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I was excited to see Icelandair’s return to nonstop service from Vancouver to Reykjavik, and with a Holland America Cruise embarking in the Icelandic capital, it was time to check out the airline’s Saga Premium Class service from point to point.

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With a modest population of less than 400,000, Icelandair, the national carrier, transports over four million passengers per year. And in case you didn’t know, Icelandair is a major player in the transatlantic aviation industry, connecting 31 airports in Europe with 12 airports in the USA and two (Vancouver and Toronto) in Canada.

While not part of an airline alliance program, Icelandair codeshares flights with Finnair, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, SAS, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Air Baltic, and EasyJet.

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Saga Premium Lounge, Keflavik International Airport

Since my flight was nonstop from Vancouver to Keflavik, I visited the Saga Premium Lounge while on a layover from Copenhagen to Vancouver.

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The well-lit lounge is located just before passport control, and offers a range of seating, including recliners in their own part of the lounge, tables close to the buffet and bar stools around a long curvy wooden table.

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This lounge even includes a fireplace and artwork created from Icelandic rocks.

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It’s a wonderful spot to relax in while enjoying a selection of salads, cheeses, a few hot dishes and dessert while in transit. There is a wide variety of liquor available and three shower rooms to freshen up if you’ve got a longer break between flights.

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Don’t miss the recliners in back with a front seat view of the planes.

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Cabin Layout

Icelandair operates an all-Boeing fleet consisting mainly of Boeing 737-8/-9 MAX and Boeing 757-200/300 narrow-body aircraft, with a small proportion of flights utilizing the wide-body Boeing 767-300. Inside our 737 MAX 8, the 16 Saga Class seats are configured 2×2, with 40” (101.6cm) of legroom and 20.5” (50cm) of seat width for mid-haul comfort.

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On the shorter flight from Copenhagen to Reykjavik, I was seated in a Boeing 767-300 with a 2-1-2 configuration. On both models, there are no lie-flat seats, but a footrest folds down from the seat in front.

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Entertainment

Noise-cancelling headsets are provided for Saga Premium passengers. At each seat is a personal monitor with access to over 100 movies, including newer releases, plus classics, kids films, and a few Icelandic movies. There is also a good selection of television shows and games. In addition, a selection of Icelandic music is available, which is a nice way of discovering local talent when flying the friendly skies. Complimentary Wi-Fi for two devices is also part of the Saga Premium experience.

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Comfort

Upon boarding, a quilted blanket, a pillow and a small water bottle are found at each seat. Glasses of prosecco are offered prior to take-off and a rotating assortment of Icelandic foods, spirits, and attractions play on the screen to set the mood for arrival into Iceland.

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If you’re flying to Iceland via the USA or Canada, an amenity kit is also given. There are two designs, in partnership with Reykjavík artist Sara Riel. The central theme of these designs is the Flóran/The Flora, inspired by the artist’s eight-meter tall vegetation mural that showcases native Icelandic plants and herbs, and can be seen when visiting Reykjavík.

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Dining

Along with the flight’s culinary offerings, a beverage menu is distributed after take-off. Cabin crew then come around to take individual orders for pre-dinner drinks.

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A new Limoncello Spritz has been added to the cocktail list, a mix of limoncello, prosecco, and club soda. Espresso Martinis on ice are also a solid choice, and for craft beer, passengers can order a glass of Einstök Icelandic White ale, a Belgian witbier spiced with orange peel and coriander. Gull Light is an alcohol-free option, using Icelandic barley and pure Icelandic water.

Red and white international wines, sparkling wines, champagne, liqueurs, and spirits round out the bevvy menu.

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Gin fans take note: Icelandair’s impressive gin “library” features six different Icelandic gins to enjoy. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are also available.

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[Shrimp, pickled cucumber, spinach and ricotta lasagne roll]

On our flight, the two mains are spinach and ricotta lasagne roll with marinara sauce, and Greek chicken with tzatziki.

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Service

The courteous and friendly staff pass through the cabins regularly to check on passengers’ needs, and the interior is spotless. The airline obviously takes pride in showcasing its fleet.

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[Icelandair Saga Class Premium class meals include Greenlandic shrimp and caviar!]

Meals are collected in a timely manner to allow Saga Premium passengers a chance to fold away the extendable tray and catch the rest of a film, continue with their reading, or simply close their eyes and grab some shut-eye.

Luggage

When booking into Icelandair’s Saga Class, you are entitled to check in two bags (up to 70 lbs. each), two carry-on bags (up to 22 lbs. each) and a small personal item for free, receive priority check-in, preferred baggage handling as well as early boarding.

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