Icelandair Saga Premium Review: Comfort, Cuisine and Icelandic Charm at 30,000 Feet
Flying should be more than just a journey—it should be an experience. In this Icelandair Saga Premium review, we’ll explore how its upgraded seating transforms your flight into a luxurious experience. But is it worth the upgrade? Here’s our full review after testing it out on a recent trip.
Aircraft Overview
Seating plan Saga
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Before we dive into our travel experience, let's take a moment to introduce the aircraft. The Boeing 757 is a classic narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner that has been a workhorse for many airlines since its introduction in the 1980s. Icelandair has utilized this versatile aircraft for both medium and long-haul routes, making it a key player in their transatlantic operations.
Icelandair's Premium Saga Class on the 757 offers a unique experience that embodies Icelandic culture and hospitality. The cabin’s design incorporates elements inspired by Iceland's natural beauty, with cool-toned lighting mimicking the northern lights and materials that echo the country's rugged landscapes. The 2-2 seating configuration ensures an intimate atmosphere, enhancing comfort for transatlantic travelers.
The Saga Premium seats are designed to enhance passenger comfort on longer flights, with increased legroom, wider seats and additional recline compared to economy class. The cabin's ambiance incorporates elements of Icelandic design, with color schemes and lighting that evoke the country's natural beauty.
While not as technologically advanced as some newer business class products, the Saga Premium experience on the 757 focuses on delivering attentive service and a taste of Icelandic hospitality. Passengers can expect enhanced dining options featuring Icelandic cuisine and a selection of amenities to make their journey more comfortable.
Booking Experience
Booking the trip with Icelandair was a breeze. Their website is user-friendly, making it easy to understand the different options. The premium seating option is called Saga. While it is pricier than economy, it offers additional comfort and amenities, which piqued our interest. You can for example have two checked bags (up to 70 lbs). Be aware though, that it is not a lie-flat seat like other business class seats. Included in the premium experience is the lounge access you get.
By the way you can also collect Saga points, which is the loyalty program of Icelandair. With those points you also have the opportunity to upgrade your economy seats. If you are interested in the loyalty program, feel free to read all the information and benefits about Icelandair Saga Club here.
Seat Comfort
As we settled into our seats, the first thing we noticed was the space. The premium seats offer significantly more legroom than standard economy, which is a big plus for us. The seats were wider too, with adjustable headrests and more recline. What stood out was the quality of the seat itself. Upholstered in a plush material, it felt more like a comfortable armchair than an airline seat. Each seat came equipped with its own entertainment system, power outlet and USB port.
In-Flight Amenities
Icelandair’s premium seating includes a thoughtfully curated amenity kit featuring Icelandic skincare products like a hydrating lip balm and refreshing face mist—perfect for combating in-flight dryness and Iceland's chilly climate. Along with noise-reducing headphones and a plush blanket, these touches elevate your in-flight experience, reflecting Icelandair’s commitment to comfort and Icelandic authenticity.
Dining above the clouds
Saga Premium dining offers a taste of Iceland in the skies. From fresh fish prepared with Icelandic herbs to delectable desserts, the menu elevates your journey. Every meal is served with a selection of beverages, including Icelandic beer and soft drinks. Our favorite dish was the fish. Might be one of the best airplane fish we ever had!
Service with a Smile
The cabin crew in the premium section were attentive and friendly. They struck a perfect balance between being available for assistance and respecting passenger privacy. Their service was efficient and they were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable flight experience.
FAQ Section
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If you're seeking extra comfort and personalized service without breaking the bank on a full business class ticket, Icelandair Saga Premium is absolutely worth it. The upgraded experience includes:
Wider seats with more legroom and recline, perfect for long-haul flights.
Enhanced dining options that showcase Icelandic cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional flavors.
Additional baggage allowance (two checked bags up to 70 lbs each) and priority boarding for a seamless travel experience.
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Saga Premium passengers enjoy a host of thoughtful amenities designed for comfort and convenience:
Comfort: Plush seating with adjustable headrests, personal entertainment systems, and power outlets at each seat.
In-Flight Amenities: A cozy blanket, noise-reducing headphones, and an amenity kit stocked with essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, and Icelandic skincare products.
Dining: Gourmet meals served with a choice of beverages, including Icelandic beer and spirits.
Lounge Access: Pre-flight access to Icelandair Saga lounges, offering refreshments, showers, and quiet spaces to work or relax.
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Saga Premium seating on Icelandair’s Boeing 757 features a 2-2 configuration, which means not all passengers have direct aisle access. If you prefer easy access, select an aisle seat during booking. While the lack of a 1-2-1 layout (common in newer business class cabins) might deter some travelers, the cabin’s smaller, more intimate setting offers privacy and comfort.
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Yes! Saga Club points can be redeemed to upgrade from Economy to Saga Premium. Availability depends on the flight and seat availability, but this is an excellent way to enjoy premium services without paying the full fare. Visit Icelandair’s website for details on how to redeem points for upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Icelandair’s premium seating is more than just an upgrade—it’s an introduction to Iceland’s culture and hospitality. From the thoughtfully designed cabin to the curated amenities and locally-inspired meals, every detail is crafted to make your journey as memorable as the destination. Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, the Saga Premium experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. You can compare all the different seating options on the official Icelandair site. If you are looking for other premium Airline experiences check out our Etihad Business Class review.
