CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicagoans hankering to do some overseas travel will soon have the option of flying directly to Iceland.
United Airlines on Monday announced it would offer new non-stop flights to three European destinations, including a route from O’Hare International Airport to Reykjavik, beginning in July.
United’s two other new routes are Newark to Dubrovnik, Croatia and Washington Dulles to Athens, Greece.
"As countries around the world begin the process of reopening, leisure travelers are eager to take a long-awaited getaway to new international destinations," said Patrick Quayle, vice president of international network and alliances.
U.S. passengers will need to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
DePaul University transportation expert Joe Schwieterman said United’s announcement indicates tourist destinations need visitors after the long pandemic. He said other countries may follow suit in coming weeks by likewise opening up to vaccinated visitors.
“We haven’t seen airlines put their toe in the water like this for quite some time,” Schwieterman said of the service additions.
United's Chicago-to-Reykjavik direct flights begin July 1 on a Boeing 757-200. On Monday, a roundtrip “basic economy” seat for July 2 was going for $559, while business class was $3,500 roundtrip.
The direct flight is a little over six hours.
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