Review of Icelandair Business Class

Icelandair exemplifies how a small island nation can carve out a prestigious role in global aviation. Despite a population under 400,000, Icelandair’s robust transatlantic network now serves over 4 million travelers annually, with Saga Premium—its Business Class—attracting passengers seeking a blend of Scandinavian charm and competitive fares.

In 2025, Icelandair stands among the top transatlantic carriers, linking 31 European cities to 12 U.S. destinations and two key Canadian hubs: Vancouver and Toronto.

The premium cabin, formerly known as Saga Class and now branded Saga Premium, is often referred to as Business Class by crew and customers alike. This subtle rebranding aligns expectations with the product’s unique proposition: comfort and value, rather than ultra-luxury.

Icelandair pioneered the complimentary stopover program, allowing travelers to explore Iceland en route to North America or Europe at no additional fare. Throughout the journey, guests are treated to Icelandic influences, especially in the culinary and beverage offerings, creating a sense of place even at 35,000 feet.

Loyalists can join the Saga Club, Icelandair’s frequent flyer program, featuring Blu, Silver, and Gold tiers. While Icelandair is not part of a formal global alliance, it collaborates with partners such as Air Baltic, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, JetBlue, and SAS, and maintains codeshare agreements with over 50 additional carriers, ensuring broad connectivity and smooth transfers.

Keflavik Airport, situated 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Reykjavik, serves as Iceland’s principal international gateway and Icelandair’s operational heart. Compact by global standards, Keflavik excels in efficiency, streamlining transit for the high volume of connecting passengers.

As both Icelandair and its homegrown competitor PLAY have expanded, the airport has worked to address the pressure on infrastructure. While not all gates feature jet bridges, the airport’s innovative mini-terminal system—featuring enclosed walkways and heated lounges—protects travelers from Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather during remote boarding and deplaning. This thoughtful solution enhances comfort and convenience.

Icelandair’s connecting model operates on a rolling 24-hour schedule, with waves of arrivals from North America early in the morning, followed by departures to Europe, and a return flow in the afternoon. This orchestrated system keeps the airport bustling but rarely chaotic, especially outside peak connection windows.

For domestic flights, passengers must travel between Keflavik and Reykjavik Airport—a 50-kilometer journey by shuttle or taxi—since all international routes operate from Keflavik.

The Saga Premium Lounge is centrally positioned near passport control. During our visit, we enjoyed panoramic views from its three-sided windows, ample seating, and a dedicated dining zone. The lounge features Icelandic design, with volcanic rock sculptures and a cozy fireplace, making it a true reflection of local culture. While the buffet leans more toward cold fare—snacks, cheeses, salads, and desserts—the beverage selection is extensive, particularly the well-stocked spirits bar.

There are three private shower suites, which are typically available without significant waits. For collectors, Icelandair aircraft models are available for purchase at the lounge reception.

Saga Premium guests benefit from priority check-in, expedited security, and priority boarding at most international airports, ensuring a seamless ground experience from start to finish.

Icelandair’s fleet is entirely Boeing, with more than 30 aircraft, primarily 737-8/-9 MAX and 757-200/300 models, complemented by a handful of 767-300ER wide-bodies. While the 757s and 767s are among the older aircraft still in commercial service, Icelandair’s ongoing fleet renewal program is bringing in more next-generation jets, improving the passenger experience year over year.

All aircraft are equipped with consistent Saga Premium seats, enabling flexible deployment across the network. Given Iceland’s mid-Atlantic location, most flights range from two to six hours, with only select routes extending up to eight.

The Saga Premium seat is a plush, reclining armchair designed for regional comfort. Measuring 40 inches (102 cm) in pitch, the seat is generously wide but slightly firm. On the 737s and 757s, the layout is 2-2, offering 16-22 seats, while the 767s feature a unique 2-1-2 configuration with 25 seats. Footrests are available but there are no full leg rests, and the recline is moderate. Adjustable headrests support short naps, and personal air vents are found on the narrowbodies, though not on the 767s.

Notably, two 737 MAX 8 aircraft—originally destined for Royal Air Maroc—feature a distinct cabin configuration without seatback screens, but with streaming entertainment and even more spacious Saga Premium seats. Icelandair proactively notifies guests by email if their flight will use these aircraft.

On European routes, Icelandair’s Business Class seating is a clear step above the typical “Euro-Business” model, which usually means an economy seat with the adjacent seat blocked. Here, guests enjoy true premium comfort and space.

However, on transatlantic routes, competitors offer fully lie-flat beds, and Icelandair’s recliners fall short for overnight journeys. For daytime or shorter flights, the seat remains a strong contender; for longer sectors, it is the product’s main limitation.

The Businessclass flight search tool lets you preview cabin layouts, seat maps, and features for most airlines, so you can make an informed choice before booking.

Saga Premium’s culinary offering is hearty, with an emphasis on local Icelandic flavors and seasonal ingredients. Meals are served on trays with printed menus, and the presentation is straightforward yet satisfying. Lunches and dinners are accompanied by freshly baked Icelandic bread and artisanal butter infused with volcanic salt—an authentic touch that sets the tone for the meal.

On European routes, guests enjoy a two-course meal featuring a main and a dessert. Mains are often served cold, and only one selection is typically available.

North American flights feature one or two meal services, depending on the route length. The longest journeys—such as to Orlando, Portland, or Seattle—offer an additional light meal before arrival. The primary service includes three courses: a starter, hot or cold main (with two choices), and dessert.

Throughout any flight, passengers may order from an expansive snack and sweets menu, which includes both Icelandic specialties and global favorites—think Pringles, cheese bites, chocolates, and more. During the festive season, the menu is updated with Icelandic holiday treats such as Jólaköttur confections and cinnamon almonds.

As a final gesture, handmade “Icelandic Miracles” chocolate pralines are presented to each guest before landing—a memorable, locally crafted farewell.

Icelandair’s Saga Premium beverage program is one of the most comprehensive in European business class. Shortly after takeoff, guests receive a detailed 12-page menu and are offered individual pre-dinner drinks, served elegantly by hand rather than from a trolley. Each pre-meal drink is paired with a ramekin of spiced Icelandic snacks.

On transatlantic flights, a glass of Prosecco welcomes guests before departure. Non-alcoholic options at this stage are limited to bottled water, though the in-flight drink menu offers a full range of juices, sodas, and the uniquely Icelandic Appelsín orange soda.

The curated wine list features two whites, two reds, Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, and Italian Prosecco. Icelandic craft beers and a robust selection of spirits—including Baileys, Remy Martin VSOP, Reyka vodka, Loch Lomond whisky, and Grand Marnier—are all available, as are classic and contemporary cocktails such as Spritz and Espresso Martini. Hot drinks include tea, hot chocolate, and freshly brewed coffee, though espresso drinks are not offered.

The highlight is the “Gin Library”: a rotating collection of seven Icelandic gins, each distilled with botanicals native to Iceland. A personal favorite is the Himbrini Old Tom Gin, which delivers a vibrant aroma of arctic herbs and honey, transforming a classic G&T into a uniquely Icelandic experience—unlike anything served elsewhere in the sky.

The Businessclass flight search tool lists current Champagne offerings and beverage programs for many premium cabins. Let us know if you notice any recent updates we should include.

Saga Premium’s cabin crew consistently deliver a polished, courteous, and professional service. During our recent flights, we observed that two dedicated crew members—often including the cabin supervisor—attend exclusively to the premium cabin, ensuring a high staff-to-guest ratio.

Unlike many airlines, Icelandair’s team eschews trolleys in favor of hand-delivered meals and beverages, a refined approach more often seen in international First Class. This results in a more bespoke, unhurried service style. Crew circulate frequently throughout the flight, offering top-ups and checking on guests’ comfort, contributing to a warm and discreet hospitality experience.

Every Saga Premium seat is equipped with a personal entertainment screen featuring a curated selection of more than 100 films, including new releases, classics, family favorites, and Icelandic cinema. TV series are available with multiple episodes, and there’s a modest audio library focused on Icelandic artists. Gaming options are also included for those seeking a diversion.

High-quality, noise-cancelling headphones are provided at each seat and collected before landing. Saga Premium passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the flight—a significant plus for business and leisure travelers alike.

The Businessclass flight search details Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment offerings for each route and aircraft type.

Upon boarding, each Saga Premium seat is prepared with a soft quilted blanket, a supportive pillow, and a complimentary water bottle. On flights to and from North America, guests receive an amenity kit created in partnership with Reykjavik-based artist Sara Riel. The kit’s design, called "Flóran / The Flora," is inspired by Riel’s iconic mural in Reykjavik, celebrating native Icelandic flora and the country’s natural heritage.

The amenity kit comes in two shapes, crafted from sustainable Kraft paper, and showcases grey-hued botanical illustrations. The design extends to the mask, packaging, and paper banderole. Inside, guests find Verso skincare (moisturizer and lip balm), eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, socks made from recycled polyester, and three unique postcards featuring Riel’s landscapes. The sleeping mask is produced from recycled textiles, and all packaging is paper-based, underscoring Icelandair’s commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design.

This kit not only provides practical comforts but also serves as a tangible memento of Icelandic artistry and environmental stewardship.

Saga Premium consistently delivers an elevated experience on short and medium-haul flights. While long-haul competitors offer fully flat beds, Icelandair’s regional and European routes stand out for their superior Business Class product. Alongside Turkish Airlines, Icelandair is one of the few European carriers to provide genuine Business Class seats—far surpassing the typical Euro-Business standard. Passengers can expect a full beverage program, quality meals, and in-seat entertainment even on brief journeys between Iceland and Europe.

Icelandair is committed to environmental responsibility, with a multi-pronged sustainability strategy aimed at lowering emissions, conserving resources, and maximizing the use of renewable energy and recyclable materials. The airline is actively engaged in global and regional environmental groups, including IATA, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the Icelandic Travel Industry Association’s Environmental Committee. Through its involvement in the Responsible Tourism in Iceland initiative—alongside over 300 local partners—Icelandair works to preserve Iceland’s natural beauty for future generations.

In collaboration with Klappir – Green Solutions, Icelandair meticulously tracks its environmental impact, emphasizing data transparency and continuous improvement in sustainability metrics.

Passengers are encouraged to donate unused currency in special envelopes onboard, with proceeds benefiting the Icelandair Special Children Travel Fund, supporting travel for children facing long-term illness or hardship and their families.

The Businessclass flight search displays CO2 emission data for each itinerary, and flights operated by newer, more efficient aircraft receive higher environmental scores in our rankings.

• Among the top Business Class options for intra-European travel
• Outstanding beverage program, including the distinctive Icelandic “Gin Library”
• Highly competitive pricing makes premium travel accessible to a broader range of travelers