I found a remarkable flight flight itinerary which is $300+/per person less than others. In case the link doesn't work... Departing Fri 6/15/2012 from Denver, stopover in Reykjavik with a 10 hour layover arriving 10:35 pm the following evening in Barcelona. Return Thu 7/5/2012 from Paris (CDG) at 8 am, 7 hour layover in Reykjavik, and arriving in Denver. What can we do within the layover times in Reykjavik?
What are the pitfalls of this itinerary? For example arriving late in Barcelona and leaving early from Paris? Icelandair carryon limit is 13 lbs so we'll have to check luggage. There was hope for me to make a 20 lb limit, but 13? According to Seatguru.com the plane is a 3/3 configuration. Thanks for any advice you can share!
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Check out Icelandair's web page. LOTS of stuff to do on a layover. Rechecking/security back into the airport is easy (give it an hour from curb to gate). This is a small airport. Take your swimsuit and go to the thermal pools. Lovely. The seats are well, not wonderful to say the least. As far as checking luggage on IcelandAir it's not going to be misplaced. This is an small airline/airport hub. I flew economy plus (bad knee) and the service was great .
Posted by
OP
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23 posts
Thanks Marie. I appreciate your insight! I did check out the Blue Lagoon. I did a brief Google search and found a tour that went to/from the airport but it was about $150/person, which eats into the flight savings plus I'm giving up a day in Barcelona. So, I'm not sure it is the solution for this trip
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
We did Blue Lagoon this summer. You will like it. Iceland is very expensive so $150 there is not that much.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I like Barcelona and all that but the Blue Lagoon is one of those things that you remember for a life time. It's so darn magical. That is, it's magical on a bright clear day. No so much in icy rain. As I recall you can book a tour directly at the airport during your layover. That way if the weather is awful well, you're not out any money. Check out the cost difference, if any, of booking the tour on site vs. over the web.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Blue Lagoon is beautiful no matter what the weather is. You don't want to sit 10 hours at the airport while you can be soaking in geothermal water. Or swimming. They also use that white mud for treatment of psoriasis.
Posted by
OP
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23 posts
I looked at one night stay in Reykjavik and they all left at 1 am. The other thought I had was to stay at a hotel near the Barcelona airport. Orbitz pulls up reasonable options nearby. Travelocity pulled up the Renaissance Barcelona Airport Hotel which has a shuttle up until 11 pm. Extending the trip one day to put back the "lost" day in Barcelona, results in a 1 day layover in Reykjavik (similar price $1250 pp) or multiple stops ($5300 pp). Neither one is desirable. I really appreciate everyone's advice!
Posted by
OP
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23 posts
Quite right Ilja. If I chose the Icelandair itinerary, I would much rather sit in a beautiful thermal pool rather than a small airport. Marie, I will take a look at the options for reservations. You make a good point. All I did was a brief search only to see if it was feasible. I don't even know if the timing works out, though my instincts say it would so the tours could take advantage of these layovers. The cost is only one consideration, and in the big picture it is a fraction of the whole trip. This trip is all about making lifelong memories. Now that I'm finally getting started, it won't be the last trip. :) The Blue Lagoon may have to wait, along with the Northern Lights. I think some background information would be helpful. I will be traveling with my 15 year old son. The city he picked was Barcelona because he is a soccer player and a fan of their team. So we would be giving up a day in "his city" for one he does not have a particular interest in.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
Check this: http://www.re.is/DayTours/BlueLagoon/ 6300 ISK = $55per person Includes transport both ways and admission. There are various pick-up and drop off times.
Posted by
OP
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23 posts
Cool. Thanks Randy! Now that's more reasonable. Maybe the site I found earlier included spa treatments. I only scanned the information to know if it was feasible. Time to look at this whole deal more closely. Trade offs and decisions...
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Icelandair isn't starting service until some time this Spring from Denver - new service, Personally I would overnight in Revkjavik and see if there is an earlier flight to Barcelona. I think one of the marketing points of Icelandair is a lay over of up to three days without addition charges. Late at night is an inconvenient time to arrive anywhere. The 8 am Paris departure really means a 5 AM or earlier departure from your hotel and perhaps an expensive cab ride to the airport.
Posted by
OP
Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23 posts
If I remember the article it is scheduled to start in May so this could be an introductory offer. I'm not keen on arriving late in Barcelona, so staying overnight in Reykjavik would be a good alternative. I believe I have the flexibility to add another day to the end of the trip and shift the trip itinerary one day. There is actually another flight with a departure from Paris at 2:15 pm. Much more reasonable for me since I am not known to be an early morning person. :) I originally did not consider it because there is only a 1 hr layover but I've been told that is okay at that airport.