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Iceland’s flag carrier connects North America and Europe through Reykjavík, offering passengers a convenient transatlantic hub option. The Icelandair baggage policy varies significantly by fare type, with Economy Light excluding checked bags while premium fares include generous allowances. Understanding what each ticket includes prevents airport surprises and helps you pack strategically for your North Atlantic journey.
Icelandair Carry On Size and Personal Items
All Icelandair passengers bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge, regardless of fare type. The Icelandair carry on size permits maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches) including handles and wheels, with a 10 kg (22 lbs) weight limit for international flights.
The Icelandair personal item size allows maximum 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches) and must fit under the seat ahead of you. Acceptable personal items include purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, and camera bags.
Important Note: Domestic Iceland and Greenland flights restrict carry-on weight to just 6 kg (13 lbs) instead of the international 10 kg allowance.
Icelandair Carry-On Baggage Policy: Saga Premium Exception
The Icelandair carry-on baggage policy grants Saga Premium Flex passengers two cabin bags instead of one, each measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. This creates a combined 20 kg cabin capacity plus the personal item, valuable for travelers needing extensive business materials or extended trip supplies without checking bags.
Regular Saga Premium passengers receive the standard one carry-on plus personal item allowance, matching Economy Class cabin privileges.
Icelandair Baggage Allowance by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Carry-On | Personal Item | Checked Bags | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 1 bag | 1 item | 0 (purchase) | N/A |
| Economy Standard | 1 bag | 1 item | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Flex | 1 bag | 1 item | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Saga Premium | 1 bag | 1 item | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Saga Premium Flex | 2 bags | 1 item | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
All carry-on items combined must not exceed 10 kg for international routes or 6 kg for domestic/Greenland flights.
Icelandair Economy Light Baggage Policy
The Icelandair economy light baggage policy represents the airline’s most restrictive option. This budget fare includes only one carry-on bag (10 kg) plus one personal item, no checked baggage whatsoever. Passengers wanting checked luggage must purchase it separately, with fees ranging from approximately $60-$95 USD depending on route.
Economy Light works well for short trips where cabin baggage suffices, but longer journeys requiring checked bags often cost less overall by booking Economy Standard with included checked baggage rather than Light plus purchased bags.
Icelandair Checked Baggage Policy
The Icelandair checked baggage policy provides clear size limits across all fares. Every checked bag must measure maximum 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions when adding length, width, and height.
Icelandair Checked Bag Size and Weight
The Icelandair checked bag size of 158 cm applies universally, while weight limits vary by cabin class:
- Economy fares: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag
- Saga Premium fares: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag
Bags exceeding these limits incur overweight fees or face outright refusal if over 32 kg regardless of willingness to pay.
Checked Baggage Purchase Fees
Purchasing additional checked bags online through “Manage Booking” saves approximately 20% compared to airport counter rates. Current fees include:
| Route | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| Iceland ↔ Europe | From £47 (~$60) | 20% higher |
| Iceland ↔ North America | From £55 (~$70) | 20% higher |
| Europe ↔ North America via Iceland | From £75 (~$95) | 20% higher |
Maximum three extra bags can be purchased per passenger, creating five total checked bags when combined with fare inclusions.
Special Items and Infant Allowances
Infants (under 2 years):
- One checked bag included (except Economy Light)
- Weight matches adult’s fare type
- Free stroller, car seat, or carrying basket
- No cabin baggage allowance
Children (2-11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare type and class. Approved child seats travel free if the child uses it during flight.
Sports Equipment: Small sports items like skis, hockey gear, or diving equipment may count toward your free baggage allowance if within standard size and weight limits. Bicycles require pre-registration, weigh up to 25 kg, and must be packed in protective cases.
Elite Member Benefits
Saga Gold and Silver members receive one additional checked bag beyond standard fare allowances, with weight limits matching their ticketed cabin class. This valuable benefit applies across all routes except domestic Greenland flights.
Tips for Managing Icelandair Baggage
Choose the Right Fare Calculate total costs including baggage fees before booking. Economy Standard with included checked bag often costs less than Economy Light plus purchased baggage.
Buy Bags Early Purchase additional checked bags through “Manage Booking” online for 20% savings over airport counter rates.
Pack Within Limits Weigh bags at home to avoid overweight fees. Redistributing items between bags costs nothing at home but triggers expensive charges at check-in.
Maximize Personal Item The 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item accommodates laptops, tablets, chargers, medications, and travel documents, keep essentials accessible during flight.
Travel Light with Radical Storage
Whether exploring Reykjavík during a long layover, arriving in Iceland before accommodation check-in, or connecting through to Europe or North America, carrying luggage through city streets and attractions diminishes the experience. Radical Storage provides secure luggage storage near airports and city centers throughout Iceland and connecting destinations, letting you explore hands-free with flat daily rates and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Economy Light includes only carry-on and personal item, checked bags must be purchased separately.
10 kg (22 lbs) for international flights; 6 kg (13 lbs) for domestic Iceland and Greenland routes.
Yes, Saga Premium Flex allows two cabin bags plus one personal item, totaling 20 kg cabin capacity.
Yes, one collapsible stroller, car seat, or carrying basket travels free with infant passengers.
From $60-$95 USD, depending on route when purchased online; 20% higher at airport counters.
Conclusion
The Icelandair baggage policy provides clear fare-based allowances where your ticket type determines what travels free versus what requires additional payment. From Economy Light’s carry-on-only restriction to Saga Premium Flex’s generous two-cabin-bag allowance, understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right fare and pack appropriately for transatlantic travel through Iceland’s efficient Keflavík hub.