Icelandair's Saga Business Class Cabin Review

On my trip to and from Iceland, I flew both times with Icelandair's Saga Business Class. My journeys included the first leg from Amsterdam to Reykjavik and the second leg from Reykjavik to Seattle.

Icelandair's signature business class lounge is Saga Lounge, which you can read my review here. As for other airports, you'll have to check if you have access to other airline or airport partner lounges. While I was waiting for my flight in Amsterdam, the airport partner lounge with Swissport was nothing special to write about.

For most part, Icelandair's business class seats are nothing extraordinary and are more similar to many of the US domestic carriers first class seat. On the Boeing 757-200, the business class seats are set-up in a 2-2 arrangement. Note that sometimes, premium economy can actually pick and choose a business class seat, however, they do not get the same in-flight service as business class. It's strange, but you'll see what I mean when you board an Icelandair flight.

On some occasional flights, Icelandair does have wide-body airplane, Boeing 767-300 which has a 2-1-2 business class set-up. On those planes, if you just want to sit by yourself, the middle single aisle seat is the best choice.

Icelandair Amenity Kit

For flights to/from North America and Iceland, Icelandair provides an amenity kit. Usually amenity kits with other airlines are zip-up, but Icelandair provides a metal box container with a pretty scenery in Iceland. The amenity kit itself simply contains the normal items you'd find including toothpaste, toothbrush, eye mask, socks, etc.

Icelandair Legroom

Something to note though is that the business class section legroom isn't all the same. You'd think they would provide at least similar legroom space, but that is not the case at all.

I sat in 2D on both of my Icelandair flight, although in bulkhead, they have a foot area cut out so that I can extend my foot out further. The only downside is that there is not foot rest for seats 2D and 2F. Seats 1A and 1C is standard bulkhead seats that have a complete wall in front, also no foot rest. I noticed that seat 2A and 2C seemed to be more squished in between rows 1 and 3. So there is at least 1-2 inches less legroom here. 

Icelandair says business class seat pitch is 40 inches, but honestly, with each airplane they own, the seat pitch really varies upon row. I also noticed that row 3 seemed to have the most seat pitch. It's really a toss up.

Icelandic Knowledge and Humor

As soon as you board, you'll notice that Icelandair likes to put some knowledge or facts, sometimes in a humorous way on everything they have on-board. This includes the headrest area, pillow, blanket, food containers, and menus.

It's just a nice, unique touch that you don't find on any other airlines, as I found the simple tips and knowledge quite interesting.

(photo above: Inflight entertainment system for bulkhead seats. For other passengers, there's a standard size screen on the back of the seat)

(photo above: Flying over Greenland, on my way to Seattle)

Icelandair Inflight Meal on Amsterdam to Reykjavik Flight

For European to and from Iceland flights, Icelandair provides one meal service. For the entree, there is 2 choices to choose from. Pictured below is my choice of the oven-baked lamb shank. The Skyr strawberry dessert was actually really delicious.

Icelandair Inflight Meal on Reykjavik to Seattle Flight

On Icelandair flights to/from North America and Iceland, Icelandair provides one standard meal service plus an additional pre-flight meal. Pictured below is my choice for the veal filet with braised veal cheek.

Overall Impressions of Icelandair's Saga Class

I generally enjoyed my flight experiences and business class lounge experience with Icelandair. The Icelandair busness class lounge in KEF was definitely top-notch experience, with the immense amount of food and drink choices along with plenty of comfortable seating.

While the on-board customer service by the Icelandair flight attendants was really nice, the actual business class seat product could use an upgrade. I'm hoping that Icelandair does upgrade and freshen up the look of the interior cabin in the future, as they need to match the current updated Saga Lounge look with their actual plane interior.

For those looking for other options, Wow Air, the low-cost airline also based in Iceland is another choice. They also have a business class cabin as well.

Will you fly Icelandair on your next trip to and from Iceland?

_______________________

Follow me @hustletoparadise 

to stay up to date on my travels around the world!