If cities like Chicago or Seattle are on your travel bucket list but the idea of being cramped in economy class for hours kept you from visiting, this might be the offer you’ve been waiting for: The flag carrier of Iceland, Icelandair, is selling tickets in Saga Class to America for prices starting at €607 from Stockholm. Travel dates are mostly available during the winter.
The Saga Class is comparable to a premium economy, but with a few business-class extras, such as lounge access during your layover in Reykjavík.
Here are the cheap routes that we were able to find between Stockholm and the United States:
- Chicago: €607 (~SEK 6,704)
- Seattle: €613 (~SEK 6,770)
- Boston: €645 (~SEK 7,124)
- Washington: €645 (~SEK 7,124)
- Minneapolis: €693 (~SEK 7,654)
These tickets are available between November and March, except during December. Our search form can redirect you to Trip.com and to Icelandair’s website. Trip.com is usually the cheaper option, but it’s always a good idea to compare both options before booking.
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Icelandair has a unique business model. They fly passengers back and forth between Europe and the USA, always via their hub in Reykjavík. For these flights, they use reliable Boeing 737, 767, and A321 aircraft. While the 737 & A321 features a 2-2 seating in Saga Class, the 767 sports a 2-1-2 configuration.
Icelandair Saga Class
Even if the airline promotes its Saga Class as a business cabin, it is much closer to what other carriers offer in premium economy. While baggage allowance is very generous (2 x 32kg) and also the catering is included and better than what you’d find in economy class, there are no lie-flat seats.
But it is all about expectation management. Typically, you get what you pay for. And since the price is very low, you can’t expect the whole business class experience. Priority boarding and check-in, free lounge access (only in Reykjavík), complimentary WiFi, and seat reservation make up for the lack of up-to-date seats. At least a little.
Here’s a flight review that’ll give you an idea of what Saga Class is all about: Icelandair Saga Class Reykjavik to New York
Most Europeans need an electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) to enter the USA for up to 90 days. This costs US$21 (~€19) and you should apply for it a couple of days before your trip, at the latest.
There are some cases where you cannot apply for an ESTA, e.g. if you’ve been to Cuba since 2021 or to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, or North Korea since March 2011. In those cases, you’ll need to get a visa from a US embassy or consulate, which can take multiple weeks.
Search & Book
The fare rules don’t mention any major restrictions, but Icelandair’s website states that this sale will end on September 7, 2025. Travelling Saga Class allows you to add a stopover up to a full week in Iceland.
Sadly, Google Flights‘ calendar doesn’t display the correct prices. Only after you’ve selected a date will the prices be updated.
You can book the flights through Icelandair’s landing page, where prices are approx. €25 higher, or though Trip.com.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Adding a Stopover in Iceland
If you wish to use this deal to not only cross the USA but also Iceland off your bucket list, simply select the “Stopover in Iceland” option when searching for your flights.
You can then choose in which direction you want to add the stopover, and how long it should be (up to 7 days).
In the end, your booking should look something like this:
Mileage
It’s not completely clear which booking class Icelandair is issuing these tickets in. Either way, there aren’t many options to credit these flights. Only JetBlue TrueBlue and Alaska Mileage Plan Atmos Rewards should give you roughly 10,000 miles, depending on the exact route.
Destination
Information & Tips for Chicago
Chicago is known for its architecture, museums, and lakefront, with highlights like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Willis Tower. The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and credit cards are widely accepted. Prices can be high, especially for accommodation and dining in central areas, though there are budget options. The weather is variable—summers are warm and humid, winters are cold with snow, and spring and fall are unpredictable, so packing layers is advised.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for Chicago
Information & Tips for Minneapolis
Minneapolis, part of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, is known for attractions like the Chain of Lakes, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and nearby Mall of America. The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), with credit cards widely accepted. Prices are moderate compared to other large U.S. cities, though accommodation and dining can still be costly in central areas. The weather is marked by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, with spring and fall offering milder conditions for outdoor activities.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for Minneapolis
Information & Tips for Seattle
Seattle is known for iconic sights like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the nearby Mount Rainier. The currency used is the U.S. dollar (USD), and credit cards are widely accepted. The general price level is relatively high, especially for dining and accommodation, though there are more affordable options available. The weather is typically mild, with cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. Rain is common during the fall and winter months, while summer is more pleasant and sunny.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for Seattle
Information & Tips for Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C., is home to iconic landmarks like the National Mall, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums. The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and credit cards are widely accepted. The price level can vary—accommodation and dining in tourist-heavy areas can be expensive, while other neighbourhoods offer more budget-friendly options. The weather is characterised by hot, humid summers and cold winters, with spring and fall offering the most pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. The best time to visit is typically in spring or fall when the weather is mild and many attractions are in full bloom.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for Washington D.C.
Information & Tips for Boston
Boston is known for its historic landmarks like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Harvard University across the river in Cambridge. The local currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and prices are relatively high, especially for accommodation and dining. The city has four distinct seasons—winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall are milder and popular times to visit.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for Boston
Cover Picture: © Icelandair
Comments (2)
Thank you for that great offer,
what is the booking class and can i transfer my owned points from the Iceland air saga programm to Finnair? How many points would i receive?
Thank you!
Hi Emil!
You are most certainly welcome. I’ve added the previously missing information about booking class & mileage. According to Icelandair (https://www.icelandair.com/en-gb/frequent-flyer/benefits/earn-points/) you can earn 26.000 Saga Points for a roundtrip between Europe and America. Sadly, Finnair does not seem to credit Icelandair flights in this booking class.
Further, there seems to be no way of transferring existing Saga Points to Finnair Plus.