Visiting Iceland with Points and Miles in 2024

This series on credit cards, points, miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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The Land of Fire and Ice has been a favored vacation spot, showcasing stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and breathtaking landscapes at every corner. You might recognize some from Game of Thrones, which filmed at locations like Svínafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park and Lake Mývatn among other picturesque sites.

If you’re watching your expenses, it’s straightforward to reduce the costs of your flights and accommodations by using points and miles. These can also cover car rentals or tour expenses if you’re planning a remarkable road trip through Iceland.

Everything you need to know about visiting Iceland using points and miles, along with some of our top recommended destinations.

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

The most affordable award flights to Iceland

U.S. citizens can visit Iceland for up to 90 days without needing a visa. If you have the time, Icelandair offers a complimentary stopover in Iceland when traveling between the U.S. and Europe, allowing you to make the most of your trip.

Besides the flights available for points redemption, consider PLAY, a budget Icelandic airline, which provides economical flights to Reykjavík (KEF) from Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), New York (SWF, about 90 minutes from Manhattan), and Washington, DC (IAD).

Although PLAY isn't affiliated with major loyalty programs or airline alliances, you can still accumulate points by using specific travel credit cards for your purchases. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express* earns you 5X points when booking flights directly with the airline, up to $500,000 per calendar year.

Be sure to explore potential flight deals through your credit card’s travel portal, whether it’s Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Travel, or American Express Membership Rewards.

• Lowest economy class fare to Iceland: 36,000 Flying Blue miles round-trip (for Delta flights from the U.S.)

• Lowest business-class fare to Iceland: 88,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip

• Lowest first-class fare to Iceland: 135,000 to 165,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles round-trip

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Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles are among the most sought-after rewards, allowing you to book flights to Iceland through partners like Icelandair, American Airlines, and British Airways.

Icelandair operates year-round flights from various U.S. cities, including Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington, DC (IAD). Seasonal services are also available from Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Orlando (MCO), Pittsburgh (PIT, starting May 2024), and Portland, Oregon (PDX).

Starting in 2024, Alaska Airlines will implement a new award chart for flight redemptions, so be sure to use Great Circle Mapper to check the distance between your chosen airports beforehand.

Here’s the Mileage Plan miles required to fly with Icelandair, covering routes from the East Coast to the West Coast of the U.S.:

• Economy Class: 45,000 to 55,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 90,000 to 110,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 135,000 to 165,000 miles for a round-trip

Using Mileage Plan miles is the most straightforward method to book award flights on Icelandair, as the airline lacks credit card transfer partners, making it essential to earn Saga Points through frequent flights.

However, it might be wise to purchase an economy ticket on Icelandair with cash and then use Saga Points to upgrade to business or first class.

While JetBlue and Icelandair share a codeshare agreement, you cannot currently redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for award flights on Icelandair, although you can earn miles by flying with either airline.

To increase your miles balance, you can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio or consider applying for one of Alaska Airlines’ cobranded credit cards to benefit from their attractive welcome bonuses.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening, plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ starting at $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees) each year once you spend $6,000.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card: Receive 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees) after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points and 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, but some hotels may charge resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Get 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card*: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after using your new Card for $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

Creating a travel budget with points and miles

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

Fans of Star Alliance can utilize ANA Mileage Club to book tickets to Iceland on United Airlines at a lower cost. Just remember, you can only book round-trip redemptions (no one-way trips), award flights are limited to yourself or a family member (not friends), and you must verify availability on United’s website before confirming with ANA.

• Economy Class: 55,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 88,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 165,000 miles for a round-trip

If you’re looking for a new travel credit card, the welcome bonus from The Platinum Card® from American Express is sufficient for a round-trip economy flight, while the bonus from The Business Platinum Card® from American Express* would easily cover a business-class ticket.

You can also transfer ANA Mileage Club miles from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio or from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in the first six months of opening your account.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after making $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Get 60,000 Bonus Points and 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, but be aware that some hotels may have resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of having your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Obtain 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months of Card Membership with your new Card.

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Avianca LifeMiles

One of the best ways to redeem points is through Avianca LifeMiles, which allows booking flights with its Star Alliance partners, such as United Airlines. The primary consideration is your departure point, as rates are typically lower from East Coast cities compared to other regions in the U.S.

• Economy Class: 40,000 miles round-trip from the East Coast; 60,000 miles round-trip from other U.S. locations.

• Business Class: 120,000 miles round-trip from the East Coast; 126,000 miles round-trip from elsewhere in the U.S.

• First Class: 174,000 miles round-trip from any U.S. location.

To enhance your points balance, you can transfer points from Bilt Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of having your account.

• Citi Premier® Card: Gain 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of opening your account.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, but be aware that some hotels may impose resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Get 125,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of having your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Receive 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months of Card Membership with your new Card.

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United Airlines MileagePlus

United Airlines provides seasonal flights to Reykjavík from Chicago (ORD) and Newark (EWR, resuming in May 2024). Although it may not offer the most advantageous redemption options, especially after a recent devaluation, accumulating United MileagePlus miles is straightforward. You can also use these miles to travel with United’s Star Alliance partners, such as Air Canada or Scandinavian Airlines.

United Airlines employs dynamic pricing, which fluctuates based on the season and demand. Here’s a look at how many MileagePlus miles are required for a flight to Iceland on United, based on a sample search for a nonstop flight in May 2024 from Newark:

• Economy Class: 66,200 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 388,200 miles round-trip

The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and several co-branded United MileagePlus credit cards provide substantial welcome bonuses, enabling you to quickly boost your points balance. Additionally, points can be transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio if necessary.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This translates to $900 toward travel when redeemed via Chase Travel℠.

• United Gateway℠ Card: Receive 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is active. Plus, enjoy a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. Learn more.

• United℠ Explorer Card: Get 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

• United Quest℠ Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is active.

• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Receive 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

• United℠ Business Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of your account opening.

• United Club℠ Business Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles plus 1,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

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Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Although Air France and KLM don't operate direct flights to Iceland, you can utilize Flying Blue miles to book nonstop journeys from the U.S. with their SkyTeam partner, Delta Air Lines, which offers seasonal service to Reykjavík (KEF) from New York (JFK), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP).

Delta Air Lines employs dynamic pricing that fluctuates with the season, destination, and other factors, making it generally more economical to find award flights through Flying Blue.

Here’s the Flying Blue miles required for a trip to Iceland from the U.S., based on a sample search from New York (JFK) for dates in May 2024:

• Economy Class: 36,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 100,000 miles round-trip

For reference, here’s the number of SkyMiles needed to book a similar flight on Delta from New York (JFK) in May 2024:

• Economy Class: 58,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 282,000 miles round-trip

To quickly accumulate Flying Blue miles, transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at the same ratio.

Alternatively, dedicated Delta flyers can earn miles by signing up for one of its cobranded credit cards and capitalizing on the generous welcome bonus.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of Card Membership.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in your first six months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in your first six months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in your first six months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

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Hotels in Iceland that you can book using points

Across Iceland, you'll discover hotels available for points redemption from Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt. Make sure to enroll in their free loyalty programs or, even better, consider a hotel rewards credit card to maximize your welcome bonus and accumulate points for complimentary stays.

Some cobranded credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire, offer $200 in statement credits each year to offset resort fees and other charges incurred at Hilton properties, twice annually.

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Reykjavík

Many travelers kick off or conclude their Iceland adventure in the capital, Reykjavík, which is about a 45-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport (KEF). This vibrant city boasts four exceptional Hilton properties. The Hilton Reykjavík Nordica offers rooms starting at 36,000 points per night, while the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre has rates beginning at 57,000 points per night.

Additionally, you'll find two hotels from the Curio Collection: the Reykjavík Konsulat Hotel with rates starting at 60,000 points per night and the Iceland Parliament Hotel, which offers rooms beginning at 63,000 points per night.

To increase your points balance, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio or consider applying for a cobranded or flexible rewards credit card.

The welcome bonus from the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can earn you enough points for a stay of two to four nights, depending on the hotel, while the bonus from The Platinum Card may allow you to enjoy a complimentary night at any of those properties.

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Nesjavellir

Nestled in Iceland's stunning Golden Circle, a renowned route adorned with waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes, the ION Adventure Hotel in Nesjavellir is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Located just an hour from Reykjavík and immersed in nature, rooms at this remarkable hotel begin at 50,000 points per night.

To quickly build your Marriott Bonvoy points, you can transfer them from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or consider applying for one of Marriott’s cobranded credit cards. The welcome bonus from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is sufficient for a three-night stay, making it an ideal starting point for your Iceland journey.

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Hella

Hotel Rangá, Iceland’s sole World of Hyatt property, is located approximately 90 minutes from Reykjavík along the Ring Road, a favored route for travelers. This hotel is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, with room rates starting at 30,000 points per night.

With the welcome bonus from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you would accumulate enough points for a two-night stay. Alternatively, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio to boost your balance.

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Activities and transportation options

In Iceland, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Renting cars or campervans for an unforgettable multi-day road trip is an excellent way to experience the country's stunning landscapes up close. Always check the road conditions and download the Safetravel app before setting off for safety.

Public buses operate between major towns along the Ring Road, and companies like Iceland By Bus, Volcano Trails, and Reykjavík Excursions provide tourist-friendly hop-on-hop-off services and regional day trip packages during the peak summer season.

No matter how you choose to explore Iceland, remember that certain travel credit cards, such as the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture X, let you “erase” travel expenses by using points at a rate of one cent per point.

Other cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a $300 annual travel credit that provides statement credits for various travel-related expenses.

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred can also enjoy savings on rental cars, guided tours, and more by redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents per point and 1.25 cents per point, respectively, through Chase Travel℠.

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Final thoughts

A trip to Iceland can be affordable if you plan in advance, leverage airline partnerships, take advantage of generous welcome bonuses from cobranded credit cards, and optimize your use of points and miles. Whether you're traveling for a family vacation, a romantic escape, or an adventurous solo trip, you're sure to create lasting memories.

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* Card eligibility and benefit levels vary. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content.