Icelandair FI622: The Ultimate Guide To The Reykjavik To Newark Route

Traveling across the Atlantic has evolved from a grueling journey into a seamless, highly efficient transit experience. Among the most popular routes connecting Northern Europe with the United States East Coast is Icelandair flight FI622. Operating from the carrier’s central hub at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) just outside Reykjavík, Iceland, to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, this flight serves as a vital bridge for leisure travelers, business professionals, and transatlantic commuters alike.

Icelandair has spent decades perfecting its hub-and-spoke business model, turning what could be a mundane layover into a highly sought-after travel experience. Flight FI622 is a cornerstone of this strategy, carrying passengers from the pristine landscapes of Iceland directly into the heart of the New York metropolitan area. This comprehensive guide provides deep operational insights, passenger experience details, booking tips, and technical specifications to ensure your next journey on FI622 is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Flight Overview and Key Specifications of FI622

Flight FI622 is a scheduled international passenger flight operated daily by Icelandair. The journey covers a great-circle distance of approximately 2,591 miles (4,170 km) across the North Atlantic Ocean. Depending on seasonal wind patterns, jet streams, and air traffic control routing, the average flight time from takeoff to touchdown is roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes to 6 hours and 15 minutes. This relatively short duration makes it one of the quickest ways to travel between Europe and North America.

The flight typically departs Keflavík in the late afternoon, taking advantage of the natural time zone changes to land at Newark Liberty International Airport in the early to mid-evening. This scheduling is highly strategic: it allows passengers arriving from mainland Europe earlier in the day to make seamless connections at KEF before boarding FI622 to the United States.

The aircraft deployed on this route vary based on seasonal demand and operational logistics. Most frequently, Icelandair utilizes its modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 fleet. On high-demand dates, the legendary and slightly larger Boeing 757-200 may be substituted. The 737 MAX aircraft are particularly favored by passengers due to their quieter engines, modern cabin interiors, and improved cabin altitude pressurization, which helps reduce the physical toll of jet lag.

The Onboard Experience: What to Expect on Icelandair FI622

The cabin experience on Icelandair is distinct from both low-cost carriers and traditional legacy airlines. Icelandair positions itself as a premium-value carrier, offering a hybrid model that blends high-end comfort with customizable service tiers. Understanding what is included in your ticket class is essential for managing expectations on board FI622.

Economy Class vs. Saga Premium

Icelandair divides its cabin into two primary classes: Economy (which includes Light, Standard, and Flex sub-categories) and Saga Premium, which is their equivalent of Business Class.

• Economy Class: Passengers can expect a standard 3-by-3 seating configuration. The seats are ergonomically designed with adjustable headrests and a pitch of 31 to 32 inches, which is comparable to domestic US carriers but slightly more generous than standard European low-cost configurations. Each seat is equipped with an individual touchscreen entertainment system and a USB port for charging personal electronics. While non-alcoholic beverages (water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks) are complimentary, meals and alcoholic beverages must be purchased on board unless you are traveling on a premium ticket or have high-tier elite status.
• Saga Premium: This cabin offers a 2-by-2 seating arrangement with wide, plush leather seats featuring a generous 40-inch pitch. While they are not lie-flat beds, they offer deep recline, leg rests, and ample workspace, making them incredibly comfortable for a six-hour daytime flight. Saga Premium passengers receive complimentary gourmet hot meals, premium wines and spirits, noise-canceling headphones, and an exclusive amenity kit filled with Icelandic skincare products.

In-Flight Entertainment, Wi-Fi, and Dining Options

The entertainment system on FI622 features a curated selection of Hollywood blockbusters, classic films, television series, and a dedicated section highlighting Icelandic music, documentaries, and culture. The system is highly responsive and easy to navigate.

High-speed Wi-Fi is available across almost the entire fleet. Saga Premium passengers and Saga Gold frequent flyers receive complimentary access, while Economy passengers can purchase internet access for a nominal fee. The connection speed is generally stable enough for sending emails, browsing social media, and basic web searching, though streaming video can occasionally be spotty over the open ocean.

For dining, Icelandair operates a "buy-on-board" menu for Economy passengers called the Saga Kitchen. This menu features a mix of hot and cold items, including light snacks, sandwiches, and traditional Icelandic treats. It is highly recommended to pre-order hot meals online up to 24 hours before departure to guarantee availability and receive a discount compared to purchasing on board.

The Stopover Option: Maximizing Your Journey with Icelandair

One of the most compelling reasons travelers choose Icelandair flight FI622 is the airline’s famous Icelandair Stopover program. Because Keflavík is situated directly between Europe and North America, passengers can choose to break up their journey with a stopover in Iceland for up to seven nights at no additional airfare.

This stopover turns a standard transatlantic crossing into a multi-destination adventure. For example, you can fly from London or Paris to Reykjavik, spend three days exploring the Golden Circle, bathing in the Blue Lagoon, or chasing the Northern Lights, and then board flight FI622 to Newark to complete your journey home to the United States.

The logistical transition at Keflavík Airport is remarkably smooth. KEF is a compact, highly modern airport designed for fast connections. Unlike massive European hubs like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle, changing planes at Keflavík rarely takes more than 40 minutes from gate to gate. If you are continuing directly through to Newark on FI622, your checked baggage is automatically transferred to your final destination, and you will clear US passport control and security efficiently within the terminal.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Icelandair FI622

When deciding whether to book Icelandair FI622 or a direct flight operated by a US-based legacy carrier, it helps to weigh the advantages and drawbacks.

Pros:

• The Stopover Program: The ability to add a multi-day vacation in Iceland without paying extra flight fees is unmatched.
• Modern Fleet: The frequent use of the Boeing 737 MAX provides a quieter, smoother, and more environmentally conscious flight experience.
• Charming Cultural Touches: From the ambient LED "Northern Lights" cabin lighting to the Icelandic lullabies played during boarding, the flight feels unique and culturally rich.
• Efficient Hub: Transiting through Keflavík Airport is significantly faster and less stressful than transiting through larger European airports.

Cons:

• No Free Meals in Economy: Unlike some traditional legacy carriers on transatlantic routes, Economy passengers must purchase or pre-order their meals.
• No Lie-Flat Seats in Saga Premium: While Saga Premium is incredibly comfortable and offers excellent service, business travelers looking for a fully flat bed to sleep may be disappointed by the cradle-style seats.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book and Prepare for FI622

To ensure a seamless travel experience on Icelandair FI622, follow these steps from booking to landing:

1. Book via the Official Channel: Start by visiting the official Icelandair website. If you wish to experience Iceland, select the "Stopover" option during the initial search phase. This allows you to customize your dates in Iceland before finalizing your flight to Newark.
2. Select Your Seat Early: If legroom is a priority, consider upgrading to an "Extra Legroom" seat in the Economy cabin. These are usually located in the exit rows or the front of the cabin and offer up to 36 inches of pitch.
3. Pre-Order Meals and Duty-Free: If you are flying Economy, log into the "My Journey" portal at least 24 hours before departure to select and purchase your meals. You can also pre-order tax-free Icelandic goods and cosmetics to be delivered directly to your seat during the flight.
4. Arrive Early at KEF: Keflavík Airport can become incredibly busy during the late afternoon bank of flights departing for North America. Arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. This ensures you have plenty of time to clear security, browse the extensive duty-free shops, and pass through the passport control gates required for non-Schengen departures.
5. Navigating EWR Upon Arrival: When FI622 lands at Newark Liberty International Airport, you will arrive at Terminal B. Follow the signs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If you have Global Entry, keep to the left for accelerated processing. Once through customs, you can easily access the AirTrain to connect to NJ Transit trains bound for Manhattan or secure ground transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flight FI622

1. Does flight FI622 operate daily?

Yes, Icelandair flight FI622 generally operates on a daily schedule throughout the year. However, frequencies and exact departure times can vary slightly depending on seasonal demand, with increased operations during the peak summer travel season.

2. Can I access an airport lounge before boarding FI622?

Saga Premium passengers, Saga Gold, and Saga Silver members have complimentary access to the stunning Saga Lounge at Keflavík Airport. Known for its warm Icelandic hospitality, panoramic views of the Reykjanes peninsula, and high-end buffet, it is widely considered one of the best lounges in Europe. Economy passengers can sometimes purchase entry access, subject to capacity constraints.

3. What is the baggage allowance for flight FI622?

Baggage allowance depends on your ticket class. Economy Light tickets only include one small personal item and one carry-on bag. Economy Standard and Flex tickets include one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg). Saga Premium passengers are allowed two checked bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each, alongside priority baggage handling.

4. How do I check the real-time flight status of FI622?

You can easily track the real-time status of flight FI622 using the official Icelandair mobile app, their website's flight tracker, or third-party tracking platforms such as FlightAware and Flightradar24.

5. Will I clear US Customs in Iceland?

No. Unlike flights departing from Ireland or Canada, Keflavík Airport does not have a US Preclearance facility. You will fly directly from Iceland to Newark and clear US Customs and Border Protection upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Terminal B.

Reserve Your Seat on the North Atlantic Route

Whether you are returning home to the United States after a grand European adventure, embarking on a business trip to the New York metropolitan area, or initiating an unforgettable stopover amidst Iceland's glaciers and volcanic hot springs, Icelandair flight FI622 offers a reliable, comfortable, and uniquely Nordic way to travel. With its modern fleet, exceptional customer service, and unbeatable transit efficiency, this route remains a top recommendation for transatlantic travelers. Book your tickets early to secure the best fares, pre-order your favorite Icelandic treats, and prepare for an incredible journey across the northern skies.