Onwards to the 'main course' of the trip, which is Iceland! Headed back to Heathrow Terminal 2 for the evening flight up to Reykjavik. Terminal 2 is the dedicated Star Alliance terminal, with a few other non-alliance airlines using the terminal as well. Luckily, Icelandair is not affiliated with Star Alliance, as the Economy check-in queues for the common Star Alliance self-check-in machines were snaking long! Icelandair has its own dedicated check-in desks at the center of the terminal.
Check in was fast and boarding pass issued. Surprisingly there were no queues even though the flight was totally full. This flight would be on Icelandair's economy class, as my bid-upgrade failed to go through (Saga Class was totally full too!).
Even though the check-in area was crowded with the summer holiday crowds, security was painless and we were through into the departure hall in no time. As expected, it was pretty busy inside.
Headed to the Plaza Premium Lounge to grab a light dinner. Being the only 3rd-party lounge in Terminal 2, it was busy and overcrowded, with most seats taken. At least there were some hot food at the buffet, though it was very average. A far cry from the peace and calm when I visited a couple of years back when it was just opened.
Left the lounge early and headed to the gate, which would be at the satellite terminal and requiring a lengthy walk. The usual Star Alliance aircraft and our B757 could be spotted at the satellite terminal.
Some plane spotting of the long-haul aircraft of the Star Alliance airlines.
Our B757-200 being prepared for the flight, with a BA Whale taxiing past. It has been a long, long while since I have flown on a B757. Seldom do we see this aircraft type in South-east Asia as well.
06 August 2019
Icelandair
FI 455
London Heathrow (LHR) - Keflavik Reykjavik (KEF)
B757-200
TF-FIP
Economy Class
Flight Time: 2H31M
Boarding commenced rather early.
"Snaefell" is the name of our aircraft.
Economy on the B757 is in a 3-3 configuration, with the first few rows designated as extra-legroom seats. All of the leather-cladded seats are fitted with individual IFE touchscreen monitors.
Interesting headrest designs explaining different Icelandic terms.
Boarding in progress. It was a totally full flight.
Legroom was very decent.
The reading materials.
The airsick bag is certainly a collectible!
Icelandair's network. Reykjavik is the hub between North America and Europe, which Icelandair leveraging on this hub for their network strategy flying pax between both continents.
Pillows and blankets are available upon request. I got myself a wooly and comfortable blanket.
View out the window with the last bags being loaded up.
Doors were closed ahead of schedule and safety video was played.
The IFE system was activated after the safety video was shown. Icelandair operates as a hybrid-carrier, with certain frills such as blankets, IFE and non-alcoholic drinks offered free-of-charge, but meals, luggage and earphones would have to be paid for separately. So bring your own headphones when flying in economy.
Pushback
Despite it being a short distance from the departure runway, the taxi was lengthy due to the queue of departure aircraft. Nothing unexpected at Heathrow.
Took the time to browse through the IFE system. Though nowhere near the best out there, it was a pretty decent system for the length of flights which FI flies. There was a selection of movies, including a few new releases, short features, music albums, obligatory flight map and more. The screen is of very good resolution as well, with a USB port beside the screen. I believe there are power sockets under the seats as well.
Finally we reached the runway and departed from Rwy27R for the 2.5hrs flight to Iceland. Boy, is the B757 noisy compared to the newer generation of aircraft.
We would be chasing, and catching up with the sunset for the entire flight.
Taking a look at the buy-onboard menu.
Service started with the delivery of pre-ordered meal boxes (not many that I saw), followed by a round of beverage service and the BOB service.
Having had a bite at the lounge, I just opted for a cup of hot tea. Non-alcoholic beverages are free-of-charge.
Taking at a look at our current location. I then while the flight away on some music albums using my own SQ economy earphones (finally put into good use!).
Chasing the sunset
Visit to the retro-looking lavatory. Just the basic amenities inside.
View of the fully-packed cabin. Water and juices were served again prior to our descent into Iceland. Crew were generally friendly and efficient, no complaints.
30min to Iceland
Starting the descent. We had caught up with the sunset and it actually got brighter nearer to Iceland.
Approach and landing into Keflavik Rwy19 ahead of schedule.
Parked at the gate. I believed the titleless A320 at the gate beside is an Icelandair-leased aircraft to cover for the grounded B737Max.
Disembarked.
Got our bags and headed to town via the Flybus airport bus.
After an hour on the road, we reached out hotel. Would be staying at Skuggi Hotel for the next 4 nights. The room, though not too big, was clean, modern and comfortable.
The included buffet breakfast was a great way to start the morning prior to our full-day tours.
At a pitstop, bought 2 of Iceland's favourite brands, an Orange Fanta-like soda and rich skyr yoghurt.
First stop is Thingvellir, technically where Americas and European tectonic plates split.
Thingvellir sights and scenery
On to the next stop.
Quick lunch stop
Before visiting the Geysir. Little Geysir on the path in.
With daddy Geysir spouting every 5min further in.
Icelandic horses are so friendly and cute!
Last stop of the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss, a beautiful and grand waterfall.
The falls are really grand.
Back to Reykjavik, and proceeded to the Blue Lagoon to soak the tiredness away.
Scenery and landscape around the Blue Lagoon was also enchanting.
It was an early start the next day as we proceeded to the sights along the Southern Coast.
Mars-looking landscape and ice-capped glaciers.
Along Diamond Beach
The real highlight of the Southern Coast is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Really a sight to behold and certainly worth a visit!
Took a tour boat out into the lagoon to get up close to the icebergs.
You can get a feel and taste of pure glacier ice!
Grabbed a yummy lobster roll at a roadside stall at the lagoon.
More glaciers along the road back towards Reykjavik.
Black sand beach at the town of Vik.
Scenery along the way
Last stop of the South Coast tour is Seljalandsfoss. Another beautiful waterfall, which you can walk behind it as well.
Back to Reykjavik and a hearty dinner at Old Iceland Restaurant, a popular restaurant near my hotel. Prices of meals are not cheap in Iceland, but at least quality is assured at the more popular restaurants. Our starters (soup and salmon)and mains of Icelandic lamb and fish were all very well prepared and tasty.
Another huge breakfast before setting out to explore the city of Reykjavik.
The most happening street of Reykjavik, with restaurants, bars, tourist shops and more.
Exploring the streets of Reykjavik
Delicious cinnamon pastries from Braud&Co.
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Tried the Icelandic hotdog. Tasted pretty normal to me.
It was the start of Pride Week in Reykjavik.
Colourful streets
Cheeky signage outside an eatery.
Breathe more Icelandic air! They are selling it for S$5 per breath!
Warming lobster soup and grilled cod at Saegreifinn Restaurant along the harbour.
Hofdi House, a historical landmark.
Old vs spanking new
Along the shore walk.
Sun Voyager sculpture
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Another fresh and tasty Icelandic cuisine at Reykjavik Kitchen. Always order the Icelandic Lamb!
Wrapping up the day with yummy ice cream from Valdis.
