Icelandair Saga Premium in 2025: Seats, Service, and Transatlantic Routes via Reykjavik

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Icelandair’s Saga Premium isn’t your typical business class, but in 2025 it continues to hold its own as a smart option for crossing the Atlantic. Instead of lie-flat seats, you’ll find spacious recliners…closer to domestic first class in the U.S. But it’s paired with perks that elevate the journey: priority check-in, lounge access in Reykjavik, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Iceland-inspired meals that beat most economy and premium economy offerings by a mile.

On routes like Boston to Reykjavik, New York to London via Iceland, and Seattle to Paris, Saga Premium shines as a middle ground between premium economy and full business class. For travelers who value comfort, competitive fares, and the ability to add a stopover in Iceland at no extra charge, this cabin is a unique (and underrated) way to get to Europe.

• Read also: My Absolute Favorite Airlines to Fly to Europe

My #1 tip to find cheap Icelandair Business Class tickets

Looking for a steal on Icelandair Saga Premium business class tickets? For years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.

Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. I recommend trying the 14-day free trial and using my special discount code JON25 to save 25%!

Overview of Icelandair

Icelandair isn’t your typical European carrier, and honestly, that’s what makes it pretty interesting. Based out of Keflavík International Airport, they’ve basically turned Iceland‘s location into their biggest advantage. You can’t fly transatlantic without stopping somewhere, so why not make it Reykjavík?

Their fleet is going through some major changes right now. They’re running 46 aircraft total, but the big news is they’re finally getting their first Airbus planes. I actually got to see the first A321LR land in Reykjavík back in December 2024, and it’s a game changer. The airline’s phasing out those aging Boeing 757s (which honestly have seen better days) and replacing them with 4 A321LRs by summer 2025, plus 13 more A321XLRs starting in 2029.

What’s cool about Icelandair is their stopover program. You can literally stay in Iceland for up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost when flying between North America and Europe. It’s basically two trips for the price of one, which is why I always tell people to at least consider a few days in Reykjavík if they’re flying through anyway.

• Read next: Flight Hacks to Get to Europe
• You may also like: Cheapest Airlines in Europe

Icelandair business class fleet: A detailed comparison

On my travels with Icelandair, I’ve had the chance to fly on their 757s, 767s, and the newer 737 MAX. Let’s take a look at the difference in business class products across their fleet.

Boeing 757-200 & 757-300

The 757s are the old workhorses of the fleet, but they’re on their way out. If you end up on one (mainly on US West Coast or Canada routes), you’ll get 5-6 rows of Saga Premium in a 2×2 setup. The seats have 40 inches of pitch, which is actually pretty decent.

But here’s the thing – these seats don’t lie flat. They’re more like really good domestic first class recliners. I’ve flown them a few times, and while they’re comfortable enough for the 6-8 hour flights to the West Coast, you’re definitely not getting a full night’s sleep. Each seat has power outlets and USB charging, which is basically table stakes these days.

The 757s are getting retired by 2027, so you probably won’t see them much longer. Honestly, that’s probably for the best.

Boeing 767-300ER

The 767s handle the busier routes, with Saga Premium in a 2-1-2 configuration. There are only a few of these left in the fleet, and they’re also headed for retirement soon.

I’ve only flown this layout once, and it’s fine but nothing special. The single seats are nice if you’re traveling alone, but overall the experience feels more like premium economy with better service. The food’s still good, and you get the same amenities, but the hard product isn’t as impressive as what you’ll find on their newer planes.

Boeing 737 MAX

This is where things get interesting. Icelandair‘s 737 MAX fleet is actually pretty solid, with 21 aircraft (17 MAX 8s and 4 MAX 9s). The Saga Premium cabin has 16 seats in a 2-2 layout across 4 rows.

I was honestly surprised by how comfortable these seats are. They’re Geven Comoda recliners with 40 inches of pitch, proper footrests, and they feel way more substantial than most European business class seats. The entertainment screens are decent, Wi-Fi actually works (and it’s free in Saga Premium), and you get those little drink holders in the armrests that are surprisingly handy.

For European flights, this is legitimately one of the better business class products out there. It’s not lie-flat, but for 3-4 hour flights, you don’t really need that anyway.

Airbus A321LR (NEW)

The brand new A321LR is where Icelandair is headed, and after checking it out, I’m pretty excited about it. They took delivery of their first one in December 2024, and it’s already flying to Copenhagen and Stockholm, with Seattle service starting in May 2025.

The Saga Premium cabin has 22 seats in 6 rows, still in a 2-2 configuration. The seats are an upgraded version of the Geven Comoda with 42-43 inches of pitch (compared to 40 on other planes), 8 inches of recline, and both leg and foot rests. It’s still not lie-flat, but it’s definitely more comfortable.

The real upgrade is the entertainment system – we’re talking 16-inch 4K OLED screens from Panasonic that look incredible. Plus, you can finally connect your own Bluetooth headphones, which is about time. The Wi-Fi is also faster thanks to Viasat, so you can actually get work done.

Baggage allowance with Icelandair business class

Saga Premium passengers get a pretty generous baggage allowance. You can check two bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each, which is honestly more than most people need. For carry-on, you get one bag up to 22 lbs (10 kg) plus a personal item.

One thing to watch out for – if you’re booking Saga Premium (not Saga Premium Flex), your outstation lounge access got cut as of April 2025. You still get into the Saga Lounge at Keflavík, but those contract lounges at other airports are now only for Flex passengers. It’s kind of annoying, but the base Saga Premium fare is still reasonably priced.

Icelandair business class airport experience

The check-in process is smooth with dedicated Saga Premium counters, and you get fast-track security at most airports. The catch is that this fast-track access isn’t guaranteed everywhere – it’s mainly reliable at Keflavík and major hubs.

The Saga Lounge at Keflavík is actually really nice. It’s got this clean Nordic design, solid food options, and the gin selection is impressive (we’re talking 20+ varieties). The views on a clear day are spectacular – you can see all the way to Snæfellsjökull glacier. I always make sure to try their Reyka vodka or Reykjavík Distillery gin when I’m there.

Priority boarding is pretty standard, but the crew usually handles it well without too much chaos.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Iceland

In-flight comfort & amenities on Icelandair business class

Flying Icelandair’s Saga Class has consistently provided me with comfort and convenience, from the seats to the amenities. Let me break down what you can expect during your flight.

Seat design

Whether you’re on the 737 MAX or the new A321LR, the seating is thoughtfully designed. The 2×2 configuration works well, giving you 40+ inches of legroom and about 20.5 inches of width. The recline is substantial – not lie-flat, but enough to get comfortable for sleeping.

I actually prefer the aisle access on every seat compared to some of those fancy 1-2-1 configurations where you might get stuck by the window. The seats feel sturdy and well-built, which isn’t always the case with recliner-style business class.

In-flight entertainment

The entertainment systems vary by aircraft. On the older planes, you get standard screens with a decent selection of movies and shows. But on the new A321LRs, those 16-inch 4K OLED screens are legitimately impressive. The Iceland travel documentaries are actually worth watching if you’re planning to explore during your stopover.

You get noise-cancelling headphones included, though they’re nothing special. The Bluetooth connectivity on the new planes is a game-changer though.

Amenity kit

The amenity kits are pretty bulky but they include Icelandic skincare products that are actually quite good. You’ll find the usual suspects – eye mask, socks, dental kit, earplugs – plus some Icelandic lip balm and lotion. The eye masks are surprisingly comfortable and contoured well.

Connectivity

This is where Icelandair really shines. Saga Premium passengers get free Wi-Fi that’s actually fast and reliable. I’ve been able to stream videos and handle video calls without issues, which is more than I can say for most airlines. The new Viasat system on the A321LRs is even better.

• Read next: Airlines Flying to Iceland from the US

On-board dining in Icelandair business class

When flying Saga Premium with Icelandair, the food is always delicious. There’s a wide range of choices, including an extensive wine list.

Food

The dining is consistently good across the fleet. On North American flights, you get a proper three-course meal that’s way better than most airline food. They really lean into Icelandic ingredients and flavors, which I appreciate.

The portions are reasonable, and they actually pay attention to presentation. Snacks and Icelandic chocolate are available throughout the flight, and the crew is pretty good about keeping you fed on longer flights.

Beverages

The drink selection is where Icelandair gets creative. They feature local brands like Gull beer, Reykjavík Distillery gin, and Reyka vodka. The espresso martinis are surprisingly good at 35,000 feet.

Wine selection is solid, though not exceptional. But honestly, when you can get Icelandic gin or that Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, why go with the wine?

Tips for booking Icelandair business class flights

Here’s how to get the best deals on Saga Premium: Check partner options first. Icelandair isn’t in a major alliance, but they partner with Alaska Airlines and JetBlue. You can earn miles with those programs, though you can only book award flights through Alaska.

Sign up for Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) if you want to find the real deals. Their Elite version regularly finds Saga Premium fares under $1,000 roundtrip, which is honestly insane value.

Book early for the best availability and rates. Saga Premium sells out, especially on popular routes like Seattle and Boston.

Watch for shoulder season deals. Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) often have significantly lower fares.

Consider the stopover program. Even if Iceland wasn’t your original destination, a few days in Reykjavík costs nothing extra and can break up jet lag perfectly.

Pros & cons of Icelandair business class

Exploring the pros and cons of Icelandair’s Saga Class can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your travels. Here’s a straightforward look at what stands out, both positively and negatively.

Pros

• Icelandair‘s service is genuinely excellent. The crew really embodies that Icelandic hospitality, and they’re attentive without being overbearing.
• The comfort level is solid for the price point. You’re getting legitimate business class space and amenities at prices that often rival premium economy on other carriers.
• Two checked bags at 70 lbs each is generous, especially for longer trips.
• Saga Lounge access at Keflavík is worth it alone. It’s a beautiful space with great food and drinks.
• The stopover program is brilliant – you can explore Iceland for up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost.

Cons

• No lie-flat seats is the big one. If you absolutely need to sleep flat on overnight flights, this isn’t your airline. The recliners are comfortable, but they’re still recliners.
• Limited alliance partnerships mean fewer opportunities for upgrades and elite benefits compared to major alliance carriers.
• Fast-track security access is inconsistent outside of Iceland. You might still wait in regular lines at some airports.
• Outstation lounge access got cut for basic Saga Premium passengers in 2025. You now need Saga Premium Flex for lounges outside Keflavík.
• The fleet transition means you might end up on an older 757 or 767 if you’re unlucky, and those are definitely showing their age.

Bottom line: Saga Premium is excellent value if you understand what you’re getting. It’s not going to compete with Delta One or Lufthansa Business for luxury, but for the price and the unique Iceland experience, it’s hard to beat. Just don’t expect lie-flat beds, and maybe spring for Saga Premium Flex if lounge access matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Icelandair business class

Are you still curious about which airline is the best to fly to Iceland? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help decide whether Icelandair business class is the right option for you.

Is business class on Icelandair worth it?

Yes, I’d say so. Icelandair’s Saga Class offers spacious seating, excellent in-flight dining, and additional perks like extra baggage and lounge access.

Does Icelandair’s business class seats lie flat?

No, the business class seats on Icelandair do not lie flat. They are more akin to premium economy seats found on other international flights. The seats offer an ample recline but not a fully flat experience.

Does Icelandair serve alcohol?

Yes, Icelandair serves alcohol. Passengers can enjoy a range of beverages, including champagne, beer, wine, and spirits. They feature some nice local options like Reykjavik Distillery gin and Reyka vodka.

Is Icelandair a budget airline?

Icelandair is not considered a budget airline. It provides a full-service experience with various classes of service, including a business class. While it may offer competitive pricing, especially for transatlantic flights, it maintains a standard of service that aligns more closely with traditional carriers than budget airlines.

• Looking to find Icelandair business class deals for under $700 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.