The flight from Chicago to Oslo via Reykjavik was my first time as a passenger with Icelandair in the economy class cabin — and it was also my first time as a passenger aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplane, of which I had no trepidation whatsoever. The entire itinerary incorporated four flight segments that were operated by Icelandair.
My First Time As a Passenger With Icelandair — and The Verdict Is…
Icelandair is the official flag carrier of Iceland. It serves 39 destinations in Europe and North America full time from its hub airports in Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Airport, with 20 additional destinations on a seasonal basis. The airline was established on Thursday, June 3, 1937.
The amount of pitch between rows of seats in the economy class cabin — which is the distance between the back of your seat and the back of the seat in front of you — is between 31 inches and 32 inches; and the width of each seat is 17.2 inches, as disclosed at the official Internet web site of Icelandair. The head rests of the leather seats were separate and adjustable; and the back rest width is 17.2 inches. I had no complaints about the leg room, as I did not feel restricted or confined in my seat, which was reasonably comfortable. Blankets were laid in each seat. Inside the seat pocket was a safety information card for the airplane.
The overhead control unit was equipped with adjustable air vents. The activation of the reading lights required reaching up to the overhead control unit. Interestingly, the life vests are accessible adjacent to the overhead control unit above the seats.
Two beverage services and a water service were provided to passengers during the flight of almost six hours. Meals and snacks are not included in the airfare price, as passengers must pay extra for them. I did not purchase any food items that were for sale.
Sustainability is an important policy of Icelandair. Printed on the paper cup are the words:
Your favorite beverage,
served in a sustainable way.
That’s the spirit of Iceland.
144 seats were in the economy class cabin aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplane. Plenty of room was available in the overhead storage bins.
I had no need to visit the lavatory; so I did not go there to take photographs. Access to Wi-Fi was available aboard the airplane for a fee.
Final Boarding Call
Although the flight was not extraordinary, it was a pleasant experience overall, as virtually everything pertaining to this flight went well — but I did not like that no food at all was included in the price of the airfare. Even Delta Air Lines offers a snack with a beverage on its flights. I would consider flying as a passenger on Icelandair in the future if the price was too good to ignore — but because their flight network is currently rather limited, that will likely not happen.
I am not sure as to the age of the Icelandair airplane on which I was a passenger.
The only question is what happens when things go wrong, which thankfully did not occur with this flight…
All photographs ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
