Icelandair Business Class Review
Traveling in business class can make a big difference in comfort on a long flight. Icelandair offers a business class option that promises a more enjoyable travel experience. Here’s a thorough review based on recent trips taken with them.
Booking and Check-In
Booking Icelandair business class is straightforward. The airline’s website is user-friendly and the process is clear. Upon booking, you receive an email with detailed information about your flight and what to expect in terms of service. Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure, allowing you to select your preferred seat in advance. Going through check-in at the airport is smooth and efficient, with dedicated counters for business class passengers to speed things up.
Airport Lounge Access
Business class passengers have access to Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at Keflavik Airport. The lounge is spacious and offers a range of amenities. Comfortable seating areas, Wi-Fi, and a selection of newspapers and magazines make waiting time more pleasant. The food options are decent, providing light snacks and a variety of drinks including alcoholic beverages. The space is quiet and well-maintained, ensuring a good start to your journey.
Onboard Experience
Boarding for business class passengers is prioritized, making the process quicker and less hectic. The business class cabin on Icelandair’s B757 aircraft features a 2-2 configuration. The seats are wider than economy class, providing additional legroom and a greater degree of recline. Although the seats do not lie flat, they are comfortable for medium-haul flights.
Amenities and In-Flight Entertainment
Upon boarding, business class passengers receive a complimentary amenity kit. This typically includes an eye mask, dental kit, and skincare products, making it easier to freshen up after a long flight. Noise-canceling headphones are also provided. Entertainment options include a personal screen with a good selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The interface is intuitive, and the screen quality is decent. You can also stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi, though it’s not free for all fare classes.
Dining
The dining experience in Icelandair business class starts shortly after takeoff. The menu varies depending on the route and time of day. Typically, there are two meal services on long-haul flights. The pre-meal drink service offers a selection of wines, beers, and spirits. The meal itself is served on ceramic plates with metal cutlery. The quality of the food is generally good, featuring Icelandic and international dishes. There’s usually a choice between two or three main courses, and dietary preferences are accommodated if requested in advance. Desserts and cheese selections round off the meal nicely.
Service
The cabin crew in Icelandair business class are attentive and professional. They make frequent rounds to ensure passengers are comfortable and have everything they need. Personal requests are handled promptly. The service feels personalized, though it may not reach the luxurious levels of some other airlines. Still, it is more than satisfactory and adds to the overall positive experience.
Rest and Comfort
Though the seats in Icelandair business class do not fully recline, they offer sufficient comfort for a restful journey. The additional space allows for a more pleasant sleeping position compared to economy class. The cabin is relatively quiet, and the crew does a good job minimizing disturbances. Blankets and pillows are provided, enhancing the comfort further. The cabin temperature is generally well-maintained, making it easier to relax and sleep.
Arrival and Disembarkation
Business class passengers disembark first, making it quicker to move through immigration and customs. At Keflavik Airport, the process is generally efficient. If you have a connecting flight, the business class ticket often allows access to fast-track security lanes, saving additional time.
Value for Money
When considering the cost of Icelandair business class, it’s important to weigh the benefits. You get more comfort, better service, and access to airport lounges. For many travelers, especially on long-haul flights, these benefits justify the extra expense. Compared to other European carriers, Icelandair offers a competitive business class product. It may not be the cheapest option, but it provides good value for money.
Final Thoughts
Icelandair’s business class offers a pleasant and worthwhile upgrade from economy. The combination of better seating, onboard service, and airport amenities enhances the travel experience. For frequent flyers and those looking to travel in more comfort, it’s an option worth considering.
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