Iceland Air “Business” (Premium Economy) Class To Europe from $1012 Round Trip

Normally I don’t post business class deals here, as this  is generally a “family” travel-oriented site. But FT reader styleflyer (he also hosts a blog here) posted a pretty good deal on “business class” fares from North America to Europe with Icelandair, and I think it’s worth noting for 2 reasons.  I’ll explain those reasons, but first the prices that I find particularly interesting.

From Seattle

• London $1012

From Boston

• Copenhagen $1180
• Amsterdam $1150
• Dublin $1150

From Washington

• London $1150

From Chicago

• Amsterdam $1050
• Munich $1150

From Vancouver

• London $1270

That’s a lot of options, and there are more available, though with higher prices. Note: these are sometimes repricing on Orbitz/Expedia. Vayama is posting these correctly.

You might be interested in these flights because:

This Is Really Premium Economy…And a Nice One

Icelandair labels their Saga class as “business”, but it’s really very similar to other airlines’ premium economy product. But Icelandair steps up by providing lounge access in Reykjavik as well as myriad outstations, including every airport listed above. No other airline provides lounge access for premium economy transatlantic flights, to the best of my knowledge. Sometimes it’s all in the name.

Also, Icelandair business class never has more than 2 seats in a section. Their 757s have rows of 2-2 seating, and 767s have the bizarre 2-1-2 arrangement. Unlike pretty much all PE configurations, there’s never a middle seat without aisle access.

Iceland Air Saga business class

Icelandair Gives a Free Stopover in Iceland With Your Fare

If you want to make it a true “2 for 1” trip, Icelandair will let you spend a few days in Iceland before continuing to Europe (or back) home for no additional charge. TAP Portugal, Finnair, and now Iberia arethe only other European airlines with this deal, and I consider it a great opportunity to see more on vacation. Granted, Iceland is not known as the cheapest country for drinking and eating, but with views like this, you can splurge a little…especially since the stopping there is no extra cost.

12019/10266 via Pixabay

Note that sometimes these flights include a day-long layover in Reykjavik, meaning you have to spend a little time there anyway. But there are worse problems to have on vacation.

Bonus Reason: Earn Significant Alaska Miles Too

Alaska Air’s earning chart for Icelandair flights

These book into different fare classes with Icelandair, meaning you’ll earn between 125% and 250% of miles flown as award miles with Alaska, and 125% – 150% status miles. That means, for example, a Seattle to London flight could earn between 12,000 and 24,000 redeemable miles with Alaska. That can get you a pretty sweet flight (or two, or 5) domestically…

or even a business class flight across Asia. Not too shabby for flying comfortably to Europe.

Cathay Pacific A330-300 business class cabin. 22,500 Alaska mile across their Asia region

These prices seem good from November to March, generally excluding Christmas and New Years. I can’t guess how long these fares will last, so book sooner rather than later for this opportunity.

(SEE ALSO: Icelandair Chicago to Reykjavik Economy Review)

How to Book

• Follow link for sample dates or search Google Flights for departure and destination. Remember: if these don’t price correctly in Orbitz or Expedia, check Vayama.

Travel Dates

• November – March, generally excluding Christmas and New Year’s
• 2-day stay required

Good luck and happy flying!

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