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My trip between Reykjavik (KEF) and brand New York (JFK) in Icelandair Saga class felt just like a premium economy experience, maybe perhaps not a company course one. The advantages: a good icelandair lounge and numerous daily routes. The cons: terrible meals and little seats that barely recline.
This previous October, my buddies and I also decided we wished to invest an epic New Year’s Eve in Iceland. With so many brand new routes headed to Iceland through the United States, we figured I’d have an abundance of options to pick from.
Scheduling
When I started searching, we knew that Delta currently ended up being out of stock running a business course throughout the busy getaway times and had been just running flights on particular days of the week, so that they were away. Considering we only at TPG have actually determined that traveling WOW Air вЂBiz’ course is related to residing in a youth hostel female escort in Round Rock TX, we figured it absolutely was time for you to try out Icelandair’s Saga class also though we knew it couldn’t be considered a lie-flat experience. Plus, the airline is introducing brand brand brand new paths from Baltimore (BWI), bay area (SFO) and Kansas City (MCI) to Reykjavik (KEF), and so I thought it absolutely was the proper time and energy to test the waters.
We booked my journey between KEF and JFK for around $2,100. I used my Amex Platinum to cover, making 5X points per dollar on airfare. Roundtrip routes on Delta had been just a few hundred more, but they were sold out in business class as I said. The pictures and review come from the return part of my journey from Reykjavik (KEF) to New York (JFK).
The Icelandair Lounge in Reykjavik
I’d a while before boarding to test the Icelandair Lounge out in the Reykjavik airport, and also this ended up being really the good thing for the Icelandair experience.
The area ended up being sleek, with timber floors and lumber panels. The armchairs had been comfortable, and I also enjoyed how a lounge seemed trendy, yet cozy during the exact same time with a fireplace at the center. The Nordics truly know their hygge!
I’m glad We consumed some meals when you look at the lounge because I’d later understand the food that is in-flight be really underwhelming.
The spread had been included and enticing products like veggie patties and roasted lamb on flatbread. a complete club with liquor had been available along with sodas and water. I would personally later require this sustenance (and booze) to endure the boarding procedure.
Boarding
Boarding ended up being in pretty bad shape, with really organization that is little. The gate ended up being jam-packed, and there was clearlyn’t a call for just about any sort of pre-boarding for concern people, that has been annoying. I happened to be frazzled after shoving after dark crowds to board, but fortunately I’d at the least possessed an experience that is calming the lounge to organize me personally for the madness.
The Aircraft and Seat
Icelandair Saga class had 25 recliner seats with an original 2-1-2 configuration, meaning my four buddies and We could all sit in the row that is same. If sitting five-across within our very own business course line isn’t #squadgoals, We don’t know very well what is!
We selected the вЂmiddle’ solo seat and allow my buddies have actually the seats on either part in pairs.
I find the bulkhead line in hopes of no body reclining into me personally, but there actually wasn’t much legroom into the bulkhead anyhow, additionally the seats reminded me of domestic top class. These people were bigger than economy seats and reclined somewhat further, but that has been it.
Picture by Brendan Dorsey / The Points Guy from a past journey
The pitch associated with Saga seats ended up being 40 ins, therefore the width 20.
The economy convenience area had 18 seats, each having a pitch of 33 ins and a width of 17, plus the regular economy cabin had 215 seats, each with a pitch of 32 ins and a width of 17.
Amenities
I became relieved I’d snacked into the lounge, considering that the meals really was underwhelming. The only real options had been a grilled rack of lamb or a seafood bouillabaisse.
I don’t generally purchase seafood on planes, but i must say i wasn’t into the mood for a lamb that is heavy, and so I went utilizing the bouillabaisse, plus it had been merely normal. There is only 1 dessert, a chocolate mousse, and there was clearlyn’t champagne (just forget about caviar!) — a few ultra-sweet prosecco.
The in-flight activity had been exceedingly fundamental, with 49 total films and a USB slot. The journey attendants had been friendly, though, and there is free Wi-Fi for Saga people.
Important Thing
TPG associate editor Brendan Dorsey liked their experience with Icelandair economy in October of 2017, nevertheless the Saga course experience simply felt extremely bare bones to me personally. It really isn’t the thing I would expect from a continuing company course at all. Norwegian Premium is way better, and I’m likely to state that Icelandair should either up their game or Saga shouldn’t be labeled company class — there clearly was more legroom in bulkhead economy compared to Saga!
The journey had been just five-and-a-half hours, and Icelandair possesses day-to-day routes. It definitely wouldn’t be my first choice if it fit my schedule, I’d fly this route and class again, but. If you fly this route, be sure to arrive at the lounge in advance!
All pictures by writer except where noted. Showcased image by Brendan Dorsey.