Icelandair’s Saga Class on the Airbus A321LR offers a notably enhanced travel experience between Keflavik (KEF) and London (LHR), exceeding the comfort levels of the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX configuration. This review details the key features of this premium cabin, designed to bridge the gap between premium economy and full business class, and why it represents a strong value for trans-Atlantic travelers.
Booking and Value Proposition
Icelandair doesn’t traditionally market a “business class,” instead offering Saga Class—a tier positioned between premium economy and true lie-flat business seating. Despite this, searching for “Icelandair business class” online frequently leads to Saga Class options, as reflected in Google Flights listings.
The airline’s revenue fares are notably competitive, especially for one-way flights—a rarity among major Atlantic carriers. Further adding to the value, Icelandair allows free stopovers in Iceland on both one-way and roundtrip tickets, effectively allowing passengers to visit two destinations for the price of one. The author secured a KEF-LHR Saga Class ticket for $1,116.24, redeemable with Chase points at a 1.5-cent rate (a now-phased-out option). Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan was used for frequent flyer accrual.
Pre-Flight and Boarding
Access to the Icelandair Saga Lounge in Keflavik is included for Saga Class passengers. Boarding for the A321LR flight FI450 began 50 minutes before departure from Gate D33, due to remote stand operations. The process was somewhat chaotic due to limited seating in the gate area, forcing passengers to gather in a crowded space before boarding buses to the aircraft. The first bus accommodated Saga Class passengers, with a brief wait in below-freezing temperatures.
Cabin and Seating
Icelandair’s A321LR cabin features 22 Saga Class seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration across six rows (with row one missing seats on one side). The seats, manufactured by Geven Comoda, offer a substantial upgrade over Icelandair’s other Saga Class options and most domestic first or premium economy products in the US.
Key features include:
- Pitch: 42 inches (compared to ~37 inches in typical US domestic first class)
- Width: 21 inches
- Recline: 5 inches
- Storage: Deep under-seat storage and a fixed tray table
- Power: AC power outlets (though somewhat awkwardly placed)
- Entertainment: 16-inch Panasonic Astrova seatback monitors with Bluetooth audio connectivity
- Airspace Cabin: Modern overhead bins and individual air nozzles
Additional comfort elements include adjustable legrests and headrest privacy widgets. While not lie-flat, the seats provide ample space and recline, making for a comfortable short-haul flight.
In-Flight Experience
Icelandair offers Viasat Wi-Fi on its A321LRs, complimentary for Saga Class passengers with unlimited data for two devices. The in-flight entertainment system features a selection of movies, TV shows, and music, with customizable map tracking.
Meal service consisted of a basic breakfast: a bread roll, turkey slices, guacamole, and a mushroom crepe. While the food was unremarkable, it was sufficient for a short flight. Amenities included a pillow, a standard blanket, and bottled water. No pre-departure drinks or amenity kits were provided.
Service and Arrival
Icelandair’s cabin crew maintained a cordial and efficient service style, typical of Icelandic hospitality. The crew accommodated requests without being overly warm or personalized. The flight arrived in London Heathrow Terminal 2 approximately 10 minutes behind schedule, allowing for a seamless connection to Air India’s A350 business class service to Delhi.
Conclusion
Icelandair’s Saga Class on the A321LR delivers a strong premium short-haul experience. The comfortable seating, generous space, entertainment options, and free Wi-Fi make it a worthwhile upgrade for passengers seeking a more relaxed journey. While not equivalent to long-haul business class, it provides a significant step up from standard economy, especially for those leveraging Icelandair’s stopover program for multi-destination travel.
