If there’s one thing you learn quickly about packing for Iceland, it’s that your suitcase fills up fast. Between the chunky sweaters, insulated jackets, hiking boots, and maybe even a tripod or two for chasing the Northern Lights, it’s not hard to hit an airline’s baggage limit before you’ve even thought about souvenirs.
That’s why knowing Iceland’s baggage rules before you fly is such a game-changer. This isn’t just about avoiding overweight fees — it’s about making sure you can bring the gear you need without stress. Whether you’re flying in on Icelandair, PLAY Airlines, or connecting through Keflavík International Airport (KEF), the rules can vary more than you might expect.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the carry-on and checked baggage limits, airport security regulations, prohibited items, and even a few packing tips for Iceland’s unique weather. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pack smart, stay within the rules, and still have room for that jar of Icelandic lava salt you’ll definitely want to bring home.
Carry-On Baggage Rules in Iceland
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) Security Basics
Keflavík is Iceland’s main gateway and, like most modern airports, it follows standard EU aviation security rules — but there are a few quirks worth noting. Security officers here are used to seeing bulky winter gear and camera equipment, so they’re generally efficient, but they also enforce size and weight limits strictly if your airline requires it.
Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting into a 1-litre transparent resealable bag. Hiking poles, ice axes, and crampons go in checked baggage — no exceptions. Camera tripods are allowed in carry-on as long as they fit within size limits.
Icelandair Carry-On Rules
Icelandair is Iceland’s flagship carrier and probably the one most visitors fly with. Their carry-on policy depends on your ticket class:
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Economy Light & Economy Standard: 1 carry-on bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm) up to 10 kg
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Economy Flex & Saga Premium: 2 carry-on bags, combined weight up to 10 kg (Economy Flex) or 15 kg (Saga Premium)
They also allow one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) no larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
Tip: Icelandair is known for actually weighing carry-on bags on busy flights — especially in winter when passengers pack heavy.
PLAY Airlines Carry-On Rules
PLAY Airlines is Iceland’s low-cost carrier, and like most budget airlines, their rules are a bit stricter:
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Included in Basic Fare: 1 personal item (max 42 x 32 x 25 cm)
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Paid Upgrade: 1 carry-on bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) up to 10 kg
If you only book the basic fare, you’ll have to pay extra for a standard carry-on. PLAY is strict with both size and weight — gate agents are known to check and charge if you exceed the limit.
Checked Baggage Rules in Iceland
Packing for Iceland often means you’ll need more than just a carry-on, especially if your trip involves hiking, skiing, or extended winter travel. Here’s how the major airlines serving Iceland handle checked baggage.
Icelandair Checked Baggage Allowances
Your checked baggage allowance with Icelandair depends entirely on your fare class and route.
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Economy Light – No checked bag included (must be purchased separately)
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Economy Standard & Economy Flex – 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) included
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Saga Premium – 2 checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each included
The maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) for any checked bag is 158 cm (62 in). Anything larger is considered oversized and will incur an additional fee.
Sports Equipment
Icelandair is relatively friendly toward sports gear. Items like skis, snowboards, fishing rods, and golf clubs can be counted as part of your checked allowance if they meet size and weight limits. Oversize fees apply if you go beyond the standard measurements.
PLAY Airlines Checked Baggage Allowances
Being a low-cost carrier, PLAY doesn’t include checked baggage in their cheapest fares.
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Basic Fare – No checked bag included
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Add-On Option – Checked bags up to 20 kg (44 lbs) available for purchase
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Max Dimensions – 158 cm (62 in) combined length, width, and height
PLAY is strict on weight. If you show up with a bag that’s even 1 kg over the purchased weight limit, expect to pay an overweight fee at the counter.
Sports Equipment
PLAY treats most sports gear as a special baggage category that must be booked in advance. The price varies depending on the item, and bulky equipment is often subject to a higher fee.
Extra Notes for All Airlines
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If your trip involves connecting flights on other airlines, the more restrictive policy usually applies, especially if booked on separate tickets.
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Icelandic winter travel often means heavy coats and boots. Wear the bulkiest items on the plane to keep your checked baggage weight down.
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Airlines flying to and from Iceland tend to fill luggage holds in peak travel seasons (summer and December), so booking your checked allowance early can save you money.
Special Baggage Rules for Iceland
Iceland is a dream destination for photographers, hikers, and adventurers, which means many travelers bring gear that isn’t part of a “standard” packing list. While you can bring most of it, there are a few important rules you need to know to avoid losing items at security or paying extra fees.
Camping Fuel and Gas Canisters
You cannot bring camping fuel, gas canisters, or any type of flammable liquid or gas on the plane — not in carry-on, not in checked baggage. This includes fuel for camp stoves and heaters.
If you need it for your trip, buy it once you arrive in Iceland and use it before you leave.
Drones
Drones are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, but lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage. Most airlines allow spare batteries only if they are under 100Wh, and they must be in individual protective cases.
Some national parks and nature reserves in Iceland restrict drone use, so check local regulations before flying.
Camera Equipment and Tripods
Camera gear is generally fine in both carry-on and checked bags, but for safety, it’s better to keep valuable equipment with you.
Tripods are allowed in carry-on as long as they fit within the size limits — if yours is large or heavy, it should go in checked baggage.
Sports Gear
Popular in Iceland are fishing rods, hiking poles, skis, and snowboards.
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Fishing rods and hiking poles must go in checked luggage.
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Skis, snowboards, and surfboards can be part of your checked allowance but must be properly packed in a suitable case.
Food Items
Bringing food into or out of Iceland is straightforward but has some restrictions.
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Meat and dairy products: You can bring small quantities for personal use, but they must be commercially packaged and within EU import limits.
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Dried fish (a popular Icelandic snack) is allowed, but fresh fish should be transported in compliance with airline packaging rules to prevent leaks.
Prohibited & Restricted Baggage Items in Iceland
Iceland’s baggage rules follow most EU aviation safety standards, but there are a few country-specific details that are worth noting before you pack.
Standard Prohibited Items
The usual suspects apply here — and security at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) enforces them strictly:
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Sharp objects such as knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, ice axes, and crampons (these must go in checked baggage)
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Firearms, ammunition, and realistic replicas (including airsoft guns)
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Flammable liquids and gases (camping fuel, lighter fluid, paint, aerosols beyond the personal allowance)
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Explosives or fireworks of any kind
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Self-defense sprays such as pepper spray
Liquid Rules
Like most European airports, KEF follows the 100ml liquid restriction:
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All liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less
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All containers must fit into a single 1-litre transparent, resealable plastic bag
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This includes toothpaste, creams, hair gel, and even things like jam or honey
Tip: If you’re bringing local Icelandic honey or sauces home, pack them in checked luggage to avoid confiscation.
Batteries and Power Banks
Lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be in carry-on, never in checked baggage. Airlines limit the capacity to 100Wh for most consumer electronics without special approval. Keep spare batteries in protective cases or with the terminals taped over.
Airport Security Quirks
Keflavík Airport is well-equipped for high passenger volumes in peak tourist season, but security staff are known for being thorough with:
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Camera gear: Lenses and bodies may be swabbed for explosives
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Outdoor gear: Hiking boots and camping gear may be inspected for dirt or organic material (to prevent the spread of pests)
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Fishing equipment: Rods and reels in checked baggage may be inspected on arrival or departure
Tips for Packing for Iceland
Packing for Iceland is its own kind of challenge. The weather can change three times before you finish your morning coffee, so you need to be ready for wind, rain, snow, and sunshine — sometimes all in the same day. The trick is bringing everything you need while staying within airline baggage limits.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane
If you’re flying with a strict weight limit, this is the oldest trick in the book and still one of the most effective. Wear your insulated jacket, hiking boots, and even your heaviest sweater during boarding. Once you’re settled in your seat, you can always stash them in the overhead bin.
Use Compression Bags for Winter Clothing
Down jackets, thick sweaters, and base layers can take up a ridiculous amount of space. Compression bags (the kind you roll to squeeze out air) can shrink these items to a fraction of their size. Just keep in mind they don’t reduce weight — so you’ll still need to be mindful of airline limits.
Pack Smart with Layers
Instead of bringing multiple bulky sweaters, focus on layering:
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Base layer (thermal top)
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Mid layer (fleece or light wool sweater)
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Outer layer (waterproof and windproof shell)
This keeps you warm without overloading your suitcase and gives you flexibility for changing weather.
Protect Your Electronics
If you’re bringing a camera, drone, or other gear, pack them in padded cases and keep them in your carry-on. Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, and you’ll want your gear to survive the trip in perfect condition.
Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On
Even if you’re checking a bag, always keep a change of clothes, travel documents, medication, and your most valuable items in your carry-on. In the rare event your checked bag is delayed, you won’t be stuck without the basics.
FAQ – Iceland Baggage Rules
1. Can I take hiking poles in my carry-on to Iceland?
No — hiking poles must be packed in checked baggage. They are considered potential blunt objects and are not allowed in the cabin.
2. Are drones allowed in Iceland?
Yes, drones are allowed, but batteries must be in your carry-on and under 100Wh. Some parks and nature reserves in Iceland restrict drone use, so check local rules before flying.
3. What’s the maximum weight for Icelandair checked baggage?
For Economy Standard and Economy Flex, the maximum weight is 23 kg per bag. Saga Premium allows up to 32 kg per bag.
4. Do PLAY Airlines weigh carry-on bags?
Yes, PLAY Airlines is known for weighing both personal items and carry-on bags, especially on busy routes. Stick to the stated weight limits to avoid extra charges.
5. Can I bring Icelandic food products back home?
You can bring small quantities of packaged meat, dairy, or dried fish for personal use, but always check your destination country’s import rules before traveling.
6. Can I take a tripod in my carry-on?
Yes, tripods are generally allowed in carry-on as long as they fit within the size limits for your airline. Large or heavy tripods should go in checked baggage.
Conclusion
Iceland rewards the traveler who plans a little. The weather can swing and the gear can get bulky, but once you understand the baggage rules you can pack with confidence and skip the airport stress. Keep your must haves in your carry on, wear your heaviest layers on the plane, and use compression for the big winter pieces so your bag closes without a wrestling match.
If you are flying Icelandair or PLAY, double check your exact fare and limits before you lock the suitcase. Measure your bag, weigh it at home, and book any checked allowance or special items ahead of time. That simple prep can save real money at the counter.
Think about your trip in scenes. Landing day with a warm jacket handy. A waterfall hike with dry socks waiting. A night out in Reykjavik with a clean shirt that did not get crushed under boots. When you pack for moments instead of just stuffing a list, everything fits better and you use what you bring.
You are set now. Follow the rules, pack smart, and leave a little space for a treat on the way back. Iceland is unforgettable, and your luggage should be the easiest part of the journey.