First launched in 1984 as Saga Class and now known as Saga Premium, Icelandair is celebrating four decades of a redefined air travel experience. Saga Premium expresses the carrier’s ongoing commitment to comfort, elegance and hospitality.
On Tuesday (April 2, 2024), Icelandair celebrated 40 years of their Saga Premium experience. Originally launched in 1984 as Saga Class, Icelandair started on their journey to redefine air travel with a commitment to comfort, elegance and hospitality, all with a distinctly Icelandic flavor. Saga Premium has set a high standard for premium travel, offering guests a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and the warm and welcoming spirit of Iceland.
Speaking on Saga Premium’s milestone anniversary, Icelandair Crew Member Erna Sigurðardóttir, a 45-year company veteran, said,
“From the moment our passengers step aboard, we strive to sprinkle a little magic into their journey. Some passengers travel for business and need to focus on their work during the flight, while others enjoy the flight itself and relax to the fullest. Our mission is to make sure that our passengers receive a superior service when they fly Saga Premium. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how small gestures, a warm smile, and attention to detail can transform the flying experience. It’s about creating a connection, making our passengers feel comfortable, and showing them the unique Icelandic hospitality.”
Saga Class was launched in 1984 as Icelandair’s response to growing demand for a more luxurious and personalized experience, especially at a time when air travel was becoming increasingly accessible. The goal was to provide guests with a higher level of comfort, service and privacy. From its inception, Saga Class featured a quality onboard dining experience and exclusive service. Soon after launching, wider, more spacious seats were added offering passengers extra legroom, and as the cabin has evolved, Icelandair has adopted new technologies and amenities to further enhance the passenger experience. Now called Saga Premium, Icelandair continues to innovate and refine the elevated inflight experience.
Icelandair's Keflavík Airport Lounge was Completely Renovated in 2017 - Courtesy Icelandair
Over the years, Saga Class, which was rebranded as Saga Premium in 2018, has continued to evolve with the introduction of features such as on-demand inflight entertainment, gourmet dining options, an enhanced beverage menu, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and noise canceling headphones. For North American journeys, guests now enjoy amenity kits with Icelandic features such as local art and wildlife. The customer journey was further enhanced in 1988 with the opening of the Icelandair Saga Lounge at Keflavík airport, offering Saga Premium guests the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and relaxation prior to boarding. The lounge was renovated in 2017, offering guests a renewed and modern environment.
Icelandair's Saga Premium Guests Enjoy an Elevated Inflight Experience - Courtesy Icelandair
Saga Premium customers continue to enjoy an enhanced flying experience today with perks such as a generous baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, access to exclusive airport lounges and a personalized inflight experience. Inspired by Icelandic culinary traditions, the onboard menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a selection of local gins and an ever-changing wine list. Looking to the future, Icelandair remains committed to innovating and enhancing the Saga Premium experience, with plans to introduce new sustainability initiatives, further personalize the service, and incorporate the latest advances in comfort and technology.
Source: Icelandair