FI
ICE
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Last updated: January 22, 2025
About
Icelandair is the flag carrier airline of Iceland, headquartered in Reykjavik and operating from its hub at Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Founded in 1937, the airline has built a unique position in transatlantic travel by leveraging Iceland's geographic location as a natural midpoint between North America and Europe.
The airline operates a hybrid model—not a low-cost carrier, but more affordable than traditional legacy carriers. Icelandair's signature offering is the free Iceland Stopover program, allowing passengers to explore Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare on transatlantic journeys. This has made the airline a popular choice for travelers who want to visit Iceland while traveling between continents.
Icelandair is not a member of any major airline alliance but maintains partnerships with JetBlue and Alaska Airlines for earning and redeeming points. The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft supplemented by Airbus A321LR jets, with the Boeing 767 widebody fleet being retired by the end of 2026.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where Icelandair operates 5+ routes
Network
45 airports served
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Observed Flights
Callsigns tracked for Icelandair (ICE) - 48 unique callsigns observed
Callsigns with confirmed departure and arrival airports
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item (all fares):
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
- Must fit under seat in front of you
- Examples: Small backpack, handbag, laptop bag
Cabin Bag (all fares):
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in) including handles and wheels
- Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
- Included on all fare types
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Cabin Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | Included | Included (1) | No checked bag |
| Economy Standard | Included | Included (1) | 1 checked bag included |
| Economy Flex | Included | Included (1) | 1 checked bag included |
| Saga Premium | Included | Included (2) | 2 cabin bags allowed |
| Saga Premium Flex | Included | Included (2) | 2 cabin bags + flexibility |
Domestic Iceland Flights:
- Smaller allowance: 55 x 30 x 20 cm, 6 kg (13 lbs) maximum
Checked Baggage
Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)
Transatlantic Flights:
| Fare Type | Bags Included | Additional Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 0 | $60-95 | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Standard | 1 | $85 | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Flex | 1 | $85 | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Saga Premium | 2 | $85 | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Saga Premium Flex | 2 | $85 | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
Booking Channel Matters:
- Pre-purchase online: 20% discount on additional bags
- Maximum 3 bags can be pre-purchased at discounted rate
- Airport counter: Full price applies
Overweight & Oversized Fees
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight (24-32 kg / 51-70 lbs) | $100 |
| Over 32 kg (70 lbs) | Not accepted |
Note: Up to 10 bags total can be checked per passenger.
Elite Status & Credit Card Benefits
| Saga Club Status | Extra Checked Bag | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Saga Silver | +1 bag (23 kg) | Lounge access, priority check-in |
| Saga Gold | +1 bag (32 kg) | All Silver benefits + upgrades |
Special Items
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Counts as 1 checked bag |
| Skis/Snowboards | Standard bag fee | Counts as 1 checked bag |
| Bicycle | $100 | Must be properly packed |
| Stroller | Free | Gate-check available |
| Car seat | Free | Gate-check available |
| Wheelchair/Mobility aids | Free | |
| CPAP machine | Free | Does not count as carry-on |
Fees as of January 2025. Verify at icelandair.com/baggage before traveling.
In-Flight Experience
Cabin Classes
Icelandair operates two cabin classes: Saga Premium (business class) and Economy. Note that Saga Premium does not feature lie-flat seats—the relatively short flight times (typically under 6 hours) mean recliner seats are the standard.
Saga Premium (Business Class)
Seat Specifications by Aircraft:
| Aircraft | Pitch | Width | Recline | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 MAX 8/9 | 40" (102 cm) | 20.5" (52 cm) | 5" | 2-2 |
| Airbus A321LR | 42-43" (107-109 cm) | 20" (51 cm) | 8" | 2-2 |
| Boeing 767 | 40" (102 cm) | 20.5" (52 cm) | 5" | 2-1-2 |
Saga Premium Features:
- Recliner seats (not lie-flat)—comfortable for daytime transatlantic flights
- Priority boarding and check-in
- Saga Lounge access at Keflavik
- Two carry-on bags allowed
- Two checked bags (32 kg each) included
- Premium meal service with Icelandic-inspired cuisine
- Complimentary beverages including wine, beer, and spirits
- Amenity kit on longer flights
- In-seat power outlet and USB charging
A321LR Enhancement:
- Geven Comoda seats with leg and foot rest
- More privacy than previous aircraft
- 8" recline provides noticeably more comfort
Economy Class
Seat Specifications:
- Pitch: 31-32" (79-81 cm)
- Width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
- Recline: Standard 3-4"
- Configuration: 3-3 (737 MAX/A321) or 2-4-2 (767)
Economy Fare Breakdown:
| Feature | Economy Light | Economy Standard | Economy Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat selection | Extra fee | Included | Included |
| Checked bag | Not included | 1 x 23 kg | 1 x 23 kg |
| Change fees | High | Lower | Waived |
| Cancellation | No refund | Credit | Refundable |
Entertainment
Seatback Screens:
- Available on Boeing 737 MAX and A321LR aircraft
- Movies, TV shows, games, and destination content
- USB charging at every seat
Icelandair App:
- Download content before flight
- In-flight streaming available on equipped aircraft
- Flight information and destination guides
Food & Beverage
Saga Premium:
- Multi-course meal service with Icelandic ingredients
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Snacks available throughout flight
Economy:
- Complimentary beverages (non-alcoholic)
- Buy-on-board food and premium drinks
- Pre-order meal options available
Icelandic Specialties:
- Skyr (Icelandic yogurt)
- Icelandic lamb dishes
- Brennivín (caraway-flavored schnapps)—available for purchase
WiFi
WiFi is available on most aircraft for purchase. Saga Premium passengers may receive complimentary or discounted access depending on fare type.
Tips & Tricks
Booking
- Compare total costs: Economy Light has no checked bag—add the bag fee before comparing with Economy Standard
- Stopover value: Adding a stopover often costs nothing extra—even a day in Iceland adds immense value
- Saga Premium on sale: Watch for promotional fares, especially during shoulder seasons
- Book early for summer: Peak season (June-August) sells out quickly, especially on popular US routes
At Keflavik Airport
- Arrive early: Allow 3 hours for transatlantic departures
- Duty-free on arrival: Iceland's arrival duty-free is famous—alcohol is much cheaper than in stores
- Saga Lounge: Worth arriving early if you have access
- Stopover luggage: You can leave bags at Keflavik during short stopovers
Maximizing Saga Club
- JetBlue partnership: Earn Saga Points on JetBlue domestic US flights
- Alaska Airlines: Another earning partner for West Coast travelers
- Upgrade with points: Better value than flight redemptions—upgrade Economy Flex tickets
- Activity keeps points alive: Any earning or redemption resets the 36-month expiration
Stopover Strategies
- Even 1 night helps: Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik dinner is doable with a single overnight
- 3 nights = Golden Circle: Enough time for the essential Icelandic highlights
- 7 nights: Explore the Ring Road or venture into the Westfjords
- Winter magic: Northern Lights + ice caves + hot springs
- Summer advantage: 24-hour daylight, highland roads open
Common Issues
- No lie-flat seats: Saga Premium is a recliner—set expectations accordingly for overnight flights
- Economy Light restrictions: Very basic fare—no checked bag, limited changes
- Winter weather: North Atlantic can be bumpy; choose seats over the wing
- Keflavik is not Reykjavik: Airport is 50 km from the capital—budget for transfer time
Fleet Transition
Icelandair is retiring its Boeing 767 widebody fleet by end of 2026, transitioning to an all-narrowbody fleet of 737 MAX and A321LR/XLR aircraft. The A321LR offers improved Saga Premium seats with more recline and comfort.
