I flew Icelandair for the first time. My $850 round-trip ticket didn't include snacks, but I would definitely fly with the airline again.

Talia LakritzSep 14, 2023, 20:56 IST

I flew Icelandair, the official airline of Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I flew Icelandair from New York City's JFK Airport to Keflavík International Airport in Iceland.
Iceland's official airline featured touches like Icelandic greetings and menu items.

For my first-ever trip to Iceland, I decided to fly the country's flagship airline, Icelandair.

I encountered a few surprises along the way, including smaller luggage requirements than I was used to. However, I appreciated the airline's punctual service and unique touches, so I'd definitely fly with them again.

Here's what my experience was like.

I boarded my Icelandair flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

The gate for my Icelandair flight.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I ended up having to gate-check my carry-on luggage because it was too large according to Icelandair's baggage-allowance rules.

My oversize carry-on luggage.Talia Lakritz/Insider

As I boarded the plane, I passed rows of Saga Premium seats, Icelandair's version of business class.

Saga Premium seats on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Seats in the economy section, where I was sitting, also featured pillows and blankets.

Economy seats on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

A sign on each seat read "velkomin," which it explained meant "welcome" in Icelandic.

A welcome sign on the seats of Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I felt I had ample leg room, even with my large backpack under my seat.

My seat on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The screen on the back of my seat advertised the Blue Lagoon before playing the safety information video, which got me excited for my visit there.

Screens on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The flight was scheduled to take off at 11:15 p.m., but it actually left 20 minutes early, a rare occurrence at JFK in my experience.

Mood lighting on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

The menu on Icelandair included Icelandic treats like hjónabandssæla, also known as a "happy marriage cake."

The menu on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I tried my best to get some sleep with the help of a melatonin supplement.

Rows of seats on Icelandair.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Before I knew it, we were making our descent into Iceland's Keflavík International Airport.

The view from the window on my Icelandair flight.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I was surprised to find that the flight disembarked directly onto the tarmac, not at a gate inside the airport.

Disembarking from the plane.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I wished that I had packed my winter coat in a more accessible place, but I appreciated that first blast of Icelandic air.

Arriving in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

Despite the small luggage compartments and lack of free snacks, I would definitely fly Icelandair again.