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Flying Icelandair From Pittsburgh: Why It Might Be Your Best Option to Europe
What to Expect When Flying Icelandair from a Smaller U.S. City — Pros, Cons, and Insider Tips from My Experience
I recently flew Icelandair for the first time on a trip from Pittsburgh to Bergen, Norway. Like many travelers from mid-sized cities in the U.S., I know the frustration of trying to get to Europe without the time-consuming chaos of multiple connections and costly flights. Icelandair has started offering seasonal service from Pittsburgh, and I wanted to share my honest, first-hand experience to help others figure out if this could be a smart way to reach Europe — especially if you’re flying from a smaller market.
This is a completely independent review — I paid for my own tickets, flew in economy class, and wasn’t compensated in any way (unless you count the complimentary cup of coffee mid-flight). That said, if Icelandair ever wants to toss me a free ticket, I wouldn’t say no!
In short, I found Icelandair to be efficient, economical, and a surprisingly comfortable alternative for transatlantic travel. But like every airline, there are some things you’ll want to know ahead of time.
Icelandair Launches Service from Pittsburgh (Seasonally)
Icelandair began flying out of Pittsburgh International Airport in May 2024, offering nonstop service to Reykjavik (KEF) four days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The route runs seasonally, from April through October, with flights departing PIT at 8:30 PM and arriving in Iceland around 6:25 AM local time. The return flight leaves KEF at 4:55 PM and lands back in Pittsburgh around 7:20 PM.
Flights are operated using the Boeing 737 Max 8 — a narrow-body aircraft with a 3-3 seat configuration. It’s not your typical wide-body transatlantic plane, and there’s no lie-flat business class. Instead, Icelandair offers “Saga Class,” which is more akin to domestic first class — wider seats, more legroom, but not a full premium experience.
We did this flight using airline points. So we once again flew FREE (exclusive of taxes) to Europe. If you want some beginner tips on how to get FREE travel, check out The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Points/Miles and Free Travel.
Is Icelandair a Discount Airline?
It’s easy to assume that Icelandair is a low-cost carrier, but that’s not entirely accurate. It sits somewhere in between the no-frills discount airlines and the full-service legacy carriers like Delta or Lufthansa. A better comparison might be to Southwest Airlines — you’ll find affordable fares and optional add-ons rather than built-in luxuries.
They’ve also recently expanded their partnership network, which opens up even more smaller U.S. cities to Icelandair flights via connecting routes.
Why Icelandair Is a Great Option for Smaller U.S. Cities Like Pittsburgh
If you live in a city like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, you already know the struggle of booking travel to Europe. Long travel days with two or even three connections are the norm — and those tickets can be shockingly expensive. Before Icelandair launched this route, Pittsburgh had only one other direct flight to Europe (British Airways to London). Now with Icelandair, you can reach over 30 destinations in Europe with just one stop in Reykjavik.
This is a game-changer. Instead of flying Pittsburgh to New York to Amsterdam to Bergen, for example, I flew PIT to KEF to Bergen. One stop, shorter travel time, and significantly less stress.
My Experience Flying Icelandair: The Good and the Not-So-Good
Here’s how my trip actually went:
- Boarding & Departure:
Boarding at Pittsburgh International was smooth and on time. Icelandair has clearly streamlined their boarding process — no unnecessary waiting around at the gate. - In-Flight Comfort:
The seats on the 737 Max 8 were decent for economy. Not overly spacious, but no worse than other transatlantic economy offerings. The flight crew was friendly, helpful, and made the overnight journey comfortable. - In-Flight Entertainment:
This was one of the weaker points. The in-seat entertainment system worked fine, but the movie and TV selections were dated and underwhelming. I’d recommend downloading your own shows ahead of time if you want better options. - Food and Drinks:
There’s no complimentary meal service in economy, but you do get free coffee, tea, soda, or water. Other snacks and meals can be pre-ordered or purchased during the flight. Given the late departure and relatively short flight time (under six hours), we opted to skip the meal entirely — and didn’t miss it. - Arrival in Reykjavik (KEF):
We arrived on time, and KEF airport was incredibly easy to navigate. Passport control was quick (under 10 minutes), and we felt no stress. I’ve had longer walks to connections in domestic airports than I did here. Plus, the airport has solid breakfast options if you’re connecting in the morning. - Connecting Flight to Bergen:
The short-haul flight from Reykjavik to Bergen departed on time. Beverages were limited to water, coffee, or tea, but it was a smooth and efficient flight. Our checked bags arrived quickly in Bergen, and customs was a breeze.
The Pros of Flying Icelandair
Let’s break down the main advantages of flying Icelandair from a smaller U.S. market like Pittsburgh:
PRO – Price
Icelandair was the most affordable option for our travel dates. In my own comparison shopping, flights on Delta or United were nearly double the price. I did find one Delta itinerary that was only $150 more, but most were significantly higher.
PRO – Travel Time
This might be the biggest win. Flying to Bergen from Pittsburgh typically takes 16–20 hours with multiple layovers. Icelandair got us there in just 12 hours with one short stop in KEF. Our return trip was even faster — just 10 hours total travel time.
PRO – Avoiding Major European Hubs
Transiting through airports like Heathrow or Schiphol can be a headache. Long walks, unpredictable passport control lines, and frequent delays. KEF was refreshingly efficient and easy to navigate.
PRO – One Airline, One Booking
Flying all legs on the same airline (versus partners on a code-share) makes a huge difference in terms of seamless travel and fewer issues if delays or cancellations occur.
PRO – Stopover in Iceland at No Extra Cost
This is a huge perk. Icelandair allows you to stop in Iceland for up to seven nights on the way to or from your European destination — without paying extra for the flight. We didn’t take advantage of this on this trip, but it’s an incredible way to see two destinations for the price of one.
The Cons of Flying Icelandair
There are a few downsides you should be aware of before you book:
CON – Limited Amenities
This isn’t a full-service airline. If having access to a lounge, complimentary meals, or lie-flat seating is a priority, Icelandair won’t meet your expectations.
CON – Flight Frequency
The Pittsburgh route only runs four times a week. If your schedule is tight or you miss a connection, your next direct flight might not be for two days.
CON – Seasonal Service
Currently, Icelandair flies this route only from April to October. If you’re planning a winter trip to Europe, you’ll need another option.
CON – Smaller Aircraft
The 737 Max 8 is a narrow-body plane — not ideal if you prefer the space and layout of a wide-body jet. Seating is tighter, and overhead bin space is more limited.
CON – Volcano Disruptions
It’s rare, but worth noting: Iceland does experience volcanic eruptions from time to time, which can affect flights. One occurred during our trip, but it didn’t disrupt operations. Still, it’s something to be aware of when planning.
Final Verdict: Would I Fly Icelandair Again?
Absolutely. Icelandair offers an easy, affordable, and comfortable way to get to Europe from a smaller market like Pittsburgh. The one-stop route through Reykjavik saves time, reduces travel stress, and adds flexibility — especially with the option to explore Iceland as part of your trip.
If you’re planning a transatlantic trip and haven’t considered Icelandair, especially out of non-hub cities, it’s worth a look. For me, having that break in Iceland right around the six-hour mark made the journey far more manageable. And with such a smooth transit experience at KEF, I’d choose this over routing through London or Amsterdam any day.
Planning Your Next Trip?
For more travel tips, personal reviews, and destination guides across Europe and beyond, subscribe to the blog or check out www.forkandwander.com. If you’re curious about adding a stopover in Iceland, stay tuned — we’re hoping to do exactly that on our next trip.
