United Airlines Chicago (ORD) to Reykjavik (KEF) Flight Route
Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: timing, airlines, and insider tips.
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Daily Summer Seasonal
Flown by United
The direct connection between Chicago O'Hare and Reykjavik's Keflavik International Airport serves as a vital summer link for travelers in the American Midwest. This seasonal route by United Airlines offers a streamlined path to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, bypassing the need for East Coast connections.
Departing from the major hub of Chicago ORD, United operates this transatlantic service using wide-body aircraft. The flight travels over the North Atlantic, typically following a polar-adjacent path to reach Iceland in just over six hours.
“This route is significant for its convenience to travelers in the central United States, providing the only non-stop service to Iceland from Chicago on a major US legacy carrier. It facilitates easier access for both tourism and the growing business ties between the two regions.”
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Airline
United
Region
Europe
Aircraft
B767-300ER
Service
Daily Summer Seasonal
Airports
Landing and taking off
Departure
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Check-In
United international flights usually depart from Terminal 1; arrive at least three hours before departure.
Connections
Connected to downtown Chicago via the CTA Blue Line and various regional bus services.
Security
Utilize TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to expedite the evening rush of international departures.
Arrival
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
On Arrival
Duty-free shopping is available in the arrivals area and is recommended for purchasing alcohol at lower prices.
Ground Transport
The Flybus and Airport Direct shuttles coordinate with all arriving flights for transit to Reykjavik.
Planning Ahead
Rental car centers are located a short walk or shuttle ride from the main terminal exit.
Booking, timing and fares
Timing & Reliability
Schedule. Flights generally depart ORD in the late evening and arrive at KEF the following morning.
Duration. Average flight time is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Seasonality. The route is active from late May through early September to capture summer demand.
Time Zones. Reykjavik is 5 hours ahead of Chicago during Daylight Saving Time.
Fares & Booking
Booking Window. Optimal booking occurs between January and March for summer travel.
Cabin Advice. Economy Plus offers valuable extra legroom for the overnight journey.
Peak Pricing. Prices are highest during the July peak and US holiday weekends like July 4th.
Peak
June through August
Shoulder
Late May and early September
Off-Peak
October through April (No direct service)
- Book at least 4 to 6 months in advance for the best summer availability
- Use United MileagePlus miles for potential high-value saver awards
- Monitor fare trends during the winter months when the schedule is first released
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Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination
Summer
The only time this route operates, offering the best weather and the famous midnight sun.
Trip Planning
Who this route suits
Best For
Nature Enthusiasts
Direct access to volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls within hours of landing.
Midwest Families
The convenience of a non-stop flight from a central hub avoids stressful connections.
Connections & Alternatives
Akureyri
A short domestic hop from Reykjavik's city airport to explore North Iceland.
Greenland
KEF is a primary gateway for those looking to continue their Arctic adventure.
Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route
Good to Know
Visa & Entry
- US citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Iceland for tourism
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
- Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so standard entry requirements for Europe apply
Airport Transfers
- Pre-booking your bus transfer can save time at the kiosk upon arrival
- If renting a car, ensure you have a credit card with a high enough limit for the insurance deposit
- Taxis are available but are significantly more expensive than the dedicated airport shuttles
Baggage & Transit
- Carry on a waterproof jacket as Icelandic weather can be unpredictable immediately upon landing
- Standard United transatlantic baggage rules apply based on your ticket class
- KEF is a compact airport making it an easy point for connecting to other European destinations
Checklist
- Valid US Passport
- Type F power adapter for Iceland
- Windproof and waterproof clothing
- Pre-booked tickets for the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
Airlines Flying Origin to Destination
United
Daily during the summer operating window
Features a three-cabin configuration including Polaris, Premium Plus, and Economy.
Common questions
Is the United Chicago to Reykjavik flight year-round?
No, this is a seasonal summer route typically operating from late May to early September.
What is the flight time from ORD to KEF?
The non-stop flight takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Which aircraft does United fly to Iceland from Chicago?
United usually operates the Boeing 767-300ER on this specific route.
Does United fly daily from Chicago to Reykjavik?
Yes, during its operating season, United typically offers daily non-stop service.
Which terminal does United use at O'Hare for international flights?
Departures for Reykjavik typically leave from Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare.
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