Assessment of Icelandair by Gregory Borchert
Icelandair, the popular airline for transatlantic journeys, has received a mixed bag of reviews from a recent passenger who embarked on a round trip from Denver to Europe. The journey, spanning eight legs with connections in Reykjavik, provided a comprehensive insight into the airline's service offerings.
The check-in and boarding process was noted as an area needing improvement. Some passengers found this process less smooth than expected, with room for better organization and efficiency. The seat and cabin space was another concern, with passengers reporting the cabin to be somewhat cramped, and older planes contributing to discomfort. Legroom and seat comfort were mentioned as below expectations, especially when seats reclined, which affected personal space.
However, not all aspects of the flight were met with criticism. The in-flight staff of Icelandair was praised for their excellent, professional, polite, and friendly demeanour. Meal and beverage services generally received positive remarks, with food and drinks described as good, and Saga premium seats offering a satisfactory meal experience.
Customer service received mixed reviews. While some passengers praised the in-flight staff, other reviews mentioned issues with carry-on baggage fees charged unfairly and inflexible ticket policies, causing frustration. The in-flight entertainment system was criticized for lacking proper equipment such as headphones and Bluetooth connectivity, making the viewing of free movies inconvenient.
Specific issues with baggage handling arose, especially regarding carry-on baggage fees. One passenger was forced to pay an $86 fee for a TSA-approved, standard-sized carry-on, which was perceived as harassment.
Value for money opinions were mixed. Some considered the flights worth it for the service and food quality, while others were dissatisfied due to unexpected fees, older planes, and poor cabin conditions.
In conclusion, Icelandair’s service on this route offers some strengths, especially in in-flight staff professionalism and food quality, but is hampered by less comfortable seating, problematic baggage policy, and suboptimal check-in and entertainment experiences. The passenger's overall experience was somewhat positive, but improvements are needed in certain areas to enhance the flying experience for passengers.
The passenger's travel experience with Icelandair, despite the check-in and boarding process being less smooth than expected, was somewhat positive due to the excellent service provided by the in-flight staff and the satisfactory meal experience in the Saga premium seats. However, the lack of proper headphones and Bluetooth connectivity for the in-flight entertainment system, along with issues such as baggage fees and poorly organized check-in processes, can negatively impact one's lifestyle and overall experience while traveling with Icelandair.
