Booking a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice, or perhaps a stopover between Europe and North America? Icelandair is a popular choice for transatlantic travel, but its baggage fees can catch you off guard if you aren’t prepared.
Unlike some major carriers that have standardized rules across the board, Icelandair’s policies shift dramatically depending on where you are flying (International vs. Domestic) and what ticket you bought.
At a Glance: Icelandair Baggage Policy
Your allowance depends entirely on your Class of Service. Here is the quick breakdown for international flights (Europe/North America).
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Carry-On Bag (10kg/22lbs) | Checked Bag (23kg/50lbs) | Checked Bag (32kg/70lbs) |
| Economy Light | 1 Included | 1 Included | 0 Included | 0 Included |
| Economy Standard | 1 Included | 1 Included | 1 Included | 0 Included |
| Economy Flex | 1 Included | 1 Included | 1 Included | 0 Included |
| Saga Premium | 1 Included | 1 Included | 0 Included | 2 Included |
| Saga Premium Flex | 1 Included | 2 Included | 0 Included | 2 Included |
Crucial Warning: If your trip includes a domestic flight within Iceland or to Greenland, your carry-on weight limit drops from 10kg (22lbs) to 6kg (13lbs).
Carry-On Allowance: The Rules Are Strict
Icelandair is known for strictly enforcing carry-on limits. They often use sizers at the gate, and if your bag doesn’t fit, it goes in the hold often for a fee.
1. The Carry-On Bag
For international flights, you are allowed one bag.
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches).
- Weight (International): Max 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Weight (Domestic/Greenland): Max 6 kg (13 lbs).
2. The Personal Item
You also get one smaller personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches).
- Examples: A laptop bag, small backpack, or purse.
- Note: Personal items are not officially included on Domestic/Greenland flights, but standard practice usually allows a small item if the flight isn’t full.
Checked Baggage: Weights and Dimensions
If you need more than a carry-on, here is what you need to know about checking bags.
Standard Dimensions
The total size of your checked bag (Length + Width + Height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). This includes wheels and handles.
Weight Limits by Class
- Economy (Standard/Flex): Your bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Saga Premium: Your bags can weigh up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.
- Economy Light: You have no free checked bag allowance. You must pay to add one.
Baggage Fees: What Happens If You Go Over?
If you bring more bags than your ticket allows, or if your bags are too heavy, you will pay extra.
Pro Tip: Always book extra baggage online or via the call center before you get to the airport. You save 20% off the airport rates by pre-purchasing (up to 3 bags).
Extra Bag Fees (Airport Rates)
Prices are estimated one-way fees based on 2025 rates.
- Iceland ↔ Europe: ~$59 USD
- Iceland ↔ North America: ~$69 USD
- Europe ↔ North America: ~$95 USD
Overweight Fees (Heavy Bags)
If your bag weighs between 23kg (50lbs) and 32kg (70lbs), you will be charged a heavy bag fee.
- Iceland ↔ Europe: ~$50 USD
- Iceland ↔ North America: ~$58 USD
- Europe ↔ North America: ~$80 USD
Note: Bags over 32kg (70lbs) are generally not accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Special Baggage and Exceptions
Traveling with gear or the whole family? Different rules apply.
Infants and Children
Infants (Under 2, no seat)
You can check one bag (up to 23kg) unless the adult is traveling on Economy Light. You also get a stroller, car seat, or carrying basket for free.
Infants do not get a carry-on allowance.
Children (2-11)
They get the same baggage allowance as an adult on the same fare type.
Sports Equipment
You can bring skis, golf clubs, and fishing equipment, but fees usually apply unless they fit within your standard allowance (which is rare due to dimensions).
- Booking: Add these via the “Manage Booking” tab on the website up to 7 days before departure for the best price.
- Hunting Gear: Must be paid for at the airport.
Musical Instruments
- Small instruments: Can count as your carry-on if they fit the 55 x 40 x 20 cm dimensions (e.g., a violin).
- Medium instruments: Can be purchased an extra seat (contact customer service).
- Large instruments: Must be checked as odd-sized baggage.
4 Tips to Save Money on Baggage
Pre-pay Online
Never pay at the check-in desk. The 20% discount for online pre-payment is the easiest way to save money.
Join Saga Club
Saga Silver and Gold members get one extra checked bag free of charge.
Check Partner Rules
If you are connecting to an Icelandair flight from a partner like JetBlue or Alaska Airlines, the rules of the first airline you check in usually apply to the whole journey.
Check their policy first.
Watch the Domestic Limit
If you fly NYC -> Reykjavik -> Akureyri, your carry-on must meet the strict 6kg limit for the domestic leg. Don’t get caught with a 10kg bag on the small plane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a backpack considered a personal item on Icelandair?
Yes, as long as it fits within the dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm and can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Large hiking backpacks will count as your main carry-on.
How strict is Icelandair with carry-on size?
Very strict. Especially at their hub in Keflavik (KEF), staff frequently ask passengers to place bags in the sizer. If the wheels stick out, you will likely have to check it and pay a fee.
Does the Economy Light fare include a checked bag?
No. Economy Light is carry-on only. If you think you might need to check a bag later, it is often cheaper to book Economy Standard upfront than to book Light and add a bag later.
Can I pool my baggage allowance with my family?
Generally, no. Baggage allowances are individual. However, check-in agents may be lenient if the total weight of the group is under the limit, but don’t count on it.
What happens if my flight includes a domestic leg?
The stricter rules apply. If you fly internationally and transfer to a domestic flight, you are restricted to the 6kg carry-on limit for the small aircraft.
Final Thought
Before you pack, check your ticket type, weigh your carry-on, and if you need extra space, buy it online before you leave for the airport.
Check the latest updates on the official Icelandair Baggage Pagebefore you fly.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
