Icelandair Economy Class: What You Need to Know

As someone who has flown Icelandair economy on the North Atlantic route more than once and used their stopover program to squeeze a few days in Reykjavik between connecting flights, I learned everything there is to know about what the economy product actually delivers. Today, I will share it all with you — including the honest answer about meals, which trips people up more than anything else.

Icelandair operates routes across North America and Europe, making it a popular choice for transatlantic travelers. Here’s what you can actually expect when booking an Icelandair economy ticket.

Seating and Cabin Comfort

Seats in Icelandair’s economy class provide a standard amount of legroom. The seat pitch averages around 31 inches — fairly typical for international flights. Seat width ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which is on the narrower side but comparable to most competitors on these routes. Probably should have led with this, honestly: the seats aren’t exceptional, but they’re adequate for a six-to-eight-hour transatlantic crossing if you manage your position during the flight.

The cabin lighting changes color to simulate a natural environment as part of Icelandair’s effort to reduce jet lag on long-haul flights — a small touch that I noticed actually does help on overnight return flights from Reykjavik. Adjustable headrests and soft lighting contribute to a more comfortable experience than you’d expect at the price point.

In-Flight Entertainment

Individual touch-screen monitors are available at each seat. The in-flight entertainment system offers movies, TV shows, music, and games with regular library updates. Headphones are handed out by cabin crew — bring your own if audio quality matters to you, because the provided ones are serviceable but not remarkable.

Meals and Beverages

This is the part that catches most first-time Icelandair passengers off guard. Meals and snacks are not automatically included in the economy ticket price. You purchase items from a menu that includes Icelandic specialties — skyr, lamb, fish — alongside more standard options. Pre-ordering meals online before the flight is worthwhile both for availability and pricing. I’m apparently someone who always pre-orders and has never regretted it.

Complimentary beverages including water, juices, and soft drinks are available throughout the flight. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The flights are cashless — credit or debit cards only.

Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers generally get one carry-on bag (max 55x40x20 cm, 10 kg) and one personal item. Checked baggage is not included in the basic economy fare and must be purchased separately — fees are lower when added during booking than at the airport. Each checked piece should weigh no more than 23 kg. Plan this in advance and you won’t be surprised at check-in.

Stopover Program

That’s what makes Icelandair endearing to travelers on North Atlantic routes — the stopover program. Passengers can extend their layover in Reykjavik up to seven days at no additional airfare cost. Iceland itself warrants the stop; the Golden Circle, northern lights, geothermal pools, and Reykjavik’s compact and walkable city center all make a three or four day stopover genuinely worthwhile. Icelandair curates tours and accommodations for stopover passengers.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available on most Icelandair aircraft and can be purchased separately. Prices vary by flight length and usage type — basic messaging costs less than full streaming access. Seats have USB ports and power outlets, which matters on a seven-hour flight where battery management becomes a real concern.

Customer Service

Icelandair’s customer service is generally efficient and friendly. Flight attendants are typically bilingual and proactive about addressing passenger needs. Onboard announcements run in Icelandic and English. Families with children and elderly passengers tend to receive attentive service — something I noticed on a flight where a family ahead of me needed extra assistance getting settled.

Loyalty Program

Icelandair’s Saga Club loyalty program lets members earn points on flights and through partner companies. Points can be redeemed for flight upgrades, additional baggage, or other services. Membership is free and benefits compound meaningfully for frequent North Atlantic travelers.

Booking and Check-in

Booking on Icelandair’s website is straightforward, with promotions and packages that sometimes include stopover accommodations or hotel stays in Reykjavik. Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure. Mobile boarding passes eliminate the paper ticket entirely. The airline offers telephone and email support for special requests — response times are reasonable by airline standards.

Overall Value

Flying Icelandair economy offers genuine value, particularly for travelers who take advantage of the Iceland stopover. The not-included meals model means you’re not paying for food you wouldn’t eat anyway. Prices are competitive with other transatlantic options, and the routing through Reykjavik adds something that no other airline can — a legitimate excuse to spend a few days in one of the more interesting countries in the world.

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