Icelandair

Icelandair is a carrier that markets itself to travelers as a bridge between Europe and North America, using Reykjavík (Keflavik, KEF) as its connecting hub and promoting Iceland stopovers to passengers on transatlantic itineraries. From a passenger perspective it sits between full-service and hybrid models: it provides a premium cabin option on relevant routes and services geared to medium- and long-haul travel, while many ancillary services (seat selection, extra legroom, checked baggage on lower fares) are unbundled.

The airline focuses on transatlantic and regional European flying rather than extensive domestic networks, and it is not a member of one of the three big global alliances; it relies on bilateral partnerships and codeshares to broaden its network reach.

Saga Club - Icelandair's Frequent Flyer Program

Icelandair’s loyalty program is called Saga Club. Members earn points on Icelandair flights (commonly referred to as Saga points) which can be redeemed for award travel and upgrades, and the program includes elite tiers that provide additional benefits such as priority services and extra baggage; the main elite levels are generally referred to as Saga Silver and Saga Gold. Saga Club participates in commercial partnerships and codeshare arrangements that allow earning and redemption beyond Icelandair’s own flights. For travelers who fly the carrier regularly across the North Atlantic, crediting to Saga Club is typically the most straightforward way to accrue status and use benefits.

Where Icelandair Flies

Icelandair uses Keflavik International Airport (KEF) as its main hub and operates a network that primarily connects Europe and North America via Reykjavík. The carrier’s route map emphasizes transatlantic point-to-point connections with a mix of year-round and seasonal destinations across Europe and North America, plus some regional European services. The airline’s business model centers on using Reykjavik as a connecting hub and offering travelers the option to add a stopover in Iceland; codeshares and partner connections are used to extend its reach beyond destinations it serves directly.

Hubs

• Keflavik International Airport · KEF

Aircraft and Cabin Classes

Icelandair operates a fleet focused on narrow-body twin-jet aircraft configured to operate transatlantic point-to-point and regional routes, with cabin layouts designed for medium- to long-range operations. The airline offers a premium/business-class product marketed under the Saga name alongside economy seating; Saga-class provides a higher level of service and more spacious seating compared with economy, while economy is the standard single-aisle layout for most routes. Historically the airline has operated a variety of propeller and older jet types (including Douglas and Fokker models) as its network evolved; today’s operating fleet is a modern set of narrow-body jets suited to North Atlantic flying.

Aircraft types operated: Douglas DC-3, Douglas DC-4, Douglas DC-6, Douglas DC-8, Beechcraft 18, Boeing 727-100, Boeing 727-200, Canadair CL-44, Fokker F27 Friendship, Fokker 50, de Havilland Canada DHC-8-200, de Havilland Canada DHC-8-400

Tips for Flying Icelandair

• Consider booking a stopover in Reykjavík when flying transatlantic - Icelandair’s fares commonly allow or promote multi-day stopovers to see Iceland without changing your international itinerary.
• Check fare rules before purchase: seat selection, checked baggage and extra-legroom seats are often charged separately on lower fare types.
• If you plan to earn status or use upgrades, credit Icelandair flights to Saga Club rather than a partner program to keep benefits consolidated.
• Use Icelandair’s website or mobile app for check-in and boarding passes, and confirm connection times at Keflavik (KEF) as schedules can be seasonal and change frequently.