In October 2016, I was looking for flights to Amsterdam (from Toronto Pearson). After browsing Google Flights and Skyscanner, I found a flight to Amsterdam via Reykjavik Keflavik for under $500 CAD Roundtrip. I've always been intrigued to fly with Icelandair because of the Iceland stopover program, the in-flight entertainment (IFE) and the competitive low fares to Europe.
Check In at Toronto Pearson
Icelandair does not have a mobile app for checking in and/or mobile boarding passes.
Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson T3, my first instinct was to search for an Icelandair check-in kiosk. However, there were no kiosks instead Icelandair had the traditional check-in counters with friendly staff.
I received one boarding pass for my Icelandair flights (Toronto YYZ- Reykjavik KEF) & (Reykjavik KEF - Amsterdam AMS). I checked one bag for that would be connected through to Amsterdam without claiming the bag in Reykjavik.
Revitalized Terminal 3
In 2014, Toronto Pearson invested $140 Million CAD into the Terminal 3 Enhancement Project. The project is expected to be completed by this summer (2017). It was refreshing walking through the newly renovated Terminal 3 to see the new amenities such as new restaurants, bars, lounges and open spaces with modern design. There are many restaurants and shop to explore throughout Terminal 3.
Boarding the Boeing 757
While boarding each passenger receives a complementary bottle of Icelandic Glacial water. The bottle has a unique glacier design and introduces the passenger to sample the Icelandic culture that is evident on-board Icelandair. On each seat there is a pillow and fleece blanket with the Icelandair branding. The in-flight entertainment touch screen is responsive and becomes available after the safety briefing during taxi to the runway. After reaching cruising altitude, the flight crew completes a soft drink service. There is no meal service during Icelandair flights and I would recommend eating a meal prior to the flight. The 5 hour and 15 minute flight elapses quickly with a wide selection of new movies, tv shows and other entertainment on the IFE.
45 Minutes in Iceland After disembarking the Boeing 757 from Toronto, passengers deplane using covered stairs and walk outside into the crowded terminal building. With Wow Air and Icelandair both utilizing Keflavik as a stopover/connecting airport to/from Europe & North America. The airport is crowded with passengers from North America connecting to multiple European destinations. The Keflavik terminal has excellent signage to Iceland customs for connecting passengers. The queue for customs was about 10 minutes long with the rush hour passenger traffic. After clearing customs, the gates are a quick 2 minute walk. The stopover is brief and it allows you to stretch your legs, walk around and use the washroom between flights. While looking for a snack, I realized the Keflavik airport only accepts Icelandic Krona.
Final Thoughts
Icelandair has a good product with incredible value. For around $220*, a one-way flight to Europe with one 23kg check bag and one 10kg carry bag plus an IFE containing blockbuster movies/tv shows is unbeatable. (Rare sale price*) The stopover in Reykjavik is enjoyable and it gives the passenger a nice break between flights. If you want to explore Iceland or looking for a cheap flight to Europe, I would recommend Icelandair.
Flight Information
Airline: Icelandair Airplane: Boeing 757-200 Seat: 27D From: Toronto Pearson To: Reykjavik Keflavik Date: February 15th, 2017
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