Icelandair Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
Icelandair, with a hub at Keflavík International Airport, is the largest airline in Iceland—offering flights to nearly 50 destinations across the globe. Thinking of booking a flight with Icelandair? If so, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with their baggage policies and fees so you can budget accordingly. If you want to compare to another major airline, check out the Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees.
As you review Icelandair’s baggage policies, you’ll likely find that they’re more-or-less in-line with what many other airlines offer. Still, in order to avoid fees for excess baggage and/or overweight and oversized baggage, you’ll want to review the basics in preparation for your flight. And if you have any further questions, you can always contact the airline directly for clarification.
Icelandair Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Icelandair’s allowances and fees for both checked and carry-on luggage are pretty straight-forward. All ticketed passengers, regardless of fare, are permitted to bring at least one personal item and one standard carry-on bag. Furthermore, fares to most destinations include at least some checked baggage, though the amounts can vary depending on fare and route.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
The number of checked bags that will be included with your Icelandair fare will depend on where you’re traveling and the type of fare booked. Icelandair offers three different fare types: Economy Class, Economy Comfort Class, and Saga Class.
For Economy Class fares, all passengers are allowed one checked bag, regardless of destination. This applies to both flights within Europe and Transatlantic flights. Those with Economy Comfort Class fares, on the other hand, are permitted two checked bags for these same routes.
Weight limits on checked bags for Economy and Economy Comfort Class fares top out at 50 pounds each.
Saga Class passengers are also permitted two checked bags for these routes, but weight allowances are higher at 70 pounds each.
Regardless of class or route, checked bags are not to exceed 62 linear inches in size. Overweight and oversized bags will be subjected to additional fees
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
Icelandair has relatively generous carry-on allowances, with all passengers permitted to bring a personal item and a standard carry-on regardless of fare. Saga Class and Economy Comfort Class passengers, however, are allowed to bring two carry-on bags plus a personal item. Compared to many other airlines, this is a pretty generous allowance for both fares.
There are some size and weight restrictions on carry-on items, however. These bags should measure no greater than 45 linear inches and weigh no more than 22 pounds each. As a general rule, all carry-on luggage should fit in the overhead bins, as bulkhead seats do not offer underseat storage for take-off and landing.
Passengers who bring a carry-on that exceeds size and/or weight limits will be required to check these bags at the gate and pay any applicable fees.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’ll be traveling with a lap infant, you may be entitled to additional carry-on baggage. Specifically, Icelandair permits an additional carry-on (such as a diaper bag) as well as a free checked or carry-on collapsible stroller or car seat.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
Checked bags on Icelandair should not measure greater than 62 linear inches. This measurement should include any wheels or handles. Specific fees for oversized bags can vary depending on your route, and bags of exceptional size may not be permitted at all.
Weight allowances for checked bags can vary depending on fare. Economy and Economy Comfort Class fares, for example, have weight limits of 50 pounds per bag. Saga Class fares are permitted 70 pounds per bag. Overweight bag fees will vary depending on your route. Bags flying within Europe, for example, will be assessed a $40 overweight fee each way, whereas that fee can increase to $105-$120 for longer haul flights.
If you need to check additional bags beyond what your fare includes, excess baggage fees will apply and can vary based on route. For flights within Europe, you can generally expect to pay $46 each way for an additional bag. Fees for excess baggage can increase $120-$132 each (one-way) for longer flights. The best way to determine exactly how much your additional bags will cost you is to contact Icelandair directly and provide your flight number.
Saving On Icelandair Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
Looking for ways to save on your baggage fees with Icelandair, or possibly even avoid baggage fees altogether? We’ve got some tips and trick to consider.
Seek Reimbursement From Your Credit Card
If you’re one of many travelers who carries a travel credit card, you may be eligible for baggage fee reimbursement. Check with your credit card to see if this is one of the perks they offer, as more and more credit card companies are beginning to provide this. When you are eligible for baggage fee reimbursement, you typically must charge your baggage fees to your card and then apply for an account credit after your trip.
Since Icelandair includes some checked baggage with your fare, you may or may not be eligible for reimbursement if you need to check additional bags beyond your initial allowance. This can vary from one credit card company to the next.
Limit Luggage to Your Carry-Ons or Included Checked Bags
Icelandair is pretty generous when it comes to their carry-on and checked bag allowances. For example, all passengers are permitted to bring at least one personal carry-on and one standard-sized carry-on bag. Passengers with some fares may even be permitted two standard carry-on bags. Furthermore, all fares include at least one checked bag, with some including more.
With this in mind, you may be able to avoid additional baggage fees by simply limiting what you pack to your included carry-ons and checked bags. This will allow you to avoid paying excess baggage fees.
Weigh and Measure Your Bags Before Flying
Overweight and oversized baggage fees with Icelandair can be quite high, especially if you’re traveling on a longer route. To avoid these fees altogether, you’ll want to measure and weigh both your carry-on and checked bags before you fly. Use a luggage scale for accuracy, and be sure to include any luggage wheels or handles in your size measurements.
If you know you’ll need to check bags that weigh more than 50 pounds, you may want to consider booking a Saga Class fare instead of Economy or Economy Comfort Class. Doing so will increase your checked baggage weight allowance to 70 pounds per bag. This may be worth the added cost, especially when you factor in any overweight baggage fees you’d already be paying otherwise.
Icelandair Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about baggage policies and fees when flying with Icelandair.
What if I’m traveling with special equipment?
If you’ll be checking any special equipment, such as sporting gear, media equipment, or medical items, you’ll want to contact the airline ahead of time so the necessary accommodation can be made for your flight. Depending on the size and type of special equipment you need to bring, you may be required to pay additional fees. On the other hand, necessary medical equipment may fly for free and may even be permitted to be carried on instead of checked while not counting towards your carry-on allowance.
In general, Icelandair is very accommodating for those traveling with special gear. The key is being sure to give the airline a heads-up so they can work with you accordingly.
Can I pre-pay for my baggage with Icelandair?
Yes, you can pay for your baggage ahead of time when you fly with Icelandair. You can do this at the time of your booking through the Icelandair website or any time after your booking is confirmed leading up to your flight. Paying for your luggage before your flight won’t save you any money, but it will save you the hassle and time once you arrive at the airport. Of course, even if you have pre-paid, you can add more luggage if needed once you arrive at the airport.
Can I bring a backpack as a carry-on item?
Yes, so long as it conforms to size and weight requirements set forth by Icelandair. Specifically, if you’re bringing a backpack as your standard carry-on item, it should not measure greater than 45 linear inches or weigh more than 22 pounds. It will also need to be able to fit in the overhead bin. So long as your backpack meets these requirements, it should be able to be used as a carry-on for your flight.
