Icelandair Carry-on & Baggage Rules [2025 Guide]

If you’ve ever flown between North America and Europe, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Icelandair pop up as one of the top options. They’re known for affordable fares, those famous stopover deals in Reykjavík, and of course, being a gateway to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. But like every airline, Icelandair has its own baggage rules — and if you don’t know them before you fly, your “cheap ticket” can quickly get a whole lot more expensive.

I still remember the first time I booked Icelandair. I was so busy daydreaming about the Blue Lagoon that I didn’t even glance at the baggage policy. Let’s just say I found myself at the airport, shifting socks and jeans between my suitcase and backpack under the watchful eye of the check-in agent. Lesson learned — Icelandair is friendly, but their baggage rules are firm.

In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about Icelandair’s carry-on, checked baggage, special items, and those pesky weight limits. By the end, you’ll know exactly what fits, what doesn’t, and how to pack smart so you can skip the stress and get straight to enjoying your flight (and maybe a hot spring or two).

Icelandair Carry-on Allowance

Icelandair keeps its carry-on policy pretty straightforward, but like many airlines, the allowance depends on your fare type. Here’s what you need to know before you start packing:

• Economy Light / Economy Standard / Economy Flex

  • You’re allowed 1 carry-on bag with max dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.6 × 15.7 × 7.8 in).

  • Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lb) on most international routes.

  • On domestic flights within Iceland and flights to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, the weight limit is 6 kg (13 lb).

  • You can also bring 1 personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack, with dimensions up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in).

• Saga Premium / Saga Premium Flex

  • Passengers get a more generous allowance of 2 carry-on bags, each up to 10 kg (22 lb).

  • You still get the personal item on top of that.

• Reality at the Gate
  Icelandair isn’t the kind of airline that lets you slide too easily. They have bag sizers at the gate, and if your suitcase looks stuffed, they won’t hesitate to check it. One traveler I spoke to said they were told to weigh their bag at boarding, and when it came in at 11.5 kg, they had to check it right then and there. Moral of the story: keep it under 10 kg, or be ready to wear a few extra layers.

Icelandair Checked Baggage Allowance

What you can check in with Icelandair depends entirely on your fare class — and this is where many travelers get caught out.

• Economy Light

  • No checked baggage included.

  • If you need a suitcase, you’ll have to pay for it separately.

  • This is why Economy Light tickets look cheap at first glance — the baggage isn’t bundled in.

• Economy Standard / Economy Flex

  • Includes 1 checked bag, up to 23 kg (50 lb).

  • Maximum size: 158 cm (62 in) total (length + width + height).

  • Pretty standard compared to other transatlantic carriers.

• Saga Premium / Saga Premium Flex

  • Includes 2 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lb).

  • Same size restriction of 158 cm applies.

  • This is where you get the most generous allowance — ideal for long-haul trips or if you’re traveling heavy.

Overweight and Oversized Bags

• Bags weighing more than 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Saga Premium will be charged extra.

• Anything bigger than 158 cm total dimensions also comes with an oversize fee.

• A quick tip: If you know you’re going to overpack, it’s usually cheaper to add another bag online in advance rather than pay overweight fees at the counter.

Real Traveler Tip

Icelandair agents do enforce these rules. One frequent flyer mentioned that their bag was weighed in Reykjavík and it came in at 24.5 kg. The solution? Open suitcase, move a couple sweaters into the personal bag, and reweigh. They’re strict, but fair — if you adjust on the spot, they’ll usually let you through.

Icelandair Special Items

Icelandair has clear policies when it comes to those extra items that don’t neatly fit into “carry-on” or “checked baggage.” Whether you’re traveling with children, skis, a guitar, or even a pet, here’s what you need to know:

Infants & Children

• If you’re traveling with an infant (under 2 years old), you’re allowed to bring one stroller or car seat free of charge.

• Infants without their own seat don’t get a carry-on allowance, but parents may bring baby food and necessary items in addition to their own baggage.

• Families usually gate-check strollers, so you’ll have them right up until boarding.

Sports Equipment

• Icelandair is used to handling skis, snowboards, and golf clubs — no surprise given Iceland’s outdoorsy vibe.

• Sports gear is generally accepted as checked baggage if it’s within the standard 23 kg (Economy) or 32 kg (Saga Premium) allowance.

• Oversized or overweight equipment will trigger additional fees, so make sure to declare it in advance.

• Tip: pack skis or boards in a protective bag, as Icelandair requires them to be properly packed for loading.

Musical Instruments

• Small instruments that fit within the carry-on allowance (55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 10 kg) can be brought into the cabin.

• Larger instruments like guitars or cellos may require you to purchase an additional seat if you want them onboard. Otherwise, they’ll need to travel as checked baggage.

Pets

• Small pets (cats and dogs) are allowed in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and the combined weight (pet + carrier) is within the limit (usually around 8 kg).

• Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold, provided the crate is IATA-approved and doesn’t exceed Icelandair’s weight restrictions.

• You must always book pet transport in advance, as the airline has a limited number of pet slots per flight.

Tips for Flying Icelandair

Flying with Icelandair can be smooth and stress-free if you know how to work around their baggage policies. Here are some handy tips from frequent travelers (and a few lessons learned the hard way):

1. Measure and Weigh Everything

Icelandair is known for having sizers at the gate and they do use them. If your carry-on looks stuffed or feels heavy, expect them to check it. Keep your bag within 55 × 40 × 20 cm and under 10 kg, or you may end up gate-checking it.

2. Watch Out on Domestic and Greenland Flights

If you’re connecting within Iceland or heading to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, the carry-on weight limit drops to 6 kg. It’s easy to forget this if you’re coming from an international flight, so pack accordingly.

3. Economy Light Isn’t Always “Light” on Fees

That cheap Economy Light fare doesn’t include checked baggage. If you think you’ll need a suitcase, it’s usually cheaper to upgrade to Economy Standard or Flex than to pay for baggage separately.

4. Use Saga Premium Wisely

Saga Premium passengers get one of the best perks out there: 2 carry-ons plus 2 checked bags (32 kg each). If you’re carrying sports gear or extra luggage, this fare can sometimes be worth the extra cost.

5. Pack Soft-Sided Bags

Rigid hard-shell suitcases are more likely to get flagged if they don’t squeeze neatly into the sizer. Soft-sided carry-ons can flex a little, giving you a better chance of passing the measurement check.

6. Balance Your Checked Bags

If you’re bringing more than one checked bag, distribute the weight evenly. Icelandair charges for overweight bags individually — one bag at 26 kg and another at 20 kg won’t balance out.

Icelandair Gear Recommendations

1. Carry-on Suitcase (55 × 40 × 20 cm)

Cabin Max Velocity 55 × 40 × 20 cm Cabin Suitcase
A lightweight yet durable ABS hard-shell carry-on, this Cabin Max Velocity model is tailored to Europe’s strict size limits—including Icelandair’s 55 × 40 × 20 cm rule. It’s expandable, has 360-degree spinner wheels, and weighs just 2.4 kg—helpful when you’re eyeing that 10 kg limit. Best for travelers needing a sleek, sturdy roller that stays within cabin bag rules.

Pros: Easy maneuverability, tough exterior, expandable design
Cons: Less interior flexibility than soft bags, limited to 40 L capacity

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2. Personal Item Backpack (40 × 30 × 15 cm)

CabinFly Bellanca 40 × 30 × 15 cm Backpack
This slim CabinFly Bellanca backpack is made to match tight personal item restrictions like Icelandair’s 40 × 30 × 15 cm rule. It features durable 600D polyester, holds around 18 L, and includes a laptop compartment and hidden pocket for valuables. Great for minimalist travelers or those needing a dedicated under-seat bag.

Pros: Lightweight (only 580 g), smart organization, fits multiple airlines
Cons: Limited capacity, basic styling

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Summary Table

 

FAQ – Icelandair Baggage Rules

1. Does Icelandair Economy Light include checked baggage?
No. Economy Light tickets only cover one carry-on bag (plus a personal item). If you need a checked bag, you’ll have to pay for it separately or book Economy Standard/Flex.

2. How strict is Icelandair with carry-on size and weight?
Icelandair is fairly strict. They use baggage sizers at the gate, and bags are sometimes weighed. Your carry-on must be within 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 10 kg (22 lb). On domestic, Greenland, and Faroe Islands flights, the limit is 6 kg.

3. Can I bring a personal item in addition to my carry-on?
Yes. All fares include one personal item (like a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.

4. What does Saga Premium include for baggage?
Saga Premium and Premium Flex passengers can bring:

• 2 carry-on bags (10 kg each)

• 1 personal item

• 2 checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each

5. What happens if my checked bag is overweight?
If your bag weighs more than 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Saga Premium, overweight fees apply. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted for safety reasons.

6. Can I bring sports equipment on Icelandair?
Yes. Skis, golf clubs, surfboards, and similar gear are allowed as checked baggage if they meet standard size/weight limits. Oversized or overweight items require extra fees. Sports gear must be packed in proper protective bags.

7. Are musical instruments allowed in the cabin?
Small instruments that fit within the carry-on size and weight limits can be brought onboard. Larger instruments like guitars or cellos may require purchasing an extra seat if you want them in the cabin, otherwise they must be checked.

8. Can I travel with pets on Icelandair?
Yes, small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin if they fit in a carrier that goes under the seat and the combined weight is under 8 kg. Larger pets must be transported in the cargo hold, inside IATA-approved crates, and always need to be booked in advance.

9. Do infants get a baggage allowance?
Infants don’t get their own carry-on, but parents can bring baby food and necessities in addition to their allowance. You can also bring one stroller or car seat free of charge per child.

10. Does Icelandair allow duty-free shopping bags in addition to carry-on?
Yes, like most airlines, Icelandair permits one duty-free shopping bag in addition to your carry-on allowance.

Conclusion

Icelandair makes it pretty clear what you can and can’t bring, but the trick is knowing your fare type before you pack. If you booked an Economy Light ticket, you’re limited to one carry-on and a personal item — no checked bag unless you pay extra. Economy Standard and Flex fares add one checked bag, while Saga Premium gives you the most generous allowance with two 32 kg bags plus two cabin bags.

The golden numbers to remember are:

• 55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg for a carry-on bag (6 kg on domestic/Greenland routes)

• 40 × 30 × 15 cm for a personal item

• 23 kg checked bag in Economy Standard/Flex

• 32 kg (×2) checked bags in Saga Premium

Icelandair is strict but consistent — if your bag is within the rules, you’ll breeze right through. The best advice is to weigh and measure at home, book extra baggage online if you need it, and don’t try to push the limits at the gate. That way, you can avoid the stress, skip the fees, and just focus on the fun part: whether you’re heading to Iceland for hot springs and glaciers, or just passing through Reykjavík on your way across the Atlantic.