But I do wish the bathrooms werent quite so tiny. This review wouldnt be complete without a mention to the Saga Lounge. Seat 26 E is a standard Economy Class seat. ", Related: Play vs Icelandair: Comparing Icelands newest and oldest airlines. Great review. Seats 164. Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) . Seat 22 A is a standard Economy Class seat. About 90 minutes before arrival, however, they came around with these tasty, spicy Lava chocolates with a little bit of chili pepper zest to them. The private seating areas were incredibly quiet and extra comfy. I had flown the MAX before, but it was really a nice surprise to rediscover how quiet and smooth it its. The seat is closer to what you'd find in domestic first class on any U.S. carrier like American, Delta, or United. Dreamliner Wi-Fi service is available on all Icelandair aircraft. A new cliff-edge viewing platform here gives spectacular panoramas over safjarardjp fjord. So is it worth the premium to fly Icelandair Saga over a standard economy ticket? There is no floor storage for use during take-off and landing. Seat 27 D is a standard Economy Class seat. One of the crew poked fun at me during the flight in the most perfect way, keeping the experience fun and light-hearted. The crew was warm, friendly, efficient and up for a laugh. 2) The business class lounge. Seat 24 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Check here before booking an award fare. Seat 9 B is a standard Economy Class seat. The routes from KEF to the US East Coast and Upper Midwest basically mirror transcontinental routes in duration, so theres not a huge need for the amenities expected on true long-haul flights. and features additional legroom. I didnt use the IFE system for much other than tracking our progress, but I did note a reasonably wide selection of stuff to watch. Thanks for sharing your stories. It is claimed to be the most photographed mountain in the country. Seat back recline is limited due to the Exit Row directly behind. All of them have Saga Premium in a 2x2 configuration, except the 767 which is 2x1x2. On international routes, the airline flies a combination of Boeing 737, 757 and 767 aircraft, but following a TPG report outlining why you should fly the Boeing 737 MAX over the larger 767, we were eager to try out this newer, fresher 737. The number of total seats available in this class varies by aircraft as well. The food and drink service on Icelandair Saga Premium was fantastic. It unfolded into a half-tray first, which was nice for my pre-departure drink. It only took a few minutes for all 16 passengers in the full Icelandair Saga cabin to get seated. The hand soaps were Blue Lagoon-branded, as the famous Icelandic tourist attraction has also turned itself into a beauty and soaps brand, too. The staggered, individual seats around the hearth fireplace were some of the best in the house. I'll admit it was a tad strange and was not what I was expecting, but I didn't hate it, either. The seats are wide and comfortable and provide a roomy 40 pitch. This AvGeek was stoked at the opportunity to fly on Vatnajkull, even though it was parked at a corner gate between two diagonal jetways at SEA, making photos pretty much impossible that day. Seat 19 C is a standard Economy Class seat. In Business Class not yet that dramatic but in Eco and Prem Eco it is clearly visible. Its an oasis of tuff boulders, meadows and blue ponds below the Dyrfjll mountains. With the first ordered drink, they brought around these cheese crisps, too. Seat back recline might be limited. Every Saga seat on this Boeing 737 Max measured in at 20 inches wide, with 40-plus inches of legroom. In economy, Icelandair's MAX 8s have 31-32" of pitch, and seats are 17.2" wide. First Flight Moreover, if you are flying out of Keflavik, the Saga Lounge is an absolute delight. Seat 21 A is a standard Economy Class seat. The tray table is located in the armrest making the armrest immovable and slightly reducing seat width. Seat 23 C is a standard Economy Class seat. Both perks probably saved me close to 30 minutes of check-in and security lines, helping me get to the Saga Lounge faster. If I were connecting in Iceland after a long flight, these shower rooms would be a fantastic option before taking my next flight. SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities. And it was not any B757, but the one with the special Vatnajkull livery, which we covered already here when it was introduced a few years ago. Considering asking for transport assistance due to double hip replacement last Sept/Nov. The best seats in the house, however, were these green recliners. Watch the full video of our experience here: The cabin was very smart and the seat was large and perfectly comfortable for a short flight like this. The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. Seat 27 E is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 10 D is a standard Economy Class seat. The close attention from the flight attendants, the amenities, the food, and the drinks were closer to what you would find on those lie-flat, long haul business class products, in my experience. But one thing that the Vatnajkull B757 has is the Northern Lights lighting, which is pretty amazing and gives it a nice Nordic touch! Icelandair is one of the few European airlines to own a Boeing 737 MAX Flight Simulator and our experienced pilots underwent extensive training. Before joining TPG UK, he was a record label lawyer and avid traveler sharing points wisdom as the "Miles Mogul.". Amenities & Entertainment Flying Icelandair Saga, Icelandair Business Class Food and Drink Service. By Annabel Fenwick Elliott 26 April 2018 9:24am. The IFE system has a pretty intuitive interface and has films, series, trip information and some other audiovisual content. Right away, the space felt huge, but intimate. Additional information regarding meals may be accessed by clickinghere. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. There are also different areas and options to sit down, lay down and relax. Seat 15 E is a standard Economy Class seat. Pitch 31-32". Personal space might also be limited if the seat in front is reclined. Every Saga seat on this Boeing 737 Max measured in at 20 inches wide, with 40-plus inches of legroom. Seat 10 E is a standard Economy Class seat. I have, however included an addendum towards the end, where I mention some details specific to Icelandairs B757 and also the Saga Lounge at Keflavik International Airport. The food and drink selection at the Icelandair Saga Lounge was pretty good, too. Seat 6 E is a standard Economy Class seat. Vestrahorn, often called The Horned Mountain, is a breathtaking multi-peak mountain in Southeast Iceland. You will see a big neon sign and the stairs and escalator going up. With a very exciting northern lights-related video in the works at TPG, the team needed to make their way over to Iceland. (Screenshot courtesy of Ookla) Connectivity is also available on the 767, but it's far slower, when it works at all. LAX The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. But the service in Icelandair's Saga Premium cabin is what set it apart. Paine Field The coathook is a nice touch, especially when youre dressed for Icelandic weather. Blandstindur is one of the most beautifully shaped mountains in Iceland. How does the airline accommodate with all the stairs? Seat 1 D is a standard Business Class seat located at a bulkhead. Recline 3". It seems Icelandair has taken a middle-of-the-road approach, and succeeded pretty well. Looks like they need more loading bridges at Reykjavik, re passenger comfort in wintry weather : ). The screen size and resolution are good, and I did enjoy the selection of Icelandic music. Since then, Icelandair has added several Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets to their fleet (they ordered a total of 16 of the MAX in both the -8 and -9 variants), using them on routes to U.S. destinations on the east coast and upper midwest, along with several European routes. Seat back recline might be limited. An excellent detailed reviews. Seat 27 C is a standard Economy Class seat. Boeing 777-300ER Seat back recline is limited due to the other Exit Row behind, however, there is additional personal space due to the recline restriction of the seat in front. The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. Seat 10 B is a standard Economy Class seat. And if you dont drink alcohol there is also, of course, an ample supply of prime Icelandic mineral water! And while it might not measure up to other international business class offerings, you can book these seats for much cheaper. The scallops with a barley and shrimp salad was doused in a tremendous sauce. Seat 21 B is a standard Economy Class seat. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Seat 8 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Since then, Icelandair has added several Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets to their fleet (they ordered a total of 16 of the MAX in both the -8 and -9 variants), using them on routes to U.S. destinations on the east coast and upper midwest, along with several European routes. Its a lovely place to pass the time before a flight. The rest of the service sounds great and that is something Lufthansa is lacking these days. Icelandair's 767-300ER aircraft are used on heavily traveled routes between Iceland and North America. Seat 12 C is a standard Economy Class seat located in an Exit Row. Alaska Airlines The flight to Lima - nice service onboard. While these seats may be closer to Premium Economy than a true business class product, they're still wide, plush, and comfortable. Seat 21 C is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 6 A is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 22 F is a standard Economy Class seat. It's a big, modern space with all the amenities one would need to start a journey or during a layover. Seat 16 B is a standard Economy Class seat. The chocolate mousse was also a treat and a delectable way to polish off the meal with the brownie crumble mixed in. Seat 3 A is a standard Business Class seat. ", "Additionally I was had to purchase IFE headphones for an additional 3 ($4). Seat 3 F is a standard Business Class seat. As Iceland's flagship airline, Icelandair give its Premium members a dedicated check-in area and a fast security lane to get you to your gate or the Saga Lounge faster and with fewer headaches. And, what better way to arrive in a country than by trialing that nation's flag carrier? Future of Flight At the same time, Saga Premium it provides a far superior experience that the business class currently being offered by many European airlines on their single aisle aircraft. Espresso Martini, one of the cocktails that Icelandairs crew can prepare. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. Although served cold, the steak and potato salad main course was fresh and delicious. With a maximum speed of 521mph (839kmph) and a range of up to 4,045miles (6,510km), these modern aircraft also use 37% less fuel per trip than the Boeing 757-200, allowing Icelandair to better compete with low-cost carrier PLAY. why you should fly the Boeing 737 MAX over the larger 767, The 7 most extreme ways to see the northern lights, Play vs Icelandair: Comparing Icelands newest and oldest airlines, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Special mention as well to these semi-reclined beds. Seat back recline is limited due to the other Exit Row behind, however, there is additional personal space due to the recline restriction of the seat in front. Seat 24 C is a standard Economy Class seat. There are two classes on this Icelandair 757-200: Saga Class is Icelandair's Business Class cabin. Icelandair's Boeing 737 MAX-8 planes, grounded last year after two crashes involving the same model in Ethiopia and Indonesia, will be flown to France for storage this week. In this case, since Icelandair doesnt have its own lounge in Stockholm (it uses the SAS lounge), I dont think it is really part of the Icelandair experience and wont comment much. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Seat 17 F is a standard Economy Class seat. The dedicated gin menu with local options was a noticeable and impressive touch. Icelandair becomes the latest to welcome a brand new 737 MAX Credit: Paul Jokull. All passengers in Premium were offered complimentary noise-canceling headphones to use during the flight, too. Seat 20 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Soft drinks and access to the new in-flight entertainment system are complimentary. Seat 6 F is a standard Economy Class seat. That mess, BTW, was all me I managed to stick my hand in the sauce when reaching for the cloth napkin. They also have plenty of space and surfaces to leave your belongings, food drinks, books or whatever you need, as well as being fitted with electrical sockets to recharge your devices. Seat 16 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 9 A is a standard Economy Class seat. An Icelandair Boeing 737-9 MAX like the one that I flew from Arlanda to Keflavik. Wifi internet connectivity is accessed through your own personal device. If you're not based at one of these hubs, consider booking a positioning flight to get yourself to one of these great fares. The seat is spacious and comfortable think domestic first class recliners rather than long-haul business class suites with a great meal and attentive service throughout. Seat 24 F is a standard Economy Class seat. That's a decent price but we've found much better prices for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members over the years including many roundtrip fares for less than $1,000. Or is that privilege granted to miles earned guests? Icelandairs MAX 8 Saga Premium is a solid product relatively spacious, comfortable, with good food and good service. Technical Specification Length: 39,5 m (129'6") Wingspan: 35,9 m (117'10") Cruising speed: 839 km/h (521 mph) Maximum range: 6,510 km (4,045 mi) Maximum take-off weight: 82,200 kg (181,200 lb) Engine: 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B Boeing 737 MAX - Seatmap and seat info But thats the new standard for these planes as airlines work to maximize space utilization, and how much time does one really spend in a lav on a flight of this length anyway? All seats in all classes feature USB power ports. Since I flew both legs of my trip to Iceland on Icelandair Saga Premium business class, I had the chance to experience also the Saga Lounge at Keflavik, Icelandairs hub airport. There is additional personal space due to the recline restriction of the seat in front. My only complaint is that the airport consistently uses metal screens between the panes of exterior glass. Seat back recline is limited due to the other Exit Row behind, however, there is additional personal space due to the recline restriction of the seat in front. So, two years on, what was it like to fly Saga? Seat 13 D is a standard Economy Class seat located in an Exit Row and features additional legroom. These aircraft are larger than the 757s, and their greater seating capacity and extended . This plane was delivered to the airline in June 2021 and has the capacity to carry 166 passengers (132 in economy, 18 in AM Plus, and 16 in Clase Premier). Seat 25 A is a standard Economy Class seat. Langjkull (Icelandic for Long Glacier) is the second largest ice cap in Iceland. Seat 18 A is a standard Economy Class seat. Icelandair's 737-8 MAX aircraft seat 160 passengers - 16 in business class (Saga Class) and 144 in economy class, while the larger -9 variant seats 178. I flew Icelandair's business class dubbed Saga Premium Class for the first time last month and was delighted during my relatively short flight from Reykjavik to Boston (BOS). Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 737 MAX 9 are the latest additions to our fleet. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. The 'Viking lamb' broth tasted like dishwater with bits and wasn't cheap at 7 (over $9) per serving. The amazing Saga Lounge at Keflavik airport is another story, though. Aircraft Summary KEY Widebody Jets Boeing 767-300ER (76W) Seats: 234 Economy 25 Saga KEY Narrowbody Jets Popular Destinations The only thing, though, is that there seemed to be a technical glitch and the electronic boarding pass that was generate showed the wrong boarding time! Seat back recline might be limited. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Just last year, we found this fantastic deal on roundtrip Saga Premium fares from a number of U.S. gateways to all over Europe! The aesthetics, with a Nordic style which even includes some natural elements, like rocks (aee below) and references to the Icelandic nature and culture. Overview; Planes & Seat Maps. The air vents and lights were standard, offering three vents and lights for the two seats. It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. Required fields are marked *, #AvGeek Each seat came with its own power outlet, too. Nicky said that his 552 business-class seat didn't represent good value for money Putting Icelandair's 737 Max economy cabin through its paces is Liam Spencer, TPG UK's senior social. Seattle Seat 16 A is a standard Economy Class seat. There were some downsides: Icelandair flies this aircraft on journeys of five hours and more, and for a longer flight the seat would have become uncomfortable with its poor recline and lack of foot or leg rests in Row 1. Seat 6 C is a standard Economy Class seat. Booking Icelandair business class is pretty quick and easy thanks to Google Flights, a very slick Icelandair website, and wide open availability from all over the continent. Its always comforting to watch your bag being loaded onto the same plane youre flying in. There is not much to add here when it comes to the seat and overall experience. Business class: Aircraft with seatmap Seat Pitch Seat Width Seat Type Video Type Laptop Power . Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Its fleet of 26 aircraft consists entirely of Boeing planes configured with three classes: Economy Class, Economy Comfort Class and Saga Class, which is Icelandair's branded name for Business Class. However I thought it was worth highlighting it here, since there is some potential for people getting confused or even missing flights as a result of this (which I assume was the product of a temporary technical glitch). In spring 2016, Icelandair added two wide-body Boeing 767-300s to its fleet. Icelandair was founded in 1937 and has been synonymous with Iceland ever since. EDITOR-AT-LARGE / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - SEATTLE, WA Francis Zera is a Seattle-based architectural, aerial, aviation, and commercial photographer, a freelance photojournalist, and a confirmed AvGeek. Along with other Boeing 737 - 8 Max aircrafts, it featured individual in flight seat nozzles for persona ventilation. Its pyramid is formed from basaltic strata and thought by some to be one of the energy centers of Iceland. Kirkjufell (Icelandic for Church Mountain) is a 1,519-feet-high (463 m) mountain on the north coast of the Snfellsnes peninsula. You'll find the lounge in the middle of the airport concourse. Begin your search by selecting one of these departure cities. Seat 28 C is a standard Economy Class seat located in the last row of the aircraft. The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. Icelandair has no lie flat beds, which kind of makes sense when you consider most of its flights are less than 5h long (most of the European ones are even shorter). Even though the MAX 8 is a smaller aircraft, interior space utilization is worlds better than on the aging 757, with a corresponding moderate increase in legroom. Seat 4 C is a standard Business Class seat. Seat 10 C is a standard Economy Class seat. The proximity to the galley and lavatory area might be bothersome. By the way, one of the tiny, tiny differences I noticed in the B757 is that the gap between the right arm rest and the cabin wall seemed to be slightly wider, making it slightly less convenient to leave your stuff there. The MAX 8 will run flights to Baltimore and is outfitted with room for 160 passengers onboard. I doubled checked on the airport screens and also online, so I just ignored this data point in my mobile boarding pass and neither did I have any issue at the boarding gate. American Airlines Seat 6 B is a standard Economy Class seat. Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest news, insights, and money-saving tips. Seat 17 C is a standard Economy Class seat. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Plus, access to Icelandair's excellent Saga Lounge and perks to move easily throughout the airport made it a good trip from start to finish. Seat 16 E is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 1 F is a standard Business Class seat located at a bulkhead. As with nearly every airline, the best way to start your search for Icelandair Saga Premium flights is with Google Flights. IMHO, its the one of prettiest planes in the sky today, tied for that honor with Icelandairs Hekla Aurora livery on TF-FIU. British Airways In the first row in Saga, your IFE screen is on the bulkhead, and the USB charger port and headphone port are both on the bottom edge of the frame. (We have done that 3 times). I was wondering why Iceland air prices were half the price I would pay for a Lufthansa Business Class seat but seeing the seats this is what Lufthansa has now as Premium Eco and needs of course a lot less space in the plane so this is the main reason for these cheaper prices. On our 737 MAX, there were just four rows of Saga Premium seats at the front of the cabin. The Icelandair Boeing 737 MAX 8 seating chart doesn't influence pleasure. Seat 26 B is a standard Economy Class seat. It's the only lounge at Keflavik, but it packs a punch. They offered great views over Greenland as we flew west. I quite enjoyed the licorice-infused smoked salmon appetizer. Boo those window screens ruin the fun for photos. Basically, if you're into window views, you want to be facing north during your flight. Seat 28 F is a standard Economy Class seat located in the last row of the aircraft. I cover it in detail towards the end of this flight review, since I used it on my return journey. Yes, you still have a fellow passenger next to you, but, as you can see in the picture above, there is plenty of separation between the two, including a sort of double arm rest that acts as a platform, so you dont really notice it much. Some small details that add to the experience: Electrical socket on the side of the seat, A bottle of pure Icelandic water when you board. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Seat 7 C is a standard Economy Class seat. The meal was delicious. The lavatory was also as standard as they come. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. You can get some work done on its blazing internet in solitude, shower and recharge after a long flight, or nap in the loungers overlooking the tarmac. Airline Livery Seat 8 F is a standard Economy Class seat. Icelandair has reported a loss of $68 million for the first half of 2021 but is keenly looking to the future as it sees the first signs of a turnaround. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Ambient LED lighting and new overhead compartments also contribute to a feeling of more space on board. Seat 22 B is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 21 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 13 A is a standard Economy Class seat located in an Exit Row and features additional legroom. Seat 19 E is a standard Economy Class seat. It was also pretty reliable throughout most of the trip. Seat 20 E is a standard Economy Class seat. No automatic recline or lie-flat options here. Seat 23 F is a standard Economy Class seat. Qatar Airways There are still lots of lounger-style seating, all with plenty of power ports. Seat 22 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Saga Class passengers enjoy unlimited mixed drinks, as well as selections from Icelandair's award winning wine-cellar and an ever-evolving menu featuring several meal choices. Seat 18 F is a standard Economy Class seat. Seat 19 D is a standard Economy Class seat. Just what I was looking for before booking our flight to Helsinki, From what you are telling us, the extra money is well worth it! This report was just what I was looking for and I loved the pictures and how you described your entire experience. But no matter which kind of plane you're on, the Saga seats are much the same.
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