Iceland Air NJ/NY to Munich

Only you can decide if the stopover is worth it.

Many here have used Icelandair for a stopover on the way to Europe to save money. I've flown them a few times.

The airline and airport in Iceland are very good at getting you through to your connection. Be aware that you will do all immigration procedures in Iceland since that is where you are entering the Schengen area. When you get to Munich you will walk off the plane as if it was a domestic flight.

Normally, 1:05 is doable for a connection. However, I have not flown through since EES has been established. Perhaps someone else with that experience can report on timimgs.

If you are flying Economy of Icelandair, be aware they don't serve food. If you want something, you have to pay for it. Or bring your own.

The way I would look at it is, taking the connection adds about 3 hours each way, and there’s two of you so a total of about 12 extra people-hours. Divide that into your $700 savings and it’s about $60 per hour. What is your time worth to you? That’s the personal question we can’t answer for you. Plus considering the enhanced hassle and possible delay factor of making a fairly tight connection in winter weather. And assuming this is an apples to apples comparison in terms of baggage fees, meal service, ticket flexibility, etc.

I understand the tight layover time, but since all Iceland Air flights have this stop I figure they have it figured out.

Apples to apples… yes. One personal item, one carryon and one checked bag included. Lufthansa also adds $36 per seat choice, so it would add another $144 to the already $700 difference.

I understand the meal service is not included in Iceland Air. I’ve never really cared for the airline dinner, breakfast. Paying for a few drinks and bringing our own snacks isn’t an issue for us.

The concern for me wouldn’t so much be whether Iceland Air can handle one hour connections in Reykjavik, but Newark. What could be more common than a delay of an hour or so there for an evening departure in December? If that happens on a nonstop to Munich, you get there an hour later, no big deal. Much bigger problem is likely to result if you’re late arriving in Iceland for your connection.

Thank you. I have been delayed in the last in both Newark and returning from Munich. Years ago it was due to snow in Munich and we were delayed a couple of hours going home.

Personally, I would always take the non-stop for a bit more money. (I know you asked about Iceland Air. Mardee wrote recently about her experience on Icelandic here - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/exploring-iceland-with-my-daughter-a-7-night-adventure-stockholm-and-norway-to-follow. (Scroll down to getting to Iceland.)

If you're delayed either way on a non-stop, you get there, whereas a late departure from Newark means you could get stuck in Iceland.

I have flown Icelander many times and for me, it is good. I too don't mind not having a ton of food/drink options. They are so good at the quick layovers and if one flight is delayed, they are good at getting you in the air asap. IMO, it just depends on whether the monetary savings or a nonstop is more important to you, which of course is a personal preference.

I flew them to Iceland recently. The economy seats were thinly cushioned, uncomfortable especially for overnight flight. The BWI staff were drill sergeants about boarding groups and luggage size (which I appreciated.) The KEF staff seemed disorganized and poor communication. The EES kiosks were all down when we arrived, and we spent 1.5 hours in immigration line. YMMV. If I had a non stop choice, I wouldn't try to save with Icelandair.

I have flown Icelandair 3-4 times, the connections are busy and the time there flies. I would try it out and see if you like it. They do sell food at Keflavik in both the Schengen and non-Schengen concourses but it is expensive. Also I believe Icelandair flies out of both JFK and EWR if that is a benefit.