Michael Turner
Bring one cabin bag (maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg) plus one personal item that fits under the seat; if you purchased the cheapest Economy fare, only the under-seat item is included – upgrade your fare or buy a cabin-baggage add-on before check-in to avoid gate charges.
Typical under-seat item dimensions are about 40 x 30 x 15 cm (small backpack, laptop bag or handbag). Carry basic toiletries in a clear resealable bag with containers no larger than 100 ml and keep laptops, tablets and other large electronics accessible for security screening. Use a compact, soft-sided cabin bag to squeeze into overhead bins and reduce risk of forced gate check.
Fare-class differences: the lowest-priced Economy often covers only the personal item; standard Economy usually includes the cabin bag + personal item; premium/business fares commonly include increased cabin allowance or extra pieces. Checked-baggage rules and fees depend on route and booking class – add checked allowance online in advance to save compared with airport rates.
Weigh and measure baggage at home before travel and note airline site information on dimensions and declared weights for your itinerary. If a bag exceeds size or weight limits at boarding it will be required to go into the hold and additional fees can apply. Keep medication, essential documents and one change of clothes in your under-seat item to avoid disruption if hold baggage is delayed.
Cabin baggage rules and practical tips for the Reykjavik-based carrier
Bring one personal item plus one cabin bag within 55×40×20 cm and a combined weight up to 10 kg on most regular fares; the lowest fare typically includes only the personal item and requires purchase of a cabin-bag allowance or fare upgrade to take both onboard.
Dimensions and weight: standard cabin-bag limit 55×40×20 cm, weight cap 10 kg; personal item size suggestion 40×30×15 cm. Check route-specific exceptions for transatlantic sectors where allowances can differ. If your bag exceeds dimensions or weight it will be checked at the gate – expect a fee starting around €50–€100 depending on booking time and route.
Booking and upgrades: adding cabin-bag rights during booking or before online check-in is cheaper than paying at the airport. Priority or premium fares include the cabin bag and a larger allowance; select those fares if you must keep a larger bag in the cabin.
Packing rules: liquids must follow the 100 ml / single transparent resealable bag rule for hand carriage; laptops and tablets should be in an easily accessible outer pocket to speed security. Use a soft-sided bag to squeeze into the overhead bin dimensions when bins are tight.
Special items: medical supplies, essential medication, and baby necessities (diapers, formula) are permitted in addition to the standard items – carry supporting documentation where relevant. Musical instruments that exceed cabin dimensions may require a paid seat or checked handling; confirm in advance.
At the gate: if gate agents measure and tag an oversize piece it will usually be transported in the hold; pack valuables and essentials in the personal item. Weigh bags at home with a luggage scale and redistribute if overweight to avoid airport charges.
For additional small inflight conveniences, consider compact items that improve air circulation for sensitive cargo – see this best air stone for fish tank review for ideas on compact aeration devices (useful for transporting small, well-secured aquatic gear when permitted by import rules).
Pack to these onboard baggage limits by fare
To avoid extra charges, follow the exact piece, size and weight rules listed for each fare below.
Saga (premium)
- Included: 2 cabin bags + 1 personal item.
- Cabin bag size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (including wheels and handles); weight: up to 10 kg per bag.
- Personal item size: 42 x 32 x 25 cm (fits under the seat); typical examples: laptop bag, small backpack.
- Practical tip: distribute heavy items between the two cabin bags to stay within individual 10 kg limits.
Economy fares
- Economy Light: 1 personal item only – max 42 x 32 x 25 cm. No free cabin bag included; add-on required for a larger bag.
- Economy Standard & Economy Flex: 1 cabin bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm, max 10 kg) plus 1 personal item (42 x 32 x 25 cm).
- If a cabin bag exceeds dimensions or weight, fees apply and the item may need to be checked at the gate.
Quick actionable checks before leaving: measure including wheels and handles; weigh the packed bag on a home scale; buy an onboard-bag allowance online before check-in for lower rates than at the airport.
What items are permitted, restricted, and prohibited in cabin bags
Pack all liquids in containers ≤100 ml and place them in a single transparent resealable bag (maximum 1 L) for screening; larger volumes should go into checked baggage or be presented as duty‑free in sealed tamper‑evident packaging with receipt.
Permitted items
Clothing and personal items: garments, shoes, toiletries in 100 ml containers, small umbrellas (stow in overhead or under-seat bag), and infant supplies (formula, sterilized water, baby food – reasonable quantities for the flight) are accepted in cabin bags.
Electronics and media: laptops, tablets, cameras and portable chargers are permitted in cabin bags; remove laptops and large electronics for screening as required and keep spare batteries insulated or in original packaging.
Medications and medical devices: prescription medicines and essential medical devices are permitted in cabin bags in quantities required for the journey; carry prescriptions or a doctor’s note for controlled substances and inform security if items exceed liquid limits.
For bulky outdoor items consult additional guidance, for example best patio umbrellas for wood tables.
Restricted and prohibited items – specific guidance
Liquids: single 1 L resealable bag with individual containers ≤100 ml for cabin screening. Duty‑free liquids in sealed bags with receipt may be permitted beyond 100 ml if flown directly to final destination; otherwise larger containers must be checked.
Lithium batteries and power banks: installed batteries in devices are allowed in the cabin. Spare lithium‑ion batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin only, with terminals taped or placed in original packaging. Limits: up to 100 Wh permitted without approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval; >160 Wh are prohibited.
Sharp objects and tools: scissors with blade length under ~6 cm, round‑tip nail clippers and disposable razors are acceptable in the cabin. Knives, box cutters, axes, ice axes, and similar tools must be placed in checked baggage.
Firearms and ammunition: firearms, realistic replicas and parts are not permitted in the cabin. Firearms and ammunition may be transported only in checked baggage under strict declaration, secure packaging and regulatory compliance – obtain prior authorization from the carrier.
Flammable and hazardous materials: explosives, fireworks, flares, oxidizers, corrosives, bleach, paint, lighter fuel and most compressed gas cylinders are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage. Small toiletry aerosols for personal care may be allowed in checked baggage within quantity limits (often 0.5 kg per item); verify before packing.
Smokeless devices and e‑cigarettes: electronic cigarettes and vaping devices must be kept in the cabin and are not permitted in checked baggage; use onboard is forbidden.
Self‑defense sprays, chemical agents and toxic substances: pepper spray, tear gas, chlorine and other toxic agents are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage.
If an item is borderline or unusual (large batteries, sports equipment with fuel, specialty tools), confirm acceptance and declaration procedures with the carrier before travel to avoid confiscation or denied boarding.
Cabin bag fees, fare upgrades and priority boarding rules
Buy a fare that explicitly includes a full-size cabin bag at booking when you need onboard storage–adding that allowance later online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Fare structure summary: entry-tier tickets include only a small personal item; mid-tier fares add a standard cabin bag and basic change options; flexible or business-class fares add higher cabin allowances, refundable benefits and seat-change flexibility. Upgrading a booking converts the entire fare conditions (allowances, change fees, refundability) – the upgrade cost equals the fare difference plus any applicable service charge.
Extra-bag fees are route- and time-dependent: short-haul sectors typically have lower add-on prices than long-haul transatlantic routes. Prices rise if purchased at the airport or gate versus during online booking. Always add a cabin bag via “manage booking” or the carrier app before check-in to avoid premium gate charges.
Priority boarding is included with top-tier fares and with elite-status members of the carrier’s loyalty programme; it is available separately as a paid add-on on many flights. Purchasing priority grants earlier boarding group assignment and earlier access to overhead bin space but does not expand the physical allowance for your bags beyond your fare’s limits.
If you expect full overhead bins, combine a paid priority boarding pass with an upgraded fare that explicitly permits a second cabin item or larger allowance. Keep proof of paid add-ons (confirmation screenshot or email) and attach any priority tags issued at check-in to speed boarding and bin-space claims.
For last-minute adjustments: add a cabin bag via the mobile app or website up to check-in cut-off to save; upgrades purchased at the gate are possible but often more expensive and subject to seat/bag availability. Refunds for pre-booked cabin allowances or priority purchases follow the original fare rules and are typically non-refundable unless the fare class allows it.
How to prepare and pack a cabin bag to pass airline check‑in and security
Pack all liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and place them together in a transparent resealable 1‑liter (1‑quart) bag at the top of your cabin bag for immediate presentation at screening.
Keep laptops, tablets and large e‑readers in an easily accessible sleeve on top; remove them into the security tray when requested. Place smaller electronics (phones, cameras, chargers) in a separate pocket so they can be pulled out quickly.
Store spare lithium batteries and power banks in your cabin bag with terminals taped or in original packaging; label with watt‑hour (Wh) rating. Batteries ≤100 Wh are permitted in cabin, 100–160 Wh require airline approval, >160 Wh are prohibited.
Place prescription medications in original containers and carry a prescription or doctor’s note for injectables and large liquid meds; notify security if you need to present them. Baby formula, breast milk and medicines over 100 ml are usually allowed but must be declared and separately screened.
Pack sharp tools, knives, large scissors and sporting equipment in checked hold. Small grooming scissors, disposable razors and plastic nail files are acceptable in cabin bags; when in doubt, move the item to checked.
Use leak containment: double‑cap bottles, place each toiletry in a small zip bag, and wrap the zip bag inside a plastic pouch or waterproof packing cube. Put heavy or bulky items near the bag’s wheels to keep center of gravity low; fragile items go in the middle surrounded by clothing.
Place duty‑free liquids in their tamper‑evident security bag with receipt visible; keep that bag separate for easy presentation. Keep receipts for high‑value electronics and new items accessible for potential inspection.
Secure small valuables and documents in a front external pocket or neck pouch: passport, boarding pass, visas, and a photocopy of ID. Empty coat and pant pockets before screening to avoid delays. Use a pen for forms; pack it in the same pocket as documents.
Use TSA‑compatible locks for checked cases and simple zipper locks or cable ties for cabin bags. Tape battery terminals and label power banks; avoid loose aerosol cans and spare gas cylinders.
Compact travel umbrella with a rounded tip fits easily into a cabin bag; if you want a color tip, see best umbrella color for rain. Foldables are preferred over long‑handled models.
Quick pre‑flight checklist: liquids in 100 ml bags, electronics accessible, spare batteries protected and labeled, prescriptions in original packaging, sharp items moved to checked hold, documents ready, bag weighed at home and zipped with visible receipts for duty‑free items.
FAQ:
Does Icelandair allow carry-on luggage on all ticket types?
Most Icelandair fares include at least one small personal item, but whether a full-sized cabin bag is included depends on the ticket you bought. Lower-priced Economy Light tickets often cover only a personal item such as a purse or laptop bag; Standard and Flex fares commonly include a separate cabin bag plus a personal item. If your fare does not include a cabin bag you can usually add one during booking or later for a fee. Check your booking confirmation or the airline website for the allowance tied to your specific ticket.
What are the typical size and weight limits for Icelandair carry-on items?
Icelandair typically allows one main cabin bag plus one smaller personal item. A common dimension guideline for the main cabin bag is about 55 × 40 × 23 cm with a weight limit around 10 kg, while the personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat. Rules may vary by route, aircraft and fare, so confirm the exact limits for your flight. Airport security rules still apply for liquids and restricted items, and oversized or overweight carry-ons can be checked at the gate, potentially with a fee.
Can I bring duty-free purchases, a stroller or medical supplies as carry-on on Icelandair?
Yes, but each item has its own handling rules. Duty-free purchases are normally allowed in the cabin, but liquids bought at transfer points may be subject to security restrictions for connecting flights. Compact strollers and certain child restraints are often accepted to the gate and tagged for transport free of charge; larger bulky items might need to go in the hold. Prescribed medicines and medical devices are usually permitted in addition to your allowance; carry prescriptions or a doctor’s note when possible and tell the airline in advance if you expect special handling.
How can I add or upgrade my carry-on allowance with Icelandair?
You can add a cabin bag or buy extra allowance when you purchase your ticket, via the Manage Booking section on Icelandair’s website, or at check-in. Purchasing additional baggage online before departure is often cheaper than paying at the airport. Some fare classes and loyalty members have more generous allowances, so review available options in your booking to choose the most cost-effective solution.
