• Icelandair

Icelandair

Airlines Reviews

Icelandair

Icelandair Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Airline for You?

Leveraging the unique geography of Iceland, Icelandair operates one of the most brilliant business models in aviation. Perfectly positioned midway between North America and Europe, the airline offers fast, efficient connections across the Atlantic via its hub in Keflavík.

In 2026, Icelandair is undergoing a massive fleet modernization. The airline is aggressively retiring its iconic, aging Boeing 757s and replacing them with brand-new, fuel-efficient Airbus A321LR (Long Range) aircraft, drastically improving the passenger experience while continuing to offer their famous “Free Stopover” program.

Icelandair at a Glance

  • Alliance: Independent (Codeshares with JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Finnair)
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Saga Club
  • Main Hub: Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjavik
  • Best For: Budget-friendly transatlantic flights and taking a 1-to-7 day free stopover in Iceland.
Icelandair

In-Flight Experience: What to Expect Onboard

Icelandair sits somewhere between a low-cost carrier and a full-service airline.

Economy Class

In standard Economy, passengers get a seatback entertainment screen and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. However, all meals and snacks must be purchased. The new Airbus A321LRs feature wider seats, larger windows, and much quieter cabins compared to the old 757s.

Saga Class (Business Class)

Icelandair’s “Saga Class” is unique. It is not a lie-flat bed. Instead, it closely resembles a high-end US Domestic First Class seat: large, wide, plush recliners arranged in a 2-2 configuration. While it won’t give you a flat bed for sleeping to Europe, it is significantly cheaper than standard European Business Class, includes free Wi-Fi, premium multi-course dining, and lounge access.

Icelandair Baggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)

Icelandair’s fare structure dictates your baggage. Always check which tier you are booking to avoid surprise fees.

Cabin Class  Carry-On Allowance  Checked Baggage Inclusion
Economy Light 1 personal item + 1 cabin bag (Up to 10kg) None (Available for a fee)
Economy Standard 1 personal item + 1 cabin bag (Up to 10kg) 1 piece (Up to 23kg)
Economy Flex 1 personal item + 1 cabin bag (Up to 10kg) 1 piece (Up to 23kg)
Saga Premium 1 personal item + 2 cabin bags (Up to 10kg each) 2 pieces (Up to 32kg each)

The Iceland Stopover Perk: Icelandair allows you to add a 1 to 7-day stopover in Iceland on your way across the Atlantic at no additional airfare cost. It is essentially two vacations for the price of one!

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: Keflavík Airport is small, meaning connecting flights from the US to Europe take a fraction of the time it takes to walk through mega-hubs like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle.
  • The Lows: Weather in Iceland can be violently unpredictable, particularly in winter. High winds and snowstorms can occasionally cause massive delays that ripple across their entire transatlantic network.

Pros & Cons of Flying with Icelandair

Pros:

  • The Free Stopover program is an unbeatable travel perk.
  • Keflavík is a fast, easy transit hub.
  • The new Airbus A321LR fleet is quiet and modern.
  • Generous 10kg carry-on allowance even on Light fares.

Cons:

  • No free food in Economy (even on 7-hour transatlantic flights).
  • Saga Class does not have lie-flat beds.
  • Highly susceptible to Icelandic winter weather delays.

Have You Flown with Icelandair?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Icelandair

How does the Icelandair Stopover work?

When booking a transatlantic flight (e.g., New York to Paris), you can select the “Stopover in Iceland” option. You can choose to stay in Iceland for 1 to 7 days before catching your onward flight, without paying any extra base airfare.

Is food free on Icelandair?

In Economy class, only non-alcoholic drinks (like water, coffee, and juices) are free. All meals and snacks must be purchased from the Saga Kitchen menu. In Saga Premium (Business Class), all meals and alcoholic beverages are complimentary.

Does Icelandair Business Class have flat beds?

No. Icelandair’s Saga Class features wide, heavily padded recliner seats (similar to US domestic First Class). They do not recline into fully flat beds.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the airline before booking.