MCI-KEF 3x/wk begins 26 May 2018 (seasonal)
Jan 9, 2018, 4:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 154
MCI-KEF 3x/wk begins 26 May 2018 (seasonal)
"nonstop transatlantic service" (sort of) on Icelandair begins May 25th (every other day, seasonally) on a 2-class 757-200:
"Flight FI840 departs Kansas City International Airport at 5:15 p.m. (CDT) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and arrives at KEF at 5:05 a.m. (GMT).... Flight FI841 departs Keflavik International Airport at 6:00 p.m. (GMT) on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays and arrives in Kansas City at 8:45 p.m. (CDT)"
Source: Kansas City International Airport
"Flight FI840 departs Kansas City International Airport at 5:15 p.m. (CDT) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and arrives at KEF at 5:05 a.m. (GMT).... Flight FI841 departs Keflavik International Airport at 6:00 p.m. (GMT) on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays and arrives in Kansas City at 8:45 p.m. (CDT)"
Source: Kansas City International Airport
Jan 10, 2018, 10:30 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284
Lived here in KC all my life. Booked economy with my wife on inaugural MCI-KEF flight for a 3-day memorial day weekend trip.
As note, this is the first intl overseas service in the history of MCI.
As note, this is the first intl overseas service in the history of MCI.
May 27, 2018, 1:46 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
FI launched the outbound service to KEF yesterday and it was quite a celebration at MCI! I flew the inbound inaugural on Friday with a few friends and it was easily one of the best flights I've taken in a long time. FI used Hekla Aurora for both flights. The crew was terrific and offered a champagne toast, customized luggage tags, macaroon's, chocolate ice cream bars and Icelandic candies.
May 29, 2018, 12:38 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
May 30, 2018, 10:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284
Here are some pictures from the inaugural MCI-KEF flight. We did get the corresponding luggage tag from the FI staff but I can't find it for a picture right at the moment. Flight was essentially full. The return flight on Tuesday had ~30 passengers, many of whom were the special people from this flight (aviation dept, news crews).
KC Mayor, KC Aviation Director, KC Deputy Aviation Director, FI CEO, Iceland Ambassador to US were all present as well as 3 TV news crews (4, 9, 41). Channel 4 went on the flight and reported for a few days and returned on Tuesday.
Northern Lights Cake
Q39 BBQ served up fresh
CEO of IcelandAir being interviewed by local KC TV station
Iceland's ambassador to the US and former prime minister Geir Haarde speaking.
Ribbon cutting by the pilot with all dignitaries present.
Complimentary tote bag, water bottle, and poster voucher from the KC aviation department. Given just before the jetway.
Hekla Aurora parked at Gate 89, viewed from just before the jetway.
Inaugural water spray from the fire trucks
Complimentary water and one-time complimentary sparkling wine served on inaugural flight.
Hamburgers available for purchase on board, $17. Actual meat though.
KC Mayor, KC Aviation Director, KC Deputy Aviation Director, FI CEO, Iceland Ambassador to US were all present as well as 3 TV news crews (4, 9, 41). Channel 4 went on the flight and reported for a few days and returned on Tuesday.
Northern Lights Cake
Q39 BBQ served up fresh
CEO of IcelandAir being interviewed by local KC TV station
Iceland's ambassador to the US and former prime minister Geir Haarde speaking.
Ribbon cutting by the pilot with all dignitaries present.
Complimentary tote bag, water bottle, and poster voucher from the KC aviation department. Given just before the jetway.
Hekla Aurora parked at Gate 89, viewed from just before the jetway.
Inaugural water spray from the fire trucks
Complimentary water and one-time complimentary sparkling wine served on inaugural flight.
Hamburgers available for purchase on board, $17. Actual meat though.
May 31, 2018, 5:14 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Very sorry we didn’t catch up. I came back on Saturday for the pre departure party and had a great time (and enjoyed the Q39). Shoot me a PM so you can join the rest of us locals next time for a meal or drinks.