Iceland Packing and Icelandic Air

This is my experience only and that doesn't mean it's policy.

I have flown Icelandair numerous times. Always in Saga class. In many cases, they check luggage by asking people to put it in the sizer either as they are boarding of having them called up to the gate.

I travel with a carry on bag that is 55 x 35 x 23 cm and a personal item.

When it's my turn, they look at my boarding pass, and wave me along. I've never been asked to put my bag in the sizer. (Don't forget you get two carry on bags plus a personal item in Saga.)

By the way, on your return out of KEF, you get to use the Fast Track security lane since you are in Saga. You can also go to the Icelandair lounge. It's really nice with a great assortment of food and beverages.

We have flown Icelandair a number of times from SEA, including just last week. They are very strict about size and weight. Even the Saga class people last week had to put their things in the sizer. They had one agent doing that for every person. If your pack squishes then you are fine as it just has to fit.

As for Iceland itself in August, yes you will want hiking boots and rain pants. Make sure your jacket is waterproof, not just resistant. We were in the Westfjords last August for 10 days and it got chilly about half of those says. You definitely want layers. I wore fleece lined leggings most days, but real hiking pants for hiking days. Do not forget waterproof gloves and a fleece or wool hat/beanie. Ball caps will just fly away.

We've been on several Windstar cruises, and usually take the laundry package. It's very convenient, and I agree with your assessment. You don't need hiking boots to walk on the trodden earth paths at the high-traffic waterfalls. But the same waterfalls might be behind a grassy meadow that is soggy wet, with mud rising around your sneakers with every step. And there are some energetic Windstar outings (they have activity level ratings, for older guests) are an hour each way on improved trails but with multiple muddy segments and steep segments. At least one hiking pole is recommended (by me.) Example: "Dynjandi Waterfall & The Westfjords"

Trip Report (auto portion): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/western-iceland-by-car-summer-2023
Windstar review: https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=702974

I appreciate the responses. I apologize or my tardiness in responding....I've been out of town.

When it's my turn, they look at my boarding pass, and wave me along.
I've never been asked to put my bag in the sizer. (Don't forget you
get two carry on bags plus a personal item in Saga.) By the way, on
your return out of KEF, you get to use the Fast Track security lane
since you are in Saga. You can also go to the Icelandair lounge. It's
really nice with a great assortment of food and beverages.

We have flown Icelandair a number of times from SEA, including just
last week. They are very strict about size and weight. Even the Saga
class people last week had to put their things in the sizer. They had
one agent doing that for every person. If your pack squishes then you
are fine as it just has to fit. As for Iceland itself in August, yes
you will want hiking boots and rain pants. Make sure your jacket is
waterproof, not just resistant. We were in the Westfjords last August
for 10 days and it got chilly about half of those says. You definitely
want layers. I wore fleece lined leggings most days, but real hiking
pants for hiking days. Do not forget waterproof gloves and a fleece or
wool hat/beanie. Ball caps will just fly away.

Thank you Frank. I didn't realize that about Icelandic Air. Thank you mikliz97. Your post and Franks are good examples of different people having different experiences with the same airline! I appreciate your packing advice.

We've been on several Windstar cruises, and usually take the laundry
package. It's very convenient, and I agree with your assessment. You
don't need hiking boots to walk on the trodden earth paths at the
high-traffic waterfalls. But the same waterfalls might be behind a
grassy meadow that is soggy wet, with mud rising around your sneakers
with every step. And there are some energetic Windstar outings (they
have activity level ratings, for older guests) are an hour each way on
improved trails but with multiple muddy segments and steep segments.
At least one hiking pole is recommended (by me.) Example: "Dynjandi
Waterfall & The Westfjords"

Tim, Thank you for your suggestions and the links to your reports.