Planning a trip with Norse Atlantic Airways? Understanding their baggage fees and policies is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs and ensuring a smooth journey. Let’s break down everything you need to know about managing your luggage efficiently while keeping your travel budget in check.
Understanding Norse Atlantic Airways Baggage Fees
Norse Atlantic Airways operates on a budget airline model, offering competitive base fares while charging separately for additional services. Their tiered approach to baggage fees varies based on three key factors:
- Timing of baggage addition to booking
- Weight of your bags
- Ticket type purchased
Early planning can lead to substantial savings. For example, a standard 23 kg checked bag costs $75 when purchased during booking but increases to $130 at the airport.
Overview of Baggage Policies
The airline follows a strict budget carrier model where most baggage options incur additional fees. All passengers receive one free personal item that must fit under the seat. Additional allowances vary by fare type and purchase timing.
How Baggage Fees are Calculated
| Bag Weight Category | During Booking | After Booking | At Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (15 kg/33 lbs) | $60 | $80 | – |
| Standard (23 kg/50 lbs) | $75 | $95 | $130 |
| Heavy (32 kg/70 lbs) | $170 | $190 | $225 |
Carry-On Baggage Policy
The airline’s carry-on policy includes one free personal item for all passengers. Additional carry-on privileges come with the following fees:
- During booking – $45
- After booking – $60
- At airport – $85
Size and Weight Restrictions for Carry-On
Personal items must not exceed 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm). Standard carry-on bags are limited to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs).
Prohibited Items in Carry-On Baggage
Norse Atlantic Airways follows standard aviation safety regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz/100ml containers in one quart-sized bag)
- Sharp objects with blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited
- Sporting equipment like bats and golf clubs must be checked
- Flammable items are restricted (except one lighter for personal use)
- E-cigarettes must remain with passengers but cannot be used or charged onboard
Checked Baggage Policy
Norse Atlantic’s checked baggage policy aligns with their à la carte pricing model. Economy Light and Premium Light tickets don’t include checked bags by default. The significant price difference between pre-booking ($75) and airport purchase ($130) for standard bags emphasizes the importance of advance planning.
Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees
| Weight Category | During Booking | After Booking | At Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (15 kg/33 lbs) | $60 | $80 | Not available |
| Standard (23 kg/50 lbs) | $75 | $95 | $130 |
| Heavy (32 kg/70 lbs) | $170 | $190 | $225 |
Norse Atlantic Airways structures its checked baggage fees across three weight categories, with prices varying based on purchase timing. Passengers should note that the light baggage option is only available when purchased before airport arrival.
Additional allowances include one airport shopping bag beyond the ticket allowance, particularly beneficial for duty-free purchases. However, infants under two years traveling on a parent’s lap do not receive a separate baggage allowance – their items must fit within the accompanying adult’s allowance.
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Charges
Excess weight incurs an $18 per kilogram fee, applied at the airport. For instance, a standard bag weighing 30 kg would result in an additional $126 in excess charges beyond the base fee.
Items exceeding standard dimensional limits (158 cm/62 inches combined) may require special handling fees. This typically applies to:
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Oversized luggage
To avoid these substantial surcharges, consider purchasing a higher weight allowance during booking. The cost difference between pre-booking a heavy bag ($170) versus paying excess fees at the airport makes advance planning significantly more economical.
Excess Baggage Fees and Policies
Norse Atlantic Airways maintains strict excess baggage policies with an $18 per kilogram charge for overweight items. For example, a standard 23kg bag weighing 28kg will incur an additional $90 charge ($18 × 5kg) beyond the original fee.
The airline’s pricing structure reflects its budget carrier model, with baggage fees varying significantly based on purchase timing. Early booking offers the best rates, with prices increasing progressively after booking and reaching peak rates at the airport.
How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees
- Purchase adequate baggage allowance during initial booking when rates are lowest
- Consider upgrading to a higher weight category upfront rather than risking airport fees
- Use a portable luggage scale to verify weights before airport arrival
- Maximize your free personal item allowance with heavier small items
- Wear bulky clothing during travel instead of packing it
- Research destination laundry options for longer trips
- Complete online check-in to avoid additional airport fees
Tips for Managing Baggage on Norse Atlantic Airways
Effective baggage management can lead to significant savings. Booking a standard checked bag during initial reservation costs $75, compared to $130 at the airport – a 73% increase that’s easily avoidable with proper planning.
Understanding the weight categories is essential: light (15 kg), standard (23 kg), and heavy (32 kg). Each category’s pricing increases based on when you add the baggage to your reservation, making advance planning crucial for cost-effective travel.
Packing Tips to Save on Baggage Fees
- Maximize your free personal item allowance (15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches)
- Pack versatile clothing that can be layered and mixed
- Wear heavy items during flights
- Use a portable luggage scale before departure
- Distribute weight among travel companions if possible
- Research shipping options for destination-specific items
- Contact the airline in advance for special items like sports equipment
Using Baggage Allowance Efficiently
Understanding Norse Atlantic Airways’ fare structure is crucial for maximizing your baggage allowance. While Economy Light and Premium Light tickets include only a personal item, strategic planning can help optimize your baggage costs.
- Compare total costs – Calculate the full expense including necessary baggage before choosing a fare class, as upgrading to a more inclusive ticket might offer better value
- Book multiple standard bags – Two standard bags often cost less than one heavy bag plus excess weight charges
- Use compression techniques – Employ vacuum-seal bags and packing cubes to maximize space efficiency
- Check destination regulations – Research country-specific restrictions and potential duties on new items
- Pool allowances strategically – When traveling as a group, redistribute items between bags to avoid excess charges
- Complete online check-in – Avoid additional airport fees by checking in online before your flight
For international travelers, it’s essential to consider destination-specific regulations that may affect baggage contents and customs duties. When traveling with family or in a group, strategic redistribution of items between bags can help avoid excess charges while staying within individual allowances. Remember that completing online check-in isn’t just convenient – it’s a cost-saving measure that helps avoid additional airport fees separate from baggage charges.