Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Icelandair or KLM?

Icelandair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). KLM allows the larger bag.

Do Icelandair and KLM include a carry-on on basic economy?

Icelandair: Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag. KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Where do Icelandair and KLM fly from?

Icelandair's main hubs are Reykjavík (KEF). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Icelandair and KLM partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Icelandair: none; KLM: SkyTeam), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

FI vs KL · 2026 comparison

Icelandair vs KLM

Icelandair wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; KLM wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Icelandair

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

KLM

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

Icelandair wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; KLM wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Icelandair: 55 × 40 × 20 cm · KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Icelandair: Included on every fare · KLM: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Icelandair: 1 free bag · KLM: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Icelandair	KLM
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 20 cm	55 × 35 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	10 kg (22 lb)	12 kg (26.5 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	None	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Saga Club	Flying Blue
Main hubs	KEF	AMS

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Icelandair allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), and KLM up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so KLM's is roomier.

Icelandair includes it on every fare, while KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Icelandair, 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Icelandair, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM.

Icelandair includes one bag with Economy Standard on flights between the U.S. and Iceland, and KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe.

Basic economy

Icelandair (Economy Light): Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Icelandair is not in an alliance and KLM is in SkyTeam.

Loyalty programs: Saga Club (Icelandair) and Flying Blue (KLM).

Icelandair's main hubs are Reykjavík (KEF). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Icelandair if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
nonstops from KEF

Choose KLM if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.