For an airport without much lounge competition, I really enjoyed the Icelandair Saga Lounge in Keflavík.
Icelandair Saga Lounge Access + Hours
You’ll find the lounge in the center of the airport on the upper level before passport control (in the Schengen Area).
The lounge is open daily from 5:30AM until 5:30PM during the winter season. From May 15th – September 17th, the lounges is open from 5:00AM to 8:30PM.
As the only premium lounge in KEF, airlines use this for business class travelers. Certain Icelandic-based credit card holders also receive access. Finally, Alaska MVP Gold cardholders receive access when flying Icelandair and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members receive access when flying on a oneworld carrier. In terms of Star Alliance, only Lufthansa Senator and HON members receive access as well as business class passengers on Lufthansa and United. Note that SAS Premium travelers do not receive access.
Here is a complete list (.pdf) with all who have access.
Icelandair Saga Lounge Seating
The lounge is 14,530 square feet, providing plenty of space. Although the lounge got a bit crowded ahead of the bank of U.S. departures in the mid-afternoon, you should never have a problem finding a seat.
I loved the Nordic design including a fireplace and natural woodwork in many of the chairs and couches.
Icelandair Saga Lounge Food + Drink
Once again, I was impressed. I had enjoyed a couple great coffees in Reykjavík during my long layover, but enjoyed a very tasty lunch in the lounge. Flatbread with smoked lamb and chicken meatballs anyone? And the salad filled with berries was fabulous. There were also sandwiches, cheese, hot soup, and pastries. I arrived from Copenhagen early and the breakfast spread included eggs and pastries.
Coffee, tea, juice, water, soft drinks, and self-serve alcohol were also available.
The buffet was kept clean and constantly re-stocked.
Icelandair Saga Lounge Lockers
I took advantage of the lockers during my long layover, leaving my bag when I went into town. Ask for a key at the front desk. The lockers are directly across from reception.
> Read More: A Jam-Packed Layover In Reykjavík
Icelandair Saga Lounge Restroom + Showers
Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, as well as showers. The showers are stocked with amenities from the Blue Lagoon.
Icelandair Saga Lounge Kid’s Play Area
Check out the big toy horses in the kid’s play area!
CONCLUSION
Overall, I was quite pleased with this lounge and look forward to returning. It’s a nice place to wait before your flight, espceailly on a cold gray day.
And I almost forgot to mention: if you’re a planespotter, you’ll love the views from the lounge:
This lounge is great! However, I can’t imagine I’m the only one who gets stressed when the lounge is before passport control / security? It’s especially frustrating at KEF in the summer months, when the crowds in the terminal (post immigration and security) are just too large. You end up clearing immigration early and are stuck in a pretty dumpy overcrowded terminal, or you rush to the gate. Not a premium experience!
Closes at 5.30pm, because no Icelandair flights, though there are other flights leaving. Boarding Card reads invitation to lounge, but no words that you actually cannot get in. No info at lounge that it is closed. At info desk no one working. Walked around for long time to find a Security guy, who told it’s closed. Other confused people wondering why The lounge is not open. Please ban all Icelandair Travellers from other lounges after 5.30pm. Waiting area by Gate has no electricity plugs. What a backwards AirPort and service.