reviews
4.6/5.0
523 reviews aggregated
weighted composite
89% positive4% negative
Based on reviews fromFlyerTalk (1)Blog (2)TripAdvisor (1)
Rating Breakdown
Perks Value25%
4.7/5How much is all the free stuff actually worth?
Ease of Claiming20%
4.8/5Will the airline actually respond to my email?
Top Quotes
“Adding an Iceland stopover for up to seven days is an easy way to see two countries for the price of one.”— Blog
“The offer of a stopover for up to 7 days at no extra flight cost is a nice way to plan a few days on the island.”— TripAdvisor ↗
“Allows you to essentially visit two destinations for the price of one.”— Blog ↗
“Iceland is expensive once you're there. Budget accordingly.”
“Weather can be unpredictable - pack layers.”
Pro Tips
- -Best in winter for Northern Lights, summer for midnight sun
- -Rent a car - public transport is limited outside Reykjavik
- -Blue Lagoon is overpriced, try Sky Lagoon instead
- -3-4 days is the sweet spot for the Golden Circle + South Coast
Recent Reviews
FlyerTalk Nordic Region forumFlyerTalk ↗
Negative(30%)PSA thread warning that Icelandair has been restricting stopovers to a minimum of 3 days on certain US routings. Users shared workarounds including booking the stopover on the return leg.
3-day minimumbooking restrictions
Thrifty TravelerBlog
Positive(85%)Step-by-step guide. Icelandair Saga Premium fares can be found under $900 and the cheapest stopover fares are easier to find when the stopover is placed on the return connection.
cheap faresreturn connectionSaga Premium value
TripAdvisor reviewerTripAdvisor ↗
Positive(80%)Review titled 'Icelandair Stopover' praising how the airline website lets you plan the whole experience including airport transfers, accommodations, car rental, and activities without extra flight cost.
all-in-one booking7-day max
Ben Schlappig, One Mile at a TimeBlog ↗
Positive(80%)Guide on what to do during a stopover in Iceland. Highlights that the stopover program allows visiting two destinations for the price of one, with trips from a couple of hours up to a week.
two for oneflexible length
Compare with other programs
Compare →
Related guides
All Guides →AIRLINE GUIDE
Icelandair Stopover: Up to 21 Nights in Iceland on One Ticket
Stopover length is fare-tied at Icelandair, hotels are not free, and the 8-21 night tier requires a phone booking — what the program actually delivers.
8 min read
COMPARISON
The 10 Best Airline Stopover Programs in 2026
Ten programs ranked on hotel value, eligibility breadth, and how reliably the airline actually delivers — updated for 2026.
11 min read
HOW-TO
How to Claim a Free Hotel During Your Layover
What "free hotel during your layover" actually means across carriers — and the three eligibility checks to run before you book.
7 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Icelandair stopover program really free?
Icelandair offers discounted stopover packages in Reykjavik. Free perks are limited — most travelers pay a reduced rate for hotels and tours.
Who is eligible for the Iceland Stopover?
Passengers flying Icelandair with a qualifying layover in KEF between 24 and 504 hours. Eligible booking classes: Economy, Saga Premium. Stay in Iceland at no extra airfare on transatlantic routes. Maximum stopover length depends on fare: Economy Light up to 3 nights; Economy Standard and Saga Premium 7 nights; Economy Flex and Saga Premium Flex up to 21 nights (8-21 nights require phone booking, cannot be self-served online). Current Icelandair fare families (5-tier): Economy Light / Economy Standard / Economy Flex / Saga Premium / Saga Premium Flex. Available on round-trip and one-way tickets; stopover can be on outbound or return leg. Hotel and activities at your own cost. Saga Premium cabin: 767 retirement accelerated to end-2026; Saga Premium is now primarily a narrowbody RECLINER product (A321LR/737 MAX) — NOT lie-flat. Saga Premium lounge access was cut April 2025: only Saga Premium Flex retains outstation-lounge access; base Saga Premium does not. Schengen visa rules apply (most visitors visa-free for 90 days). ETIAS (€20, 3-year validity) launches in Q4 2026 with a 6-month transitional period + 6-month grace period — not enforced immediately at launch. EES (biometric Entry/Exit System) active at Schengen borders since 9 April 2026 — expect longer processing times at major European airports during early rollout; countries may pause checks up to 90+60 days to manage congestion.
How do I claim the stopover in Reykjavik?
Book directly on Icelandair.com and add a stopover during booking. Stays of 8-21 nights must be booked via the Icelandair service center.
What is the maximum stopover length?
Up to 7 days. You can extend your layover without paying additional airfare, as long as it fits within the program's rules.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport in Reykjavik?
Visa requirements depend on your passport. Many travelers qualify for visa-free transit, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options. Select your nationality on this page to see the specific requirement for Iceland.
Quick Info
- Hub Airport
- KEF
- Layover window
- 24h – 504h
- Booking classes
- Economy, Saga Premium
- Official page
- View →
Visa Info for Reykjavik
Choose your passport to see if you can leave the airport.
Hotels in Reykjavik
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