When preparing for a flight with Icelandair, it’s essential to understand the airline’s baggage allowance rules to avoid any surprises or unexpected fees at the airport. Whether you’re heading to Iceland’s beautiful landscapes, exploring Europe, or connecting to North America, knowing how much luggage you’re allowed to bring and what the limits are can make your travel experience far more enjoyable.

Icelandair, one of the most well-regarded airlines in Europe for its service and connectivity, has a clear and straightforward baggage policy. However, the specifics of what you’re allowed to bring vary depending on your class of service, fare type, and route. This comprehensive guide will take you through the details of Icelandair baggage weight allowance, explaining everything you need to know about carry-on and checked baggage for your trip.

Icelandair’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance

If you're flying with Icelandair, the carry-on baggage allowance is one of the most important considerations, especially when it comes to the size and weight of your bag. Carrying the wrong size or over-packing can result in delays or fees, so understanding the airline’s restrictions is crucial.

Carry-On Bag Specifications

• Size Limit: Icelandair allows each passenger to bring 1 piece of carry-on luggage. The maximum dimensions for this piece of luggage are 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches). This is a common standard across most European airlines.
• Weight Limit: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). This weight limit is generally generous for most travelers but keep in mind that certain fragile items or heavier tech devices (such as laptops and cameras) may add weight quickly.

In addition to your carry-on, passengers can bring 1 personal item, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop case. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and it can’t exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches).

Carry-On Tips

• Consolidate your essentials: Think about what you will need for the flight. Essentials like chargers, medications, snacks, and reading materials should all go in your carry-on.
• Use a lightweight bag: Consider using a lightweight, flexible bag that can expand or collapse, ensuring you stay within the size and weight limits.
• Pack smart: Roll your clothes to save space and avoid wrinkles.

Icelandair’s Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage is a key component of travel, and the rules can vary depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased. Icelandair offers different fare types, including Economy, Economy Flex, and Business Class, and each has specific baggage rules.

Economy Class Baggage Allowance

• 1 Checked Bag: Passengers in Economy Class are generally allowed 1 piece of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs). This is the standard weight allowance for most economy tickets on European flights.

Economy Flex and Business Class Baggage Allowance

• Economy Flex: If you have an Economy Flex ticket, you are typically allowed 2 checked bags, each with a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
• Business Class: For Business Class passengers, the checked baggage allowance is more generous. Travelers are permitted 2 checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). This is ideal for those who may be traveling with more items or larger luggage.

Excess Baggage

If you exceed the allowed checked baggage limit, Icelandair charges excess baggage fees. The costs are typically based on the weight and the route of your flight. For example, a single bag weighing more than 23 kg but less than 32 kg might incur a fee of €75-€100. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted unless you arrange for special transport in advance.

Special Baggage Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and More

Icelandair accommodates a variety of special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and fragile goods. These items may incur additional charges or require prior arrangement, so it’s always a good idea to check the airline's policies before booking your flight.

Sports Equipment

Icelandair allows passengers to bring sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and bicycles, but there are specific guidelines:

• Sports equipment typically counts as 1 checked bag. The weight of the equipment is usually included in the 23 kg checked baggage allowance for Economy passengers or 32 kg for Business passengers.
• If your sports equipment exceeds the weight limit, you will be charged an excess baggage fee.
• Some types of sports gear (like bicycles or skis) may require prior notice or a special fee depending on the route.

Musical Instruments

For those traveling with musical instruments, Icelandair allows instruments such as guitars and violins to be carried as part of your carry-on allowance, as long as they fit within the size limits. Larger instruments, such as cellos or basses, must be checked in as special baggage and may incur additional fees. Always contact Icelandair ahead of time to ensure the proper handling of your instrument.

Fragile or Valuable Items

For fragile or valuable items such as electronics, Icelandair recommends that these be kept in your carry-on baggage, where you can ensure their safety. If you need to check such items, it’s a good idea to pack them securely in protective cases to prevent damage during handling.

Icelandair Baggage Fees for Additional Items

If your baggage exceeds the allowance, you may need to pay additional fees. The fees for excess baggage depend on several factors, including the weight of the baggage and the route of your flight.

Excess Baggage Fees:

• For each extra bag, the charge generally ranges from €50 to €100, depending on the weight and route.
• If your checked baggage exceeds the 23 kg (50 lbs) or 32 kg (70 lbs) weight limit, you’ll be charged extra based on the route. Typically, excess baggage costs can range between €30 and €50 per additional kilogram for international flights.
• Some oversized items (like large musical instruments or sports equipment) may require special handling and could incur additional fees, usually ranging from €75 to €150, depending on the size and weight.

Additional Bag Allowance:

• Passengers can pre-purchase additional checked baggage at a discounted rate when booking their tickets. This can save money if you anticipate needing more baggage.

Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees

1. Know Your Baggage Limits in Advance: Before packing, always check your baggage allowance. If you're traveling on a more basic ticket, like the Economy Light fare, you may not be entitled to any checked baggage at all.
2. Pre-Purchase Extra Bags: If you’re traveling with more bags, consider purchasing additional baggage in advance. This can be cheaper than paying for excess baggage at the airport.
3. Pack Light: Pack only what you need for your trip. Consider laundry services, or packing lightweight, versatile clothing that you can wear in multiple outfits.
4. Use Compression Bags: These bags can help you reduce the bulk of clothes and save space in your suitcase, allowing you to fit everything within the weight limits.
5. Keep Track of Weight: Weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport to ensure you’re not carrying more than the allowed weight.

Conclusion

Understanding Icelandair’s baggage allowance can save you time, money, and stress before your flight. By knowing the rules for carry-on and checked baggage, as well as the special policies for oversized items, you’ll ensure that your trip is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or something in between, having your bags organized and within the allowed limits can make your journey far more pleasant.

For those flying with Economy tickets, you can expect 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on to be included in your fare. If you’re traveling in Business Class, you’ll enjoy a more generous baggage allowance with 2 checked bags. Be mindful of the baggage weight limits, and consider pre-purchasing additional bags if you know you’ll need them.

And always remember, if you’re unsure about your baggage allowance or have special items like sports equipment, it’s worth reaching out to Icelandair’s customer service before your flight to ensure everything is in order.

With the right knowledge and planning, your Icelandair flight can be a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your destination rather than worrying about baggage!

Safe travels!