Icelandair Baggage Allowance: The Ultimate Guide for Passengers

When flying with Icelandair, knowing the baggage rules is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. With different baggage options for carry-on and checked luggage, understanding the airline's Icelandair baggage allowance can help you avoid excess baggage fees and keep your travel organized. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, this guide will provide you with all the essential details regarding Icelandair's baggage policies.

What Is the Icelandair Baggage Allowance?

Icelandair is a popular airline that operates a variety of routes, including both short and long-haul flights. To keep things simple and clear, the Icelandair baggage allowance depends on several factors, including your ticket type, fare class, and destination. This means that each passenger’s baggage allowance might differ, so it’s important to check the rules for your specific flight.

Icelandair divides its baggage policies into two categories: carry-on luggage and checked baggage. Here’s what you need to know about both.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage is typically the first consideration for most passengers. Icelandair provides a standard allowance for carry-on bags, but there are some size and weight restrictions to ensure comfort and safety during the flight.

Carry-On Bag Rules

Allowances: Icelandair passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. The carry-on bag must be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment, and the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.

Weight Limit: The maximum weight allowed for your carry-on bag is 10 kg (22 lbs). If your carry-on bag exceeds this limit, you may be asked to check it in, which could result in additional fees.

Dimensions: To avoid any issues at the gate, ensure your carry-on bag doesn’t exceed the following dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches). The personal item must also be compact enough to fit under the seat.

Additional Carry-On Allowances

Icelandair is generally flexible when it comes to personal items. Besides your carry-on bag, you may carry:

A jacket or blanket

Duty-free items

A small amount of food or beverages purchased at the airport

An umbrella or a walking cane

However, always be mindful of the overall space in the cabin, especially if the flight is full. Keeping your items within the size limits ensures there’s no disruption during boarding.

Checked Baggage

Icelandair’s checked baggage policies differ based on your fare class. Depending on whether you are flying economy or premium, your checked baggage allowance may vary.

Economy Class Baggage

Basic Fare: Passengers traveling with the Basic fare don’t have any checked baggage included in their ticket price. If you’re flying on the Basic fare, you will need to purchase checked baggage separately, and there may be additional fees for each piece of luggage.

Standard Fare: Passengers who choose the Standard fare are allowed 1 piece of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs). This piece of luggage is included in the ticket price, so you don’t need to pay extra unless you exceed the weight or number of bags.

Flex Fare: The Flex fare offers more flexibility, and with this ticket, you are allowed 2 pieces of checked luggage, each with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs). This allows you to pack more without worrying about excess baggage fees.

Saga Premium Class (Business Class)

Passengers traveling in Icelandair’s premium class, known as Saga Premium, have the most generous baggage allowance:

2 pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lbs) each. This is ideal for those traveling with heavier or more bulky items.

Extra Baggage and Charges

If you need to bring more luggage than what is included in your fare, Icelandair allows you to purchase additional baggage allowance. However, be aware that this will incur extra charges.

Extra Piece: If you want to bring more than the allowed number of bags, you can purchase an additional checked bag. The fees for additional bags depend on your destination and route.

Overweight Baggage: If your luggage exceeds the weight limit of 23 kg for economy or 32 kg for Saga Premium, you will be charged an overweight baggage fee. It’s always a good idea to weigh your bags before heading to the airport to avoid these extra costs.

Special Baggage Items

Icelandair accommodates special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with these items:

Sports Equipment: If you're bringing sports equipment like skis, snowboards, golf clubs, or bicycles, Icelandair allows these items to be checked as special baggage. You will need to notify the airline in advance, and some equipment may require extra packaging or additional charges.

Musical Instruments: Musical instruments like guitars, violins, or keyboards can either be brought as part of your carry-on allowance (if they fit within the size limits) or checked as special baggage. For larger instruments, contact Icelandair beforehand to arrange for any special handling.

Pets: Icelandair permits pets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, depending on their size. For pets traveling in the cabin, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs). Larger pets can be checked as cargo.

How to Avoid Extra Charges

Excess baggage fees can quickly add up, so here are some tips to help you avoid unnecessary costs:

Pre-Purchase Extra Baggage: If you know you’ll need additional baggage, it’s often cheaper to purchase it when booking your ticket rather than paying extra at the airport.

Weigh Your Bags: Use a luggage scale before you leave home to ensure your bags are within the weight limits. Many airports also have self-service scales to check your bags.

Pack Efficiently: Use packing cubes, reduce unnecessary items, and organize your luggage to maximize space and minimize weight.

Icelandair Baggage Allowance Summary

Here’s a quick recap of the key details for Icelandair baggage allowance:

Carry-On Baggage: One carry-on bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) and one personal item, with specific size limits (55 x 40 x 23 cm or 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches).

Checked Baggage:

Basic Fare: No checked baggage included (available for purchase).

Standard Fare: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

Flex Fare: 2 pieces of checked baggage, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

Saga Premium: 2 pieces of checked baggage, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Additional Charges: Fees for extra baggage, overweight bags, and oversized items.

Special Items: Sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets are allowed, with additional charges for special baggage.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your Icelandair baggage allowance before your flight can help you avoid surprises at the airport. Whether you're traveling for business, a family vacation, or just a short getaway, knowing your luggage limits ensures you won't be caught off guard with extra fees. Make sure to check your ticket type and route for any specific baggage details and plan accordingly.

By following these guidelines and packing smartly, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth journey with Icelandair, leaving you with more time to explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland or your other travel destinations. Happy travels!