Icelandair Pet Policy for Dogs
What dog owners need to know about Icelandair’s current pet rules, including hold transport limits, breed restrictions, and booking steps.
Icelandair Pet Policy Overview
Icelandair does not transport regular pets in the cabin. Dogs generally travel in the climate-controlled hold on eligible domestic flights, while international hold service has been suspended since November 1, 2024. Trained service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge with advance approval.
Icelandair’s public pet policy is unusually restrictive compared with many airlines. For most travelers with dogs, the key point is that regular pets are not carried in the cabin, and international hold service has been suspended. If your dog qualifies as a trained service animal, cabin travel may still be possible with required documentation and advance notice.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Icelandair
Confirm whether your dog is traveling as a pet or a trained service dog. Icelandair’s standard pet policy does not allow regular pets in the cabin, so most dogs can only travel under the hold rules on eligible domestic flights. Trained service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge with approval.
Check your itinerary carefully before booking. Icelandair states that animals in the hold are not accepted when another carrier operates part of the route, and animals are not allowed on stopovers. International hold service has also been unavailable since November 1, 2024, so verify that your trip is an eligible domestic Icelandair itinerary.
Book your own ticket first, then contact the Icelandair Service Center to request space for your dog. Icelandair notes that pet space is limited and only a small number of animal crates can be carried on each aircraft, so early booking matters.
Prepare an IATA-approved crate that meets Icelandair’s maximum hold dimensions of 36 x 25 x 27 inches (92 x 64 x 71 cm). The combined weight of your dog and crate must not exceed 88 pounds (40 kg).
Review breed restrictions before you finalize plans. Icelandair does not accept Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, or Dogo Argentino.
Gather all required travel documents. Icelandair requires valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and any other documents required by the transit or destination country. The airline places responsibility on the passenger to meet all import and transit rules.
Reconfirm the booking before departure and arrive early at the airport. If traveling with a service dog, Icelandair advises contacting the airline at least two business days before departure to book space for the animal. For airport timing, Icelandair recommends arriving at least 2 hours before international flights and 45 minutes before domestic flights.
At check-in, be prepared to pay any applicable animal transport charge if your dog is accepted for travel. Icelandair’s public page does not list a standard pet fee, so pricing must be confirmed directly with the airline at the time of booking.
Icelandair vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Icelandair | Delta Air Lines | Alaska Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Pets not accepted in cabin; service dogs free | $200 each way for in-cabin pet on many routes | $100 each way per pet in cabin |
| Cargo Fee | Not publicly listed; contact Service Center | Checked pet options are limited; fees vary by route and eligibility | $150 each way in baggage compartment ($100 on select Alaska-only/military cases) |
| Weight Limit | 88 lb / 40 kg combined pet + crate in hold | No published combined in-cabin weight cap; pet must fit comfortably in kennel under seat | No published combined in-cabin weight cap; pet must fit in under-seat carrier |
| Carrier Size | No in-cabin pet carrier allowed; hold crate max 36 x 25 x 27 in | Soft-sided kennel recommended up to 18 x 11 x 11 in | Under-seat carrier required; size varies by aircraft |
| Breeds Restricted | Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino | Snub-nosed dogs restricted for checked travel; partner and route restrictions apply | Breed restrictions apply for baggage compartment travel |
| Booking Method | Contact Icelandair Service Center | Add pet during booking or contact Delta; partner flights require separate checks | Book your ticket, then contact reservations/chat to reserve pet space |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Icelandair?
No. Icelandair’s public policy does not allow regular pets in the passenger cabin. Trained service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge if approved in advance.
Does Icelandair still transport dogs in the hold on international flights?
No for standard pet travel. Icelandair states that, due to fleet changes, it has been unable to transport animals in the hold on international flights since November 1, 2024.
What is the maximum size and weight for a dog traveling with Icelandair?
For dogs accepted in the hold, the crate must be IATA-approved and no larger than 36 x 25 x 27 inches (92 x 64 x 71 cm). The combined weight of the dog and crate cannot exceed 88 pounds (40 kg).
Which dog breeds are not accepted by Icelandair?
Icelandair does not accept Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, or Dogo Argentino.
How do I book dog travel with Icelandair?
You need to contact the Icelandair Service Center to request animal transport. Space is limited, and pets cannot be confirmed on flights operated by other carriers.
Are dogs allowed on Icelandair stopovers?
No. Icelandair’s animal transportation page says animals are not allowed on stopovers.
Does Icelandair publish a standard pet fee?
Not on the public pet policy page reviewed for this article. Icelandair says accepted animals are charged at the applicable rate, so you need to contact the airline directly for current pricing.
What documents do I need to fly with my dog on Icelandair?
You must have valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and any other documents required by the transit and destination countries. Icelandair places responsibility for compliance on the passenger.