Cabin-bag rules: Most flights with this Norway-based carrier permit one cabin bag with maximum external dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg, plus one small personal item that must fit under the seat (typical small-item size ~25 x 33 x 20 cm). Low-cost fare categories sometimes allow only the small personal item; check the specific fare bundle attached to the booking.
Checked-baggage options: Standard checked options are sold by piece or by weight: common choices are 20 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg per piece. Purchased in advance during booking or online check-in, a checked piece is substantially cheaper than adding one at the airport. If multiple pieces are required, select “add extra baggage” in the booking management page before arrival.
Overweight, oversize and special items: Overweight fees apply per kilo or per piece depending on route; oversize items (sports equipment, skis, bikes, musical instruments) must be pre-registered and usually incur a special handling fee and size limits (measure total length/width/height). Fragile or valuable items belong in the cabin item when allowed; if they must go to hold, purchase adequate insurance and use a hard case.
Practical tips to save: weigh packed bags at home with a scale, use soft-sided bags to squeeze into size limits, consolidate toiletries into 100 ml containers in a transparent resealable bag for the cabin item, and confirm the exact allowance printed on the booking confirmation–fare class determines inclusion more than route. Purchase add-ons online rather than at the airport for the lowest fees.
Baggage rules for the Scandinavian carrier
Bring one cabin bag sized up to 55×40×23 cm with a maximum mass of 10 kg plus one small personal item; purchase checked-piece allowance during booking for the lowest published fares.
Dimensions, mass and piece rules
- Cabin allowance: 55×40×23 cm, 10 kg (fits in overhead bin); personal item (computer bag/handbag) must fit under seat.
- Checked piece: standard option 23 kg and 158 cm linear dimensions (length+width+height); heavier options (32 kg) available as paid upgrades.
- Excess weight: single-item over 23 kg usually charged per kilo or bumped to next weight tier at higher fee.
Fee management and booking tips
- Buy checked allowance during reservation or via manage booking – online rates typically 30–60% lower than airport purchases.
- Prebook sports gear (skis, golf clubs, bicycles) as a declared checked item; reserve special handling if total dimensions exceed 158 cm.
- Weigh bags at home on a reliable scale and redistribute contents to avoid overweight surcharges at the airport counter.
- Upgrade fare or add a baggage bundle when fares include a bundled checked piece; compare bundle price versus single checked fee for cost-efficiency.
Special handling: fragile items require hard-shell cases and explicit booking of oversized baggage when linear dimension or weight limits are exceeded; musical instruments sometimes qualify as a carry-on if within cabin dimensions, otherwise book as checked or buy a seat for large instruments.
- Family travel: strollers and car seats often travel free (gate-checked) – confirm per route.
- Pets: policies vary by route and aircraft type; verify live-animal rules well before departure.
For passengers with medium-to-large dogs, pack sealed single-portion meals and familiar kibble in checked or cabin-allowed containers where permitted; see best adult dog food for australian shpherd for feeding recommendations prior to travel.
At the airport, present baggage receipts and tags at claims; lost-or-damaged claims require immediate reporting to the carrier desk and retention of boarding pass and bag tags.
Carry-on allowance: exact size, weight and personal item rules for this carrier
Recommendation: one cabin bag with maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg, plus one small personal item no larger than 35 x 20 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat; larger or heavier cabin bags require purchase of a cabin-bag allowance or an upgrade.
Dimensions and weight – exact limits
Cabin bag (overhead bin): 55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg. Soft-sided bags that compress slightly are tolerated within the size envelope, but any item exceeding any of the three measurements will be gate-checked or incur an oversized fee.
Personal item (under-seat): 35 x 20 x 20 cm, no official separate weight in most fare types but must be reasonably light and stowable beneath the seat in front. Examples: laptop bag, small backpack, handbag.
Practical rules and packing recommendations
Gate staff enforce both size and weight; therefore measure packed bags (including handles/wheels) and weigh them at home. If the fare entitles only to a small personal item, the 55×40×23 cm cabin bag is not included unless a cabin-bag allowance is purchased. Overweight pieces are checked at the gate with fees applied.
Electronics and liquids follow standard cabin restrictions: liquids in 100 ml containers inside a single clear 1-litre bag, and batteries/powerbanks carried in hand baggage within airline-specified watt-hour limits.
For families: compact umbrella strollers that fold small are generally accepted as a free gate-checked item or as the personal item when folded; see a suitable model here: best double umbrella stroller for tall parents. For rainy conditions, consider a cover that protects a backpack-sized personal item: best umbrellas to cover backpack.
Packing tips: place valuables and travel documents in the personal item; wear heavier clothing onto the aircraft to reduce bag weight; consolidate toiletries into travel-size containers to keep the cabin bag under 10 kg.
Checked baggage entitlements by fare type (LowFare, LowFare+, Flex, Premium)
Select LowFare+ or higher for an included checked bag; LowFare carries no checked allowance.
Fare breakdown
- LowFare – No checked pieces included. Additional checked pieces must be purchased online or at the airport; online rates are lower. Maximum permitted per purchased piece: 158 cm (length + width + height); absolute weight limit per piece: 32 kg.
- LowFare+ – One checked piece included on most routes. Included weight allowance varies by route and booking class; standard dimensional limit is 158 cm and per-piece maximum 32 kg.
- Flex – One checked piece included plus flexibility benefits (ticket change options and fee conditions). Same size/weight limits apply (158 cm sum; 32 kg max per piece). Additional pieces can be added at reduced online rates compared with airport purchase.
- Premium – Typically two checked pieces included on long-haul and selected routes. Each piece must not exceed 158 cm (L+W+H) or 32 kg. Premium fares also include priority handling and higher included allowance compared with lower fares.
Practical recommendations
- Buy included or extra checked pieces during initial booking or via Manage Booking; fees increase substantially at the airport counter.
- If total weight will exceed the included allowance, purchase an extra checked piece rather than paying overweight fees – extra-piece fees are often cheaper than per-kilo surcharges.
- Weigh and measure bags at home; anything exceeding 32 kg must be repacked into multiple items because single items above 32 kg are generally refused.
- For connecting itineraries or intercontinental tickets, confirm the exact included weight per fare on the booking confirmation–some routes use different included weights per piece.
- Keep purchase confirmation for pre-booked baggage available at check-in to avoid disputes at the desk.
How to buy extra baggage online or at the airport and typical fees
Purchase additional checked bags via the carrier website or mobile app before completing online check-in to secure the lowest rates; fees at the airport and gate are substantially higher.
Online options: add extra pieces during booking, through Manage Booking with the reservation code, or inside the mobile app; payment accepted by card and often by Apple/Google Pay or PayPal. Online purchases generate an electronic receipt and baggage record – save it for check-in.
At the airport: use a self-service kiosk (where available) or the check-in desk to buy extra bags or upgrade an allowance. Bag-drop counters accept pre-purchased items. Gate purchases depend on space and staff discretion and usually incur the highest charges.
Typical fee ranges (one-way, per bag) – fees vary by route, season and time of purchase:
– Short-haul (intra-Europe): online pre-purchase for a checked bag up to 23 kg: €25–€70; purchased at the airport: €50–€100. Extra cabin bag or priority+additional carry-on: online €10–€40, at gate €30–€70.
– Medium/long-haul (Europe to Middle East/Asia/North America): online checked bag: €60–€120; at airport: €100–€200. Multiple-bag bookings normally charged per piece.
– Overweight/oversize surcharges: bags 24–32 kg typically incur €40–€120; pieces over the airline linear limit (usually 158 cm) carry an oversized fee of about €80–€200 or must travel as cargo.
– Special items (sports equipment, skis, bikes, musical instruments): book a special-item allowance online or by phone; typical additional fees range from €30–€150 depending on item and route.
Practical rules: add baggage for every flight segment in a multi-leg itinerary to avoid rebooking at higher airport rates; verify weight/size bands for the origin-destination pair before purchase; online purchases are generally non-refundable and allow lower per-piece pricing than airport transactions.
Transporting sports equipment, musical instruments and oversized items
Pre-book sports gear, musical instruments or oversized pieces as special baggage via Manage Booking or the carrier’s website; failure to reserve increases risk of refusal at check-in and higher airport charges.
Typical acceptance limits: checked sports/oversize pieces are commonly accepted up to 23 kg per item without overweight surcharge; overweight between 23–32 kg usually incurs a separate fee and items above 32 kg may be refused or require cargo handling. Maximum linear dimension often accepted up to 300 cm with prior approval. Fragile instruments receive limited protection unless a hard case or crate is used and handling is listed at booking.
Batteries: lithium cells inside powered equipment require special handling. Spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin only and must be insulated against short circuits; batteries up to 100 Wh are normally allowed; 100–160 Wh require airline approval; batteries over 160 Wh are generally prohibited in both cabin and checked compartments. E-bikes and e-scooters with non-removable high-capacity batteries are usually refused for carriage.
Small instruments that fit within cabin dimensions and weight allowances should be carried onboard as the primary cabin item only if booked under the applicable cabin policy; instruments exceeding cabin size should be pre-booked as checked special baggage or an extra seat purchased (subject to seat availability and the carrier’s extra-seat rules).
Packing and presentation: use a rigid case or flight crate for guitars, cellos, rackets and boards; remove pedals and turn handlebars for bicycles; partially deflate tyres for transport; label items with contact data and an inventory sheet. Declare fragile contents and fragile handling at the time of booking to improve handling options and insurance eligibility.
Arrival and handling at airport: present pre-booked special items at the dedicated baggage/special-items desk – these counters often close earlier than standard check-in. For oversized deliveries requiring cargo processing, allow additional time for weighing, inspection and payment of oversized fees.
Item | Typical max weight / dimensions | How to book | Typical one-way fee (approx.) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Skis / Snowboard | Up to 23 kg; length up to ~230–300 cm | Pre-book as sports equipment online or at airport | NOK 200–600 / €20–60 | Use ski bag; separate reservation reduces check-in problems |
Bicycle | Usually up to 23–32 kg; boxed or in bike bag | Pre-book special baggage; prepare wheel/handlebar removal | NOK 300–800 / €30–80 | Deflate tyres slightly; pedals removed and secured |
Surfboard / Paddleboard | Linear up to ~300 cm; weight varies | Pre-book as oversized sports item | NOK 300–900 / €30–90 | Hard or padded case recommended; watch seasonal surcharges |
Golf clubs | Up to 23 kg typical | Book as sports bag online or at check-in | NOK 200–600 / €20–60 | Use golf travel bag; include club head protection |
Small musical instrument (violin, flute, small guitar) | If within cabin allowance – cabin; otherwise checked | If oversized, pre-book special baggage or purchase extra seat | Checked: NOK 200–600 / €20–60; extra seat: fare of adjacent seat | Hard case; inform gate staff if instrument must board early |
Large instrument (cello, double bass) | Often exceeds cabin size; crate recommended | Pre-book as oversized or reserve adjacent seat (subject to policy) | NOK 500–1500 / €50–150 | Crate and insurance advised; confirmation required before travel |
Oversized box / crate | Linear up to ~300 cm; typically ≤32 kg preferred | Book as special/oversize cargo or check with cargo desk | NOK 400–1500 / €40–150 | Advanced approval often required; cargo routing may apply |
Procedures for overweight bags, oversized charges and lost or delayed baggage
Buy extra allowance before check-in. Purchasing additional weight or an extra piece via the booking portal typically reduces fees; airport counter surcharges are substantially higher and acceptance is not guaranteed if weight exceeds regulatory limits.
Weight and size limits to remember. Most carriers accept checked items up to 32 kg (70 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions; items heavier than 32 kg must be transported as cargo/charter freight. Overweight under 32 kg is usually charged as an overweight fee or as an extra piece; oversized (over 158 cm) is charged separately as an oversized item.
At check-in procedure for overweight/oversized items. Present the piece at the check-in or bag drop desk for weighing and measurement. If excess applies, request a written fee breakdown and retain the receipt. If a piece is refused due to weight/size, request instructions from the desk about freight options or redistribution of contents.
Immediate actions if an item is delayed, damaged or missing on arrival. Report the problem at the carrier’s baggage service desk before leaving the airport and obtain a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or reference number. Collect the tag receipt issued at check-in and keep boarding pass stubs; these are required for any later claim.
Documentation to collect and keep. Boarding pass, bag tag stub, PIR/reference number, written fee receipts for overweight/oversized charges, photographs of damage, and receipts for emergency purchases (toiletries, clothing) made while awaiting delayed delivery.
Filing a claim. Submit a claim via the carrier’s official claims portal or customer service email using the PIR/reference number. For damaged items, send supporting photos and an itemized list of contents. For delayed items, attach receipts for reasonable expenses. Follow written instructions from the carrier and keep copies of all correspondence.
Typical timeframes and legal limits. Report problems at the airport immediately. Formal written complaints for damage commonly need to be sent within seven days of receipt; for delay or loss, retain records and file per the carrier’s deadline–passengers often have up to 21 days from the delivery date for delay-related reimbursement requests and longer periods for legal claims under international conventions. Liability is governed by international treaties and is limited to amounts expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR); verify current SDR valuation when calculating losses.
Practical loss-mitigation steps. Weigh and measure pieces at home with a luggage scale; redistribute heavy contents across bags; use soft-sided pieces to compress; label inside and outside with contact details; photograph valuable contents before travel; purchase declared-value coverage or separate insurance for high-value items.
Final recourse if settlement stalls. If claim handling is unsatisfactory, escalate using the carrier’s written complaint procedure, contact the relevant national aviation authority or consumer protection agency, and consider small-claims court or alternative dispute resolution. Maintain a full file with timelines, receipts, PIR number and all communications.
FAQ:
Can I bring a carry-on bag on Norwegian with a LowFare ticket?
LowFare tickets usually include only a small personal bag that fits under the seat (for example a backpack or small handbag). A larger cabin bag or trolley is often not included on the lowest fare and must be added to your booking. Size and weight limits for carry-on vary by aircraft and route, so check Norwegian’s website for the specific measurements allowed on your flight. Buying the cabin bag allowance before arriving at the airport is generally cheaper than paying at the gate.
What checked baggage allowance comes with different Norwegian fares and how are fees applied?
Checked baggage allowances depend on the fare class you choose. Mid- and higher-tier fares typically include one or more checked bags, while the cheapest fare usually carries no checked baggage allowance. Fees for checked luggage depend on route, weight, and when you purchase the allowance: online during booking or before check-in is usually the least expensive, airport or gate purchases cost more. Typical rules limit each piece by weight (commonly around 20–23 kg) and linear dimensions; overweight or oversized pieces incur extra charges or must be shipped as cargo. For precise weight limits, fees by route, and how many pieces are included with your specific fare, refer to Norwegian’s baggage page or your booking confirmation.
Can I take sports equipment or a bicycle on Norwegian flights, and are there special packing rules?
Norwegian accepts many types of sports equipment and bicycles, but these items often require advance booking and a special fee. Bicycles usually need pedals removed and handlebars secured; some items require partial deflation of tyres. There are limits for weight and dimensions, and oversized or very heavy equipment may be refused at standard check-in. Add the item to your reservation before travel to ensure space and to avoid higher airport fees. Check the carrier’s specific instructions for packing and the exact charges for your route.
What should I do if my bag is overweight or I need to bring extra luggage at the airport?
If your bag exceeds the allowance, airport staff will offer options: pay an excess baggage fee (often calculated per extra kilo or per additional piece), redistribute items into other checked/hand luggage, or remove and send items separately. Pre-purchasing additional allowance online is usually cheaper than paying at the counter. Very heavy or irregularly shaped items may require special handling and higher fees or might need to be transported as cargo. If you travel with fragile, valuable or unusually sized items such as musical instruments, ask Norwegian in advance about seating options or special handling rules to avoid refusal at check-in.