Icelandair First Class Guide: Inside the Saga Premium Cabin

Flying in comfort is something many travelers look forward to, and Icelandair’s top cabin makes that experience even better. Often referred to casually as “Icelandair First Class,” the airline’s highest service level is actually called Saga Premium. It offers the highest level of comfort and service on the flights. Icelandair, the national carrier of Iceland, has been operating since 1937 and serves as a major bridge between Europe and North America via Reykjavík.

A few key facts to understand the experience:

• Icelandair offers a complimentary stopover in Iceland on transatlantic flights, which is especially attractive for premium flyers.

• The “Saga Premium” class offers wider seats, extra legroom, priority check-in, and lounge access.

• Icelandair describes Saga Premium as “the front of the cabin, where top-class comfort and service are the hallmarks.”

What is “Icelandair First Class”?

Icelandair does not officially offer a cabin called “First Class.” The airline categorises its cabins into economy and its premium class, known as Saga Premium.  So when travelers mention “Icelandair First Class,” they are almost always referring to Saga Premium, which is the top service level on Icelandair flights. In other words, terms like “First Class Icelandair” or “Icelandair first class business class” all point to the Saga Premium experience.

Here are the key details:

• Saga Premium is described as “the front of the cabin, where top-class comfort and service are the hallmarks.”

• The cabin includes wider seats, extra legroom (40 inches), free seat selection, and a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags (up to 32 kg each on many routes) plus one carry-on item.

• Travelers also get priority check-in and boarding, fast-track security at select airports, and access to the Saga Lounge at Keflavík Airport, Icelandair’s main hub.

• On board, Saga Premium passengers enjoy complimentary meals and drinks, an amenity kit on North American routes, in-flight entertainment, and noise-cancelling headphones.

Cabin and Seat Experience Inside Icelandair First Class

How’s the Seating and Layout:

Saga Premium seats are usually set up in a 2-2 layout, which is common for Icelandair’s narrow-body aircraft on many routes. This means you get more space than in economy, but the layout is different from the larger business-class suites found on some wide-body airlines. Saga Premium offers “wide seats and more legroom”, giving you a noticeable upgrade in comfort.

Important notes:

• The seats are recliners, not lie-flat beds. They provide great comfort for medium-haul flights but do not fully convert into flat sleeping surfaces.

• Icelandair also offers a Class Up upgrade program where eligible economy passengers can bid for a seat in Saga Premium, showing that it is the highest cabin level available on most routes.

What On-board Service and Amenities You Will Get:

When you fly Saga Premium, you can expect a more relaxed and enjoyable experience with:

• A complimentary meal and drinks service.

• Noise-cancelling headphones and personal entertainment screens.

• Amenity kit on certain routes (specifically North American ones).

• Priority boarding and baggage allowance make the premium journey smoother.

How Aircraft Type Affects Your Experience

Because Icelandair uses a mix of aircraft, including Boeing 737 variants, 757s, and newer arrivals, the exact product may vary by route. For example, future seat upgrades (with greater privacy) have been noted in the discussion of upcoming A321LR aircraft.

Therefore, when booking a “first class Icelandair”-type experience (i.e., Saga Premium), it’s wise to check which aircraft will be operating your flight before booking.

Enjoy the Lounge Access and Ground Experience

One of the standout perks of flying Saga Premium, often seen as the Icelandair first class lounge experience, is the premium treatment you receive on the ground before you even board your flight.

• Saga Premium includes access to the Saga Lounge at Icelandair’s main hub, Keflavík International Airport (KEF). This exclusive space offers a quiet, comfortable place to relax, work, or enjoy refreshments before your flight.

• You also receive several priority services, including priority check-in, fast-track security where available, and priority boarding, which make the airport experience faster and easier.

• These benefits help create a smooth and stress-free start to your journey and add to the overall “first class” feel of Saga Premium.

Arriving early? Review how to check in for Icelandair flights, including time windows by airport (e.g., 3 hours for international), group bookings, and special assistance requests.

How to Book or Upgrade into Saga Premium (First Class Icelandair)

Booking what many travelers call “Icelandair First Class,” officially Saga Premium, is simple. You can select Saga Premium directly when purchasing your ticket on the website.

• Icelandair also offers a popular upgrade option called Class Up. This program allows eligible economy passengers to bid for an upgrade to Saga Premium. You can place your bid using a credit card or Saga Points if you are part of Icelandair’s loyalty program.

• The system will let you know if you’re eligible and usually sends upgrade invitations around 10 days before your flight.

Tip: For the best premium experience, try to choose a flight operated by an aircraft with Icelandair’s newer cabins. Checking the aircraft type during booking or through a seat map site can help you pick the most comfortable option.

For peace of mind: Learn about Icelandair's cancellation policy details, including free cancellation within 24 hours and claims for delays/cancellations.

Icelandair First Class Review: Is it Worth Flying “First Class Icelandair”?

What Stands Out:

• Saga Premium delivers a clear step up from economy with wider seats, more legroom, upgraded service, and lounge access. The experience feels premium from the moment you check in.

• One of the biggest bonuses is Icelandair’s free stopover program on transatlantic routes, which lets you explore Iceland at no extra airfare. This adds major value for travelers looking to turn a long-haul trip into a unique two-destination journey.

• Priority check-in, fast-track security where available, and access to the Saga Lounge help create a smooth and relaxed journey from airport arrival to boarding.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Saga Premium is a premium cabin, but it does not offer lie-flat beds. It uses comfortable recliner seats rather than full business or first-class suites.

• Depending on the aircraft operating your route, the cabin may feel newer or slightly older, so the experience can vary.

• Whether it offers strong value depends on the price difference between the economy and Saga Premium for your specific flight.

Verdict:

If you value a premium journey, lounge access, comfort, and the ability to stop over in Iceland, then “first class Icelandair” (Saga Premium) is a strong option.