Advice: MSP to ATH routing
 

Would appreciate some guidance for a one way ticket.

I am traveling from MSP to ATH and need to be in ATH on June 1. In looking at Google Flights, Icelandia has the cheapest fares, but the cheapest flights have 2 stops, which makes it a 17 hour trip. I am trying to find a different gateway city to Europe. It appears the best option is to buy a RT ticket to another city, then purchase a one way to Athens.

Would love to spend miles, if possible, but not mandatory. I have miles on AA and Chase UR. Would appreciate guidance from one of you routing experts.

TIA

The obvious routing would be to fly nonstop to AMS or CDG on DL (or AF/KLM but the DL operated TATL flights from MSP use better aircraft) and then connect to ATH on AF/KLM. On the return, this has the advantage of going through customs and immigration at MSP, so no worries about processing delays causing missed connections.

Alternatively on DL, check whether there's a one stop connection through ATL or JFK for this year's summer season.

You have to decide yourself about the tradeoff between convenience and saving some money with a more convoluted routed.

What is your return date and plans? Do you have a budget limit?

Two stops on an overnight routing is a killer. You are better off spending a bit more flying into a proper European hub and then getting a connecting flight to ATH. I've never heard of Icelandia...do you mean Icelandair?

I suggest DL/KL connecting in AMS. DL connection at JFK is possible but probably less desirable and also less desirable connection at CDG (matter of opinion). I am not sure what DL operates connecting in ATL.

DL does not operate ATL-ATH non-stop. There's a seasonal DL JFK-ATH non-stop starting mid-April. It's goes to 2x daily in the summer. With a May 31 depature, OP could fly MSP-JFK-ATH with a 3hr layover in JFK and arrive in ATH at 10AM June 1 (total trip time -- 15hr 35m). Quickest trips would be to connect in AMS/CDG on KL/AF with a total trip time in the 13hr range. These flights arrive in ATH in the afternoon.

AA has a one-stop option through PHL with a 1hr 36m connection. Looks pretty ideal if mileage redemption is reasonable.