Are you planning a trip with Icelandair and want to make your journey even more comfortable? Icelandair upgrades come in a range of options. Whether you’re looking for more legroom, access to premium lounges, increased baggage allowance, priority boarding, check-in, etc., an upgrade may just be what you’re looking for. This blog explores the different upgrade options available on Icelandair flights. We’ll discuss the benefits of each upgrade and how you can easily book them for your upcoming trip. So keep reading!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to fly in luxury without breaking the bank? An Icelandair upgrade has the power to provide you with the comfort and perks of Business Class often at highly reduced prices. This section explains in a nutshell how Icelandair upgrades work, the different ways to apply for an upgrade, how to upgrade on Icelandair, and more.
Note. You’re allowed to purchase up to 150,000 Saga Points in a single calendar year, subject to a limit of 100,000 Points per transaction.
You can upgrade an Icelandair flight ticket by:
If your flight qualifies for bid upgrades, you’ll receive an email 10 days prior to your flight. The email will contain a link through which you can bid to upgrade your seat, such as from Economy Class to Saga Premium. To check your eligibility, enter your last name and booking reference number on the Class Up page. Alternatively, go to the homepage (Icelandair.com), select Manage booking, and enter the above information.
If you’re eligible to bid for an upgrade on Icelandair’s upgrade auction:
Icelandair’s upgrade offer (invitation to bid) may include multiple flight segments. This allows you to submit a different bid for each flight segment.
Eligibility to Bid for Class Up Upgrades
How to Bid for an Upgrade on Class Up?
Bidding for an upgrade through Icelandair’s Class Up program is a great way to elevate your travel experience. When bidding for a Class Up upgrade, remember the points below:
Note. You will be informed about your bid separately for each flight segment you bid on at least 26 hours before departure. However, for flights departing from Keflavik International Airport, you will be informed at least 3 hours before departure.
Note. If you’re re-accommodated on another flight operated by Icelandair, the airline will transfer your upgrade to the new flight if upgraded seats are available on the new flight.
When it comes to bidding for an upgrade on Icelandair, the price you should bid on will depend on a few factors. Firstly, consider the class you are currently booked in and the class you wish to upgrade to. The price difference between these two classes can give you a starting point for your bid. Additionally, take into account the current demand for upgrades on your specific flight. If there are limited seats available for upgrades, you may need to bid higher in order to secure one. Lastly, consider how much the upgrade is worth to you personally. Are you willing to pay a premium for added comfort and amenities? Once you have considered these factors, you can make an informed decision about how much to bid for your Icelandair upgrade.
All of Icelandair’s aircraft offer Saga Premium seats in a 2 x 2 configuration, other than 767s which offer 2 x 1 x 2 configurations. Located at the front of the cabin, the total number of Saga Premium seats will vary by aircraft. However, each seat offers 101.6cm/40in of legroom and 50cm/20.5in of seat width. Although Saga Premium seats are not fully lie-flat, they offer more recline than Economy Class seats, are wider, and provide more legroom.
Some of the key benefits of Saga Premium class include:
Saga Class Meals. Icelandair’s Saga Class meals comprise a 3-course meal service prepared during flights on routes from/to North America. The meals include an appetizer, a main cooked dish, and a dessert. Plus, you get to enjoy a range of snacks on demand, in addition to Icelandic chocolates (incl. local chocolatey, crunchy candy bars).
Depending on your route and when you’re travelling, upgrading to Business Class (i.e., Saga Premium) can cost you USD 600 – 1,000 more than an Economy Class fare. The upgrade cost during high summer seasons is higher than during winter seasons and periods between peak and offseasons (known as shoulder seasons), although the latter is fast growing in popularity.
How many miles do I need to upgrade to Icelandair Business Class for free? The number of miles you need to get a free upgrade to Business Class/Saga Premium is 40,000 tier credits (within a 12-month period) for Saga Silver status and 80,000 tier credits (within a 12-month period) to reach Saga Gold status.
How many Saga Points do I need for an upgrade on Icelandair? The number of Saga Points you’ll need to upgrade to Icelandair’s Business Class/Saga Premium on a one-way trip will depend on your route, as shown in the table below.
Route (One-Way*) | Saga Points to Upgrade (Economy Flex to Saga Premium) |
Between Europe and Iceland | 20K |
Between North America and Iceland | 53K |
Between North America and Europe | 73K |
⭑ For round-trip upgrades, multiply the Saga Points above by 2. Note – Only Icelandair tickets starting with 108 qualify for an upgrade with Saga Points. – Upgrades with Saga Points are subject to a per-passenger booking fee of ISK 3,600. – You cannot: • Upgrade with Saga Points at the airport check-in desk. • Convert an upgrade back into Saga Points. – No child discounts apply for class upgrades. – If you don’t have enough Saga Points, you can purchase up to 150,000 points per member in a single calendar year, subject to A maximum of 100,000 Saga Points per transaction. |
Icelandair does not offer a First-Class upgrade option for its passengers. While the airline provides a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience in all classes, including Economy Comfort and Saga Premium Class (the equivalent of business class), there is no dedicated First-Class cabin available.
Icelandair upgrade to Saga Premium treats you to the closest equivalent of First Class travel. Some of the major benefits of the upgrade include:
The major differences between Icelandair’s Saga Premium and Economy classes are quite clear. Saga Premium offers:
Thinking of upgrading your Icelandair flight experience? This section answers some of your burning questions about Icelandair upgrades, from what they offer to how to snag an upgrade. Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable seat or access to premium amenities, we’ll break it all down for you to help you decide what’s best for you.
You can bid for a seat upgrade on Icelandair using the airline’s Class Up bid-for-upgrade program. The program allows Economy Flex passengers to bid for upgrades for eligible flights. If your seat is eligible for an upgrade via the auction process, you will receive an email within 10 days of your flight inviting you to bid for an upgrade within a given price range. The price range will depend on your route, seat availability, and demand and is roughly USD 300 – 500 per segment (in addition to the fare already paid by you). To place a bid, select your preferred price, enter your credit card details, and wait for the result. If your bid is accepted, your credit card will be automatically charged and you will be notified of the upgrade.
Whether an Icelandair upgrade is worth it or not will depend on your personal preferences and travel needs. Upgrading to a higher class of service can provide you with added comfort, extra legroom, enhanced meal options, priority boarding, access to premium lounges, increased baggage allowance, etc. If you value these amenities and are willing to pay for an elevated travel experience, then upgrading with Icelandair may be worth it for you. However, it is important to consider your budget and the length of your flight before making a decision. If you are on a tight budget or taking a short flight, the benefits of an upgrade may not justify the additional cost. Ultimately, the decision is subjective and depends on your priorities and circumstances.
You can upgrade your ticket with Icelandair by purchasing it outright online or offline with cash/credit card or Saga Points/miles. You can also bid for an upgrade by participating in the airline’s online upgrade auction, Class Up with your credit card, or Saga Points (you’ll be invited to bid if you’re eligible). Alternatively, you may qualify for a complimentary upgrade if you’re an elite member (Silver or Gold).
Icelandair offers various types of upgrades, including upgrading from Economy Class to Economy Comfort or Saga Class, as well as upgrading within Saga Class to enjoy additional perks and amenities.
Yes, Icelandair offers a frequent flyer program called Saga Club, where members can use their Saga Points to upgrade tickets.
Yes, there is usually a fee associated with upgrading your Icelandair ticket. The upgrade fee will depend on your original ticket type and the desired upgrade. However, elite members are entitled to free upgrades, depending on their status. Saga Silver members are entitled to 1 free upgrade per year, whereas Saga Gold members are entitled to unlimited complimentary upgrades.
Yes, if there are any seats available in a higher class, you may be able to request a paid upgrade at the airport (you cannot upgrade with points at the airport). However, it is best to inquire about upgrades in advance for better chances of availability.
In most cases, upgrades cannot be requested or processed after check-in. However, you can request a paid upgrade at the airport check-in desk before completing your check-in process.
When you upgrade your Icelandair ticket, you will earn Saga Points/miles based on the original (but not upgraded) fare class of your ticket.
Upgrade availability on Icelandair flights may vary depending on flight routes and aircraft configurations.
Yes, it is possible to upgrade a ticket booked through a travel agent. However, you should contact your travel agent directly for assistance with the upgrade process. If no help is forthcoming, contact Icelandair for assistance.
No, currently Icelandair only allows upgrades using Saga Points earned through its frequent flyer program, Saga Club. However, you can redeem a partner airline’s miles (such as Alaska Miles) to buy a ticket on Icelandair.
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