Do I need to go through a security check when transferring from a European flight to a U.S.-flight at Keflavik airport with Icelandair?
Icelandair does not serve free food any more, and the transfer in KEF is very short, so I would like to know what food/drinks I can buy at my departure airport for my second leg.
There is a Schengen emigration control that you must pass through (if coming from a Schengen country. There is no security control (i.e. Metal detectors) that you normally must pass through. There are food vendors both before and after the control.
I have been pulled aside by security ("SSSS" code on my boarding pass) when going from the Schengen to non-Schengen zone on my way to the US via Keflavík. I had my bags inspected, I was swabbed for residue, etc. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes.
I would recommend heading to your gate first to make sure you have time, and then find a place to eat. As Jacob says in his answer, there is food available in both the Schengen and non-Schengen zones of the airport. I'd rather be hungry than miss my flight.
Finally, food is available on Icelandair flights, but it's not free. You can a use credit/debit card or Saga points, but they do not accept cash on board. If you pre-order your meal, you get a 20% discount.
