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Icelandair review by Roy Stilling
18 November 2006
LHR-KEF-BOS, with a two night stayover in Iceland and then back in early
November. Our outbound flight from Heathrow was delayed by over four
hours but Icelandair did give us meal vouchers and complimentary drinks
to make up for the delay. Our onward leg to Boston and the return
flights were all on time. Although we'd intended to stop over in
Iceland anyway, Icelandair were cheaper than any direct flights we could
find for our dates. The aircraft (Boeing 757-200 on all four legs) were
clean and the economy class seats quite comfortable (better than Virgin
but not as good as BA). Food was good, memorably so on the leg from
KEF-BOS (fish, which you'd expect the Icelanders to do well). IFE is
just overhead screens - on the KEF-BOS leg the wrong sort of headset was
supplied for my seat but I was able to grab the correct sort from the
empty neighbouring seat. My wife is a very nervous flyer, and had a
particularly bad time on the BOS-KEF leg. The FAs noticed her
unhappiness and kept a special eye on her and were kind and supportive.
All the Icelandair crew we dealt with were friendly and helpful.
One oddness about KEF is the boarding arrangements. For the leg to BOS
we were sat next to the entrance to the gate and there was simply an
announcement to go to the gate. It took us a few minutes to realise
this meant that they were processing passengers' boarding passes at the
entrance and that there were more seats beyond. We all sat there for a
while and suddenly with no announcement everybody started up the stairs
to the jet bridge to board. Similarly on the way back to LHR but there
wasn't even an announcement - just a queue formed at the gate desk and
they started processing people through. None of that boarding by seat
rows malarkey at KEF! We'd fly Icelandair again, even without an
intention to stop over, if the price is right. Breaking the
transatlantic journey into two legs made it much easier to cope with.
Icelandair review by William Henderson
17 November 2006
Heathrow-JFK return via Reykjavik, November 06. Was in Saga Class, and I
think calling it "Business Class" is stretching it - really it's only
equivalent to Virgin's Premium Economy. Seat - very old, not great
recline, foot rest from the chair in front. Food? Fairly standard. IFE -
portable DVD player with an old choice of movies. Going via Reykjavik
made the journey feel much longer. For transfer in Iceland was looking
forward to using the business class lounge but (unless I got my info
muddled) it's landside, so if just transiting from international flight
to international flight, you have to go through passport control. My
flights were delayed so I had no time to do so. (Used the British
Midland lounge at Heathrow - not very impressive, but used the BA lounge
at JFK which was good). Inflight, I found all the crew very, very cold
on all 4 flights, although chummy and chatty with all the Icelandic
speakers. It's a small place, maybe they all knew each other? In any
language a smile goes a long way, but few to be found. Anyway, next time
rather than spend 1300 pounds to go "business class" on Icelandair, I
would spend 900 pounds and go Premium Economy on Virgin and get there in
half the time. Icelandair weren't bad, they just weren't anything out of
the ordinary.
Icelandair review by Ruth Hopkins
27 October 2006
I flew Icelandair on 3/10 and 7/10 and it was such a pleasant change by
comparison with charter flights. Real food and plenty of water was
available. Both flights arrived on time, even a little early.
Icelandair review by Rajan Parrikar
10 October 2006
Anyone who has spent time in Iceland knows that prices there are very
high, but the quality of both the service and product offered is
outstanding. In contrast, the prices on the country's flagship airline
Icelandair are cheap and the overall product mediocre. We flew SFO-KEF
roundtrip economy in June 2006. The Boeing 767 seat configuration was
the worst imaginable. Saga class, which is Icelandair's version of
Business Class, would be the equivalent of Economy Plus on most airlines
these days, and is therefore not worth the extra expense. The cabin
staff was competent and courteous. The interior of the cabin was very
clean. All said and done, one travels on this airline because of the
convenience of getting to Iceland.
Icelandair review by Scott Smith
5 October 2006
Glasgow-San Francisco Return. My wife and I travelled via Keflavik to
San Francisco by Saga Class. We enjoyed the experience both in the
short flight from Glasgow and the long haul. Seats were comfortable
although not the same as the big guys. Slept no problem on way back,
overnight. Food was good and generous. Wife is veggie and all meals
were covered and tasty. Entertainment was fine although difficult to
balance player if having food or drink on table. Staff pleasant and not
ungenerous with refreshments. We travelled Saga Class because my wife
suffers from restless leg syndrome and the extra leg room and ability to
lie back further definitely helped and was worth the money. If I have a
complaint it was that as we had a day stopover we had to fund our own
visit to Blue Lagoon even although we were Saga.
Icelandair review by Alan Mitchell
2 October 2006
Recently flew Saga Class Glasgow to Baltimore return. Excellent in
flight service, though trying to balance the handheld DVD on your tray
table while eating dinner is somewhat challenging. Seats very
comfortable, but limited recline makes it nigh impossible to sleep on
the overnight flight. Saga lounge in Keflavik even offers complimentary
champagne, which not many other business lounges do these days.
Baltimore for us was a hassle free airport with quick clearance of
immigration and customs, and on the return flight check in was a breeze.
If Icelandair had near lie flat seats they could certainly compete with
the big boys, but at less than half the cost of BA for a flexible
business class return, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Icelandair review by Chris Pye
23 August 2006
MAN-KEF at the peak of the heightened security. Our flight was 2 hours
late but obviously beyond the airline's control. The flight was full (mostly with youngsters
returning from football schools) but the friendly crew came around with the drinks trolley shortly
after take off advising they wouldn't come again so purchase all drinks now. The food comprised a
cheese & ham croissant (which we thought should have been warmed), biscuits etc. which was OK for the
two hour flight. Our return on 14 August left KEF on time and arrived MAN 20 minutes early, less full and with a good
chicken salad meal. Again - a friendly & helpful crew. The B757s were comfortable, clean and there was enough room in Economy. Inflight entertainment is
from overhead screens (but hardly needed on a relatively short flight). We thought the Inflight
magazine was very good. Although drinks were only served once more water was available with the meal
and on request. Overall, can't help thinking there's an excellent airline in here somewhere. For instance, it seems
penny pinching to charge for drinks, so therefore not a BA nor Far Eastern airline but a long way
from Easyjet and on a different planet to Ryanair! Would we fly with them again? Without
hesitation.
Icelandair review by C Pugh
22 August 2006
I flew Icelandair for the first time on August 10, 2006 (SFB-KEF), only
hours after an elevated National Threat Advisory. Although Orlando
Sanford International Airport was brimming with hundreds of stranded
passengers from other airlines’ delayed or cancelled flights, the
nonstop Icelandair flight was the only flight with on-time departure —
we even arrived in Keflavik early. Flying Saga class to Iceland was
comfortable with attentive service and excellent food and beverage
choices, and none of the pretensions of first-class or business-class
sections of other larger international carriers. The Saga Business Class
lounge in Keflavik airport is minimalist design at its best with honed
black granite floors, and metal and glass walls, set with café tables
near a fully stocked refreshment counter, and comfortable club chairs
and recliners behind a wood partition for quiet conversation and easy
internet access (your laptop or their counter of keyboards and flat
screens). I returned in the economy section where leg room is decent,
but, not surprisingly, you cannot easily read or use your tray table if
the passenger ahead of you has the seat reclined. On-time arrivals,
convenience of nonstop service to Iceland, and overall favorable
experience mean that I would without hesitation choose Icelandair again.
Icelandair review by R Britten
3 August 2006
Expected to fly from BWI to Iceland on June 7. There was no plane
available for the flight. After hours of false promises, we were taken
to hotels. Communications from Icelandair regarding time of pickup from
hotel were nonexistent. Over a month after writing to Icelandair's
Maryland customer service address for the refund we were promised for
pre-paid hotel and tour in Iceland which we missed have received no
communication. Flight attendants were not pleasant or particularly
interested in being helpful. Only fly Icelandair if you have extremely
low expectations.
Icelandair review by Nicholas Gorton
3 August 2006
GLA - BOS in Saga Business Class. I found the crew friendly and polite,
the food was excellent - not the standard of BA Business however it is
about half the price. We were late leaving Glasgow and an hour late
arriving in Boston however the return journey was perfect timing. I
would certainly recommend Icelandair as an alternative airline to the
big boys.
Icelandair review by Douglas Hauser
3 June 2006
Heathrow - Keflavik return end of May. Lucky enough to get emergency
exit both directions. Service from cabin crew was rather cold and
disinterested, even when I smiled at them they just looked away! Gave
the feeling that morale was pretty low at Icelandair. The blanket I was
given was horrible - it was covered in hair! Food was OK, at least it
was hot, but all very mushy and not fresh. IFE was average. A sitcom I'd
never heard of, and Joey, then kiddy stuff. And the lady in the welcome
video was rather scary looking! All in all, it wasn't a very good first
and last impression of Iceland.
Icelandair review by Chad Thomas
22 April 2006
MSP-OSL on a regular basis - I fly via Icelandair on a regular basis
from MSP to Oslo and have always have wonderful service. Compared to
the alternative airlines, IA offers the shortest travel option to Europe
from MSP. Food service is delicious and service is great.
Icelandair review by Benjamin Tocchi
9 November 2005
Icelandair roundtrip from BOS to GLA in September. The legroom is on the
smaller side, but being 6'2" I was able to fit comfortably in my seat.
Flight Attendants professional, not as bubbly as on US carriers, but
they were pleasant and made sure everyone was fine. On the REK to BOS
flight, I was seated in the last row and the FA's gave my row extra
attention making sure we were all happy since we were at the very back
of the plane. Inflight entertainment, though consisting of cabin
monitors, was a nice mix of current and not so current television shows
and movies. The food was very good for economy class. One of the nice
touches of the food service, is how the FA's let you pick your dinner
roll out of a basket. Another great improvement over the last time I
travelled Icelandair is that they no longer charge for soft drinks.
They still charge for alcoholic beverages in economy, but the selection
was wide and prices were on par with US carriers. All the flights were
extremely full, and three out of the four segments left and arrived on
time. BOS to REK flight operates a 757-300 which I found to be newer and
have nicer seats than the 757-200's. Icelandair is not British Airways,
nor do they attempt to be, but for a pleasant and very inexpensive trip
to Europe check them out.
Icelandair review by Barbara Pappy
12 October 2005
Bos-Rek. We were first in line at check-in and given "excellent" seats,
7e and 7d right behind business. Wrong! Business seats reclined so far
back, we were unable to use our tray tables until the FA asked the
person in front to please sit up. He then moved to another seat! The
seats were very narrow. One of our bags arrived ten days later having
gone on to Rome. No check yet for the $100 for emergency replacement for
which we spent $300 and only necessities! This airline needs
competition badly.
Icelandair review by Lynn Bean
9 September 2005
Recently flew LHR KEF return. Icelandair business class was fine for a
short flight but I wouldn't like to go to the US that way. Comfortable
seats but would be hopeless for sleeping. Food was good and one flight
attendant was really nice - all the others were rude and abrupt in true
Icelandic fashion. But tell me what kind of airline serves Veuve
Cliquot and instant coffee? They've got a way to go yet.
Icelandair review by Xuess Wee
29 August 2005
London to Keflavik; Economy, to-&-fro; B757 and B767. I almost did not get my meal
on the inward flight. The stewardess had placed the tray mat on my tray desk and went
about serving the other 2 passengers sitting closer to the window (they were
Icelanders) and without skipping a beat, started to serve the other 3 passengers
sitting on the other side (also Icelanders), and when she was done, trolleyed on
leaving me (one of 3 Asians on the flight but the other 2 are Asian Americans) with
an empty tray desk! My meal was eventually served with less-than-skin-deep apologies.
I decided to put the episode aside, not willing to spoil my holidaying mood. I had
travelled on less reputed airlines and was never denied a meal. The flight out was
slightly better. The bacon & egg breakfast was alright (at least I get my meal this
time!) and when I asked for more orange juice, I did get it. The airline certainly
did not live up to the praises I had seen on this forum, and left me with a damp
impression.
Icelandair review by Dane Spall
25 August 2005
Flew from Melbourne to Singapore to Copenhagen on SQ. I then connectected to
Icelandair flight to Keflavik. Even though I flew business class (Saga) to
Keflavik, I must say Icelandair inflight catering is better than SQ. I had the fish
of the day, which was fantastic! When I arrived in Keflavvik I was out into a cab
within 15 mins.
Icelandair review by J Brase
15 August 2005
We recently flew from MPS to London via Reykjavik on Icelandair. Our plane was
grounded in MPS because of a fuel leak. We were put up in a hotel and told that a
representative would help us the next day on flight plans. No one was at the number
given to us the next day and no one from Icelandair was at the airport to help. We
were told that the part for the plane had to be flown in from Iceland and that would
take 5 hours and then to fix the plane would take 6 hours. We are now a day late in
getting to our destination and losing money on reservations. We were also told that
there were no other flights available on other airlines. NWA stepped in to help us
and booked us on a flight to London. We were without our luggage for 4 days. When
we returned from our trip, I tried repeatedly to contact Icelandair at their
customer service representative in Maryland. I emailed, phoned, left messages, and
wrote a letter. Finally, their customer service was contacted a month later. She
gave many excuses as to why I had not been contacted, " very busy summer, I'm the
only one in the office, etc." I asked for reimbursement for the hotel night lost in
London and for articles we had to buy because of lost luggage. She was willing to
reimbursement a certain amount and said "I will cut the check for you right away
instead of waiting the usual 24 hours". We are still waiting a month later for the
check. I called again and she told me that she can't cut the checks and then again
about how busy she has been. She made promises that she couldn't keep just to
appease us. We will think twice before flying Icelandair again. A very frustrating
experience and not customer service friendly. Excuses should not be given for work
that needs to be done.
Icelandair review by Robert Preston
8 August 2005
I fly Icelandair in Business Class several times a year between continental Europe
and the US (the most recent flights in late July). Their business class fares are very competitive
(typically around $1500-$2000 round-trip) and are a good compromise between economy and
business class on other airlines. Saga business class seats, whilst superior to most intra-European seats
and service (i.e. AF, LH, SK, BA, etc) are a step down from the transatlantic service offered on premium
airlines like Singapore Airlines, BA or Virgin Atlantic. The food is fantastic – fresh fish
every day ! The champagne (Piper Heidseck or Veuve Cliquot) is great too and the wine selection is
impressive. Amenity kits are provided and the IFE is pretty good (they have recently launched a
new system on some routes). I loved the outfits the flight attendants wear – with those stylish
little caps that Pan Am used way back when. The new Saga Business Class lounge in Keflavik airport
is superb and a big improvement over their old lounge. The place has a mountain lodge atmosphere, replete with fireplaces,
sofas, good food (especially the smoked reindeer) and terric champagne and wines. Free internet
access (wi-fi or on ultra-slick flat-screen computers) is available.The downside is that Icelandair does not belong to any major alliance and their
frequent flyer program is limited – being mainly targeted at Icelanders. Icelandair business class is good value for money – especially for people who love
Iceland’s great natural beauty and can stopover for a day or two across the Atlantic. On the other hand, Icelandair’s economy class, although very cheap, is cramped
(unless you get one of the seats up front) and the food is wretched. It caters mostly to a backpacker crowd and reminds me of my (long-gone) youth-hostel days.
Icelandair review by Jason Shaw
3 August 2005
Flew Icelandair this July roundtrip from Boston to Stockholm. The coach seats in
the 767 to Iceland were about the smallest I have seen and very uncomfortable, and
you definitely got the idea you were travelling on a budget airline trying to get
as many people on the plane as possible. The flight attendants were pleasant and
attentive, but $7 for a beer? The movie was about 15 years old. On the way back,
the plane was full and loaded in a disorganized fashion that created a huge
bottleneck of passengers. Haven't they heard of staging the loading so everyone
isn't trying to get on at the same time? What also surprised me was how shabby
the business class seemed. Can this airline, with its older planes, really
compete on Scandanavian trips with the likes of Lufthansa or SAS? I would avoid
taking another trip on Icelandair unless I was going to Iceland.
Icelandair review by T C Stellanova
1 July 2005
We flew round trip SFO to Reykjavik (Keflavik). Flight to Reykjavik was fine, though we noticed the
767 they fly is old and beat up. Also, amenities seemed cheap (charging for wine on an
international flight?) A couple days before our return trip to SFO, Icelandair's 767 broke down, resulting in
an 8-hour delay of our flight. We called ahead to the airport but were told our return flight was "on time".
When we arrived at the airport we were told about the 8-hour delay and given no explanation or
compensation. So we wasted a whole day sitting around Keflavik. From that moment until we arrived
back home in SF we were given horrendous customer service. We missed all of our ground
transportation connections and were promised but not given vouchers for taxis on arrival. After
exchanging several frustrating emails with Icelandair, I'm convinced their attitude toward customer
relations is the worst we've ever experienced. I would not fly Icelandair again, and suggest you avoid flying
them as well, if you can help it.
Icelandair review by Anne Savill
7 June 2005
Have just flown LHR-MINN/ST PAUL via Iceland (return). Outbound OK, nothing special but v pleasant
staff. Returning to UK the aircraft was already late arriving and leaving. Then developed a fault on
taxiing and returned to gate. After more than an hr they decided they could not fly and needed new
part - in Iceland! It would require sourcing, fitting & up to 6 hrs engine
testing (there was a fuel leak). They were completely unable to cope with having to sort out
accommodation
etc - we were sent to wait on transportation that didn't arrive and hotel said they were full when
we phoned. Wandering round terminal at night all staff had left without making sure we'd got away.
Did eventually find a Northwest rep who helped us-they handle for them. The number we were given to
call next day said 'office closed till Mon.' - it was Sunday. Eventually got through & told DO NOT
GO TO AIRPORT BEFORE 4PM but you will fly at 7/7.30pm. On arrival told might be 1am, and we couldn't
book any onward flights as 'Icelandair is not a 24hr airline and no-one is manning the system until
Monday and it is not accessible via Northwest system'. On asking if we cld be put on another carrier
we were told - no, everything is full, but if we'd come earlier we could have done that. Thanks to
the Northwest employee rebooking agent my friend and I have managed to get back, but on
separate
flights - 1 direct to Gatwick, the other via Amsterdam but it took him 45 mins. There were 2 agents
to sort out the whole flight. I still cannot get any information about my checked luggage which
was sealed on the failed plane and we were told ' take up compensation with customer services'
without being given any info re 'phone numbers'. I know that they cannot legislate for engine
problems but their organisation was woeful. I would not recommend them.
Icelandair review by Craig Meyers
4 June 2005
JFK-KEF, KEF-GLA, CDG-KEF-JFK. It was my first time flying Icelandair and I have no major complaints. The price was right as the total price
for all flights was only $701 Cdn return. Flight crew were pleasant and helpful. Aircraft were
clean. The only thing I do not like is flying 757's which comprise the Icelandair fleet. The 3x3
configuration can be cramped. However, I did find that there was adequate leg room as I am of
average height. The food was typical airline fare with the usual chicken or fish choice. In flight
entertainment was somewhat dated as they showed some old 1980s genre videos.
This was my first time flying Icelandair and overall it was a good experience. From the US it is
the only way to get to Iceland direct so it is a monopoly. However, I do recommend Icelandair and
would not hesitate to fly with them again, even if there was a choice.
Icelandair review by Marybeth Richards
4 June 2005
LHR-KEF return in early May - FI's new handling agent at LHR is Air France Services Limited, and
they certainly need to do a better job. The gate for the departing flight wasn't announced until
about 15 minutes before scheduled departure, with a full flight, so the flight was 30 minutes late
leaving the gate (the horrible gate 15 at T2). One person was checking boarding passes/passports at
the gate, with other staff walking around looking dazed - there is room for a second desk to be set
up to speed this process, but when I suggested it, the ground crew member said 'this is what we
always do!', and continued to look dazed. The AFSL people showed no interest in moving pax through
the gate to clear the bottleneck at the entrance - very poor showing.
Service in-flight surprisingly slow (not the norm on FI); I was expecting the usual meal of chicken
with potatoes and veg, but got some horrid box with a wee chicken cutlet and some rice dish that was
half tepid and half boiling - awful. 35 minutes late in arriving at KEF, to find the Landsbannki
desk closed (couldn't change money, and not really FI's fault), and a wait of at least 25 minutes
for any luggage to appear - even though ours was the last arriving flight of the night.
All of these things were very unusual for FI, and I'm happy to say that the return flight was much
better, completely up to FI's usual high standards - flight full but comfortable, same breakfast as
every other morning flight, very pleasant and efficient crew.
Flights from T1 were much better than T2, and perhaps it is difficult for an airline to have too
much control over a handling agent - but surely FI can do better than AFSL. The efficient
operations at KEF should be offered as an example to the dithering ground agents at LHR.
Icelandair review by S Nana
28 April 2005
MSP-KEF-BWI last week in Economy. Both flights were empty so I got my own row. Seat
pitch was an acceptable 31". One the way out the 75-200 had TV monitors, the return -200 had the
smaller screens. Food was better than average and enough for a 5-6 hour flight. Chicken or Pasta on
the way out. Fish or Chicken on the way back. Drink service was minimal, only two trips...once
before dinner and once at dinner. That said, the flight attendents did come out when passengers hit
their request button later in the flight. There is a charge for any drink outside of water, coffee
or tea. Flight crew was friendly and KEF is a clean, efficient airport. An excellent option if you
have to make a connection to a destination FL flies to.
Icelandair review by Eilean Burgess
24 April 2005
Enjoyed my round trip to BWI from Glasgow - next time hopefully will stop off at the Blue Lagoon.
Full flights - good seating - meals fine - FL attendants helpful and friendly. Will be my first
choice next year! Loved the airport at KEF! The modern airy feel to it even on a busy morning was a
welcome change from larger air hubs!
Icelandair review by Andreas Kastrisios
21 March 2005
Icelandair on the CPH-KEF-CPH route last week. What a great way to start your holiday in
Europe's "hottest" destination (in spite of what the name of the country implies)! Caring and
responsive cabin staff, always smiling, always so helpful. Iceland's flag carrier was far better
than expected: punctuality, interesting in-flight entertainment, tasty, hot meals (small portions
though), adequate seat pitch, fast check-in and they always ask you about your seat preference.
Thumbs up and full marks for Iceland and Icelandair!
Icelandair review by Padraig O'Shaughnessy
21 March 2005
Very good indeed - my first time on board
Icelandair. It is very Scandinavian in its sense of cosiness, nice
blue cabin, friendly and caring cabin crew, good food and top on time departure and landing. Wide choice of English
newspapers, and that sense of hospitality, I encountered everywhere in Iceland.
May be a cold country airline, but certainly among the warmest staff I ever
dealt with. Love it and
will definitely fly with them again.
Icelandair review by Marybeth Richards
15 February 2005
A note about Icelandair catering that A Osbourne might find amusing (or not). I've flown several
times with them; once from JFK and twice from LHR (all return to KEF) since 2000 - each and every
flight has had identical meals for dinner and for breakfast - a chicken Kiev type of thing, and a
fry-up for breakfast with cooked but pallid potatoes. I'm flying with them in May from LHR, and am
willing to bet I'll eat the same meals then.
I figure that the LHR-KEF flights are fairly short, the coffee is superb, and I get to fly to one of
my favourite places, so it's well worth the repetition.
Icelandair review by A Osbourne
11 February 2005
LHR-KEF-BOS and back on Iceland Air a week or so ago, the flight a freebie thanks to a promotion on
a case of wine.
Having arrived at Heathrow in good time, I found check-in at Heathrow was quick and easy. For the
LON-KEF leg, the plane was relatively full, even so it did not feel cramped compared to some
transatlantic flights I've taken over the years. Changing planes at KEF was easy and after around an
hour I was on my way to Boston on an relatively empty plane where I had a row of seats to myself,
something I got on both legs of my return flight.
On all the flights I found the planes to be clean and the staff polite. In the past I've disliked
flying on B757's as they seemed like cramped narrow tubes. The Icelandic 757s however benefited from
a lower seating density and were a pleasure to fly on. The only issue I can fault them on is my
vegetarian meal, they gave me the same thing for breakfast as they had for dinner on the return leg!
How would I rate Icelandic air on the transatlantic routes? Having flown with a variety of British
and American carriers across the Atlantic in recent years I'd place it behind BA and Virgin but
ahead of any American carrier if one is flying in economy class. BA and Virgin of-course tend to be
more expensive than Icelandic, but they offer direct flights and toys such as back of seat tvs. If
however your destination in the US will require you to change planes anyway and Icelandic fly there,
I would pick Icelandic over the likes of Northwest or the risable Delta any time.
Icelandair review by S Newlove
15 January 2005
LHR-KEFand KEF-BOS.
We found a cheap flight on Travelocity for this route and used it as an opportunity to have a brief
look at Rekjavik while on our way to the US.
Check in at Heathrow was OK because we were there early - the line got really long behind us and
only 2 staff checking in economy. Flight to Reykjavik was not full so we had a 3 seats to
ourselves. Inflight service fine - small meal and drinks. Only a short (3 hour) flight. Landed in
Reykjavik slightly late into the freezing cold but the bus to take us into town was easy to find and
baggage didn't take long to come through.
Our flight on to Boston the next day was poor. Began with check in at Reykjavik which we were taken
off to one side and had our bags searched. I don't know why, as we hadn't even checked in at that
stage - maybe this is more a US regulation but we weren't told. The flight was full. Spent ages
trying to get our headphones to work and looking around, noticed a few people looking frustrated
too. Eventually heard from word of mouth that the in flight entertained on one side of the plane
(our side) wasn't working. There wasn't any sort of announcement about this and the only way most
of us heard about it was from others around us. Very indifferent attitude from the staff.
Frustrating to have the movie played (a movie I was looking forward to seeing!) and not being able
to hear it. Meal & drinks all fine, nothing special. Arrival at Boston was the best thing about
this flight!
Woudn't be in a hurry to fly with Iceland Air again, unless I wanted to go to Iceland again and see
it in more detail - although I'd consider flying budget airline Iceland Express.
Icelandair review by Henk Scholte
20 December 2004
Minneapolis - Amsterdam and return. Smooth flights, clean aircraft and a hot meal on each flight.
The price was right !
Icelandair review by Peter Elk
11 September 2004
I flew Icelandair from New York/JFK to Helsinki via KEF and back in late July. The legroom was poor,
and the flight entertainment system was out of order on two flights out of four. I got the
impression that some of their fleet was really old. All beverages, even non-alcoholic ones, cost.
Water was available free of charge, but so sparsely that I felt dehydrated.
Would not fly Icelandair again, unless I wanted to make a stopover in Iceland, which looked very
nice.
Icelandair review by Andy Baker
3 September 2004
I flew Icelandair LHR-KEF-LHR in April this year and thought they were a really nice airline. Their
757's were immaculate and well maintained and felt very "safe". The inflight entertainment wasn't
bad either and was nice to have on a 2.5 hour European flight. The flight attendants were very
pleasant too. It was also nice to be served a hot meal - something that you don't seem to get very
often these days - even if it was Chicken Kiev on both flights! I wouldn't have any problem flying
with them again, especially as they're offering good deals these days...and Iceland is a FANTASTIC
country to visit!
Icelandair review by Barry Thomas
27 August 2004
London Heathrow to Boston and return.
Delayed flight outbound to Iceland. Vegetarian food ordered online when booking, did not
materialise (on any flight). Arrived Keflavik with few minutes to spare to catch Boston flight.
Boston bound flight had broken video monitor; basic entertainment set up. Plate of fruit for meal.
Completed form requesting veggie food on return flight; handed to stewardess.
Boston to Keflavik - still no veggie food (two weeks later). No alternative offered. Had one bread
roll on whole journey back. Staff seem to show no initiative at all. On this night flight they
even ran out of blankets! Cabin staff did not return to you after requests were made.
Paid £490+ each return for this flight so will not be recommending this company to family and
colleagues. Very disappointed. Will probably give Iceland a miss in future as well. The overall
service was rather poor.
Icelandair review by G L Legg
27 August 2004
Business Class Glasgow = Orlando return.
The check in was quick and efficient - lounges used by Icelandair were also good. The aircraft
on all sectors were immaculately clean - meals were as good as any of the majors I have
travelled in business class - good choices and the catch of the day was
especially good.
However the business class seating was not up to standard for a long haul flights - each of the four
aircraft we travelled on had different types of seats - hardly reclined and on one plane there
was no foot rest at all . I will fly with this airline on transatlantic routes, as the 757 used are obviously very
well maintained and one feels extremely safe - its as good as any airline flying
Icelandair review by D Bilbija
18 August 2004
Round trip AMS-KFL on very old, but well maintained 757-200. Both flights on time. Plane could be
cleaner. Legroom acceptable. IFE poor - same film showed in both flight. Meals very small + drinks
to buy. Biggest disappointment was the ground service - long queues for check-in (and probably
therefore very unfriendly stuff). Baggage took ages to arrive. In total, not unpleasant experience,
but next time I would choose other airline to fly to Iceland.
Icelandair review by C Hondsen
11 August 2004
Round trip economy JFK-AMS via KEF. Icelandair markets itself as a cheaper alternative and the cost
cutting is clear - necessary to pay for all drinks including soft drinks, no choice of meals and very
very small portions. All said and done, it wasn't bad. Flights on time and planes clean. Bags took
an age to come out though - well over an hour in both Amsterdam and Kennedy after clearing
immigration. In conclusion - don't expect much and you won't be disappointed!
Icelandair review by Mike Stringer
22 April 2004
I flew LHR-KEF-LHR over Easter weekend. The service and flight were
fine, legroom on the plane was good. Icelandair staff seemed a bit
impersonal but I put that down to being Icelandic. At Keflavik for the
flight home however the check-in staff member was chewing gum, which I
found pretty disgusting really. I also couldn't fathom why the flight
had to leave from Gate 29 (about as far away as you can get) when there
were only about 5 flights that afternoon total.
Icelandair review by James Wallace
28 March 2004
Icelandair from MCO to LHR with a stopover in Iceland for four days during March, 2004, and
only paid $428 in economy. The flight was very relaxing and enjoyable, with the fasten seat belt
sign being turned off two minutes after takeoff. Your pay for all drinks except water,
coffee and tea, but many people made their own drinks in the bathroom and carried them on. At one
point, I counted 25 people standing on the plane, stretching their legs and talking to those around
them. It reminded me of flying before 911. You would not see this on US. plane. The flight
entertainment consisted of only one movie, and ended two hours before the end of the flight. The
hot meal was free and good if your hungry.
Icelandair review by Kevin Leung
12 February 2004
05/02/04 Outbound BOS-KEF-LHR. Check-in was very fast as no one was waiting there. Security check
was a nightmare at Terminal E that night. Boarding was started 30 mins before take off. BOS-KEF was
just 40% load, so almost everyone can have a row for sleep. I was assigned for the mid-craft exit
row with three seats for myself. The 757-200 was old but with well maintained. The meal was chicken
with rice, tasty and good portion. All soft drinks charged USD 1 but water, coffee and tea are all
complimentary. The flight arrived KEF on time and no difficulty for transfer because I got 2 hours
more and the terminal is small. Crew were great on this leg, efficient and smile always. IFE was
poor, old TV and music programs.
KEF-LHR was 70% load. I slept over and missed the breakfast. We were 45mins late due to deicing in
KEF. I think Icelandair can arrange the plane deicing earlier, not the 15mins before take off. FAs
were so excited about the duty free shopping, the cabin became a mall suddenly! Also I hope
Icelandair can get an earlier sopt at LHR so transit passengers do not have to wait in KEF for more
than 2 hours.
08/02/04 Inbound LHR - KEF. The flight was entirely fulled and I was served by the same group of
crews from my BOS-KEF. Good and efficient crews though. The flight was on time and everything went
smoothly for this leg.
On 09/02/04 I did my last leg from KEF-BOS. A new 757-300, much better than the 757-200 before.
Great details for the inflight information. Because I need to transfer for my Toronto flight, so I
did not checked my luggage and requested an exit row seat, 9C. So I can deplane immediately and then
ran to Terminal C for my AC flight. The flight was 60% load and everything very pleasant.
Generally speaking, Icelandair offers great value of money. If they can fixed the 2 hours transit
time in KEF for LHR morning flight, I will use them again and again!
Icelandair review by Brian Jensen
8 February 2004
CPH-GVA-CPH on Icelandair 757-200. Flights were uneventful besides a 20 min. delay on the GVA-CPH
leg. In-flight service was efficient, but it was impossible to catch a smile from the FA's. The
outbound meal was a miserable pasta dish, not very tasty and nothing to look at either. The inbound
meal was very tasty meatballs danish style and potato salad. Very nice indeed! The fare paid was
very low, and because of that, I feel I got my moneys worth. Would definitely use Icelandair again.
Icelandair review by Ramon Fretz
25 January 2004
I have flown Icelandair repeatedly and can only tell positive stories. This week I flew CPH-KEF and
KEF-OSL on Icelandair in Business Class. Departures were on-time, inflight service very attentive,
from the moment of boarding until deplaning. The food was good, the choice of beverages too. I can
recommend FI in both classes.
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