How to Check In for Icelandair Flights: Complete Traveler Guide

Your journey begins long before takeoff. Icelandair knows this and makes the process smooth from the very beginning. In 2024, the airline carried over 4.3 million passengers to more than 40 destinations across Europe, North America, and, of course, Iceland. Even with changing weather over the Atlantic, Icelandair maintains a strong on-time performance at around 80%.

So what makes the airline stand out? A simple and stress-free check-in process that helps you get from the airport entrance to your seat quickly. Whether you’re planning a fun stop in Reykjavik or flying straight to cities like Boston or Paris, knowing how to do your Icelandair check-in is the first key to a great journey.

Why Icelandair Check-In Matters for Your Adventure

Imagine this: You're at the gate, boarding pass in hand, with time to grab a Skyr smoothie duty-free. That's the magic of a smooth Icelandair flight check-in. Icelandair focuses on a fast and simple experience, offering several ways to check in, perfect whether you love using apps or prefer handling things at the airport.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, helping you skip long lines and stress. You can use that extra time to add another warm sweater for Iceland’s weather. And because baggage rules depend on your fare type, knowing them early means no surprise fees when you get to the gate.

So, before booking your flight with Flightsquest, let’s look at each option step by step and make your next Iceland Air check-in quick and easy.

Exploring Check-In Methods for Icelandair Flights

Icelandair makes check-in simple with three easy options. No matter how you like to travel using your phone, your computer, or getting help at the airport, they’ve got you covered for your check-in Iceland Air experience.

Online Check In:

Most travelers prefer online check-in for Icelandair flights because it’s quick and lets you choose your seat. It opens exactly 24 hours before your flight, whether you’re heading to Boston or Bergen. You can even grab that perfect window seat for stunning views of Iceland’s landscapes.

App Check-In:

With the Icelandair app, your phone becomes your Icelandair check-in helper. You’ll get reminders, and your digital boarding pass is always easy to find, just scan and go. It’s perfect for travelers who are always on the move.

Airport Check In:

Prefer personal assistance? Airport counters and self-service kiosks are ready to help, especially if you have bags to check. You’ll find them at Keflavik (KEF) and major international airports.

Also read Icelandair Baggage Policy 2025

How to Check In for Your Icelandair Flight

Ready to start your trip? Here’s an easy guide to help your check in Iceland Air experience go smoothly.

How to Do an Icelandair Online Check-In with Flightsquest

• Head to the Flightsquest check-in portal, 24 hours out from departure.

• Provide your last name and either your booking reference or e-ticket number.

• Check your details and choose your seat if available.

• Get your boarding pass by email, print it, or save it to Apple/Google Wallet.

• Travel with carry-on only? Head straight to the gate.

• Have you checked bags? Use a bag drop counter or tag machine at the airport.

Online check-in saves time and helps you avoid long queues.

Check In via the Icelandair App:

• Open the Icelandair app on iOS or Android.

• Go to My Trips, and your flight shows up 24 hours before it departs.

• Tap Check In and confirm all passenger details.

• Download your mobile boarding pass instantly.

• If you have bags to check, the app will guide you to the correct drop-off spot.

This is the easiest way to keep everything in one place, especially for connecting flights.

Airport Check In Icelandair:

• Arrive at the Icelandair counter or self-service kiosk.

• Show your passport/ID and booking confirmation.

• Weigh and tag your bags; staff help with oversized items.

• Get your printed boarding pass if you need one.

• Continue to security and then the gate.

At airports like Keflavik (KEF), kiosks make the process faster by letting you handle check-in steps yourself.

Check In Time for Icelandair

When flying, timing really matters, and Icelandair has clear rules to help you stay on track. As a general rule, arrive about 3 hours before international flights to allow enough time for security and baggage checks. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Keflavik (KEF): Check-in opens 2.5 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before.

• New York (JFK/EWR): Opens 3.5 hours before and closes 1 hour before the flight if you have checked bags.

• Boston (BOS): Similar to New York, with faster lanes for premium passengers.

• Reykjavik Domestic (RKV): Opens 45–90 minutes before and closes 15 minutes before departure.

• Major European airports like Paris (CDG) or Frankfurt (FRA): Open 2.5–3 hours before and close 45 minutes before for checked baggage.

No matter where you're flying from, gates usually close 15 minutes before takeoff, so give yourself a comfortable buffer.

Always double-check your ticket or confirmation email, since times may vary by airport and destination.

Check In Baggage Icelandair

Understanding your baggage allowance before you travel makes your check-in baggage experience stress-free. Icelandair keeps things fair by matching baggage limits to the fare you choose.

• Carry-On Basics: One bag up to 22 lbs (10 kg) and 22 x 17 x 8 inches, plus a personal item (laptop bag or purse) under the seat. Liquids in 100ml containers inside a clear bag.

• Checked Baggage Allowances:

• Economy Light: No checked bags included (you can add for a fee).

• Economy Standard/Flex: One bag at 50 lbs (23 kg), max 62 linear inches (158 cm).

• Saga Premium: Two bags at 70 lbs (32 kg) each.

• Children and Saga Gold members may receive extra allowances.

• Extra bags and Fees: Save 20–30% by buying additional baggage online before arriving at the airport. Overweight or oversized bags (like skis) may incur fees at check-in; check restrictions on items like lithium batteries to avoid delays.

If you’re traveling with sports equipment or other special items, tell staff early so they can help. The Icelandair app even lets you print bag tags faster at the airport.

Also read How To Get Very Cheap Flight Tickets?

Beyond the Basics, Pre-Flight Prep for Icelandair Travelers

A smooth Iceland Air check-in isn’t just about bags and boarding passes; the right travel documents matter too. If you’re flying from the U.S. to Europe, make sure you have the required travel permissions like ESTA (and ETIAS coming soon). Most passenger details, such as APIS forms, are filled in automatically when you check in online.

Seat selection is easy as well. Basic fares can choose seats for free after check-in, while flexible fares get priority options. And if you care about the environment, Icelandair offers a carbon-offset choice during booking to support their goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.

FAQs About Icelandair Check-In

Q.1: When does the online check-in for Icelandair flights open?

It starts exactly 24 hours before departure, covering all routes.

Q.2: Can I check in baggage on Icelandair online?

Yes, but you'll need to drop bags at a kiosk or desk; tags print via self-service.

Q.3: What if I miss my check-in time, Icelandair?

Counters close 45-60 minutes early, depending on the airport, so arrive with a buffer to avoid rebooking fees.

Q.4: Is there a fee for airport check-in with Icelandair?

No, but pre-purchasing extras online saves on baggage surcharges.

Q.5: How do I add a passenger during check-in for an Icelandair flight?

All in your booking group check in together; infants need separate docs at the desk.

Q.6: Does the app support group check-in at Icelandair?

Absolutely, link all bookings for one-tap processing.

Q.7: What about special assistance at check-in?

Request via Manage Booking; desks offer priority for mobility needs.

Elevate Your Journey with Icelandair

A smooth departure starts with mastering your check-in baggage for Icelandair process and knowing exactly when and how to check in with Icelandair for your trip. Whether you prefer the convenience of mobile boarding passes or the reliability of airport counters, Icelandair gives you the flexibility to check in Icelandair flight your way. Just remember to keep an eye on the check-in time, Icelandair guidelines to avoid last-minute stress, and ensure plenty of time to explore duty-free or sip that pre-flight latte.

Make travel simpler from the very start. Book your Icelandair flight with Flightsquest and enjoy easy check-in, smooth baggage handling, and stress-free support all the way to takeoff. Your seamless journey begins with Flightsquest, so reserve your trip today.