Norwegian Starts Charging For Hand Luggage

Norwegian is one of the most liked ultra low cost carriers out there, and I suspect part of the reason for that has been their carry-on policy, though unfortunately that’s now changing.

Norwegian’s former carry-on policy

While Norwegian will nickel-and-dime you for most things, a full carry-on allowance hasn’t historically been among those things. Up until now, passengers have been able to bring onboard:

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• One carry-on bag, with maximum dimensions of 55x40x23cm
• One personal item, with maximum dimensions of 25x33x20cm
• Combined, the two could weigh up to 10kg

Norwegian starts charging for carry-ons

Norwegian has announced a policy change for carry-ons, which applies for tickets purchased as of January 23, 2020.

Not surprisingly, the airline isn’t marketing this as a way to increase revenue (which they so desperately need), but rather these changes are being implemented “to ensure that everyone traveling with Norwegian Air has a smooth, comfortable flight that departs on time.”

As Norwegian’s VP of Product Management explains:

“It’s important for us that everyone has a good travel experience when they fly Norwegian. It is a common misperception that there is enough room in the cabin for all passengers to bring an overhead cabin bag. However, most of our aircraft carry 186 passengers and has space for around 80 overhead cabin bags. Now, with the new policy in place, our goal is that boarding will be smoother for our passengers, we can avoid spending time rearranging carry-on baggage in the overhead lockers and help ensure that our aircraft depart on time.”

I’ll get into more detail of the changes below, but to summarize:

• Those on Norwegian’s lowest fares can still take on a personal item for free, but will have to pay $8-12 to take a full size carry-on bag with them
• On the plus side, the maximum dimensions of the personal item are being increased across the board
• For those with free checked bags, the maximum weight is being increased from 20kg to 23kg

Here’s a diagram of the changes:

And here’s a video explaining the changes:

Here are some more details, broken down by fare type:

Norwegian LowFare carry-on policy

Passengers with LowFare tickets can now only bring one underseat bag, which:

• Can have maximum dimensions of 30x20x38cm
• Can weigh at most 10kg

An overhead cabin bag can be purchased up to four hours prior to departure, and will cost $8 for a short haul flight and $12 for a long haul flight.

Norwegian LowFare+ carry-on policy

Passengers with LowFare+ tickets can continue to bring a personal item and a carry-on free of charge:

• The underseat bag can have maximum dimensions of 30x20x38cm
• The overhead bag can have maximum dimensions of 55x40x23cm
• Combined the two can weigh up to 10kg

In the event that there’s no room in the cabin, your carry-on will be checked for free to your final destination.

LowFare+ passengers can also check one bag weighing up to 23kg.

Norwegian Flex, Premium, and PremiumFlex carry-on policy

Passengers with Flex, Premium, and PremiumFlex tickets can continue to bring a personal item and a carry-on free of charge:

• The underseat bag can have maximum dimensions of 30x20x38cm
• The overhead bag can have maximum dimensions of 55x40x23cm
• Combined the two can weigh up to 15kg

Flex, Premium, and Premium Flex passengers can also check two bags weighing up to 23kg each.

Bottom line

Given Norwegian’s financial struggles, I certainly can’t blame them for this move. I’m sure they see this as a great revenue opportunity, though I also feel like this has been their competitive advantage over other low cost carriers.

For those not booking the cheapest fares, this is mostly good news, as the personal item dimensions are being increased, and the checked baggage maximum weight is being increased.

I do find it interesting that on the cheapest fares they’re not actually reducing the overall maximum weight you can carry-on, so you’ll be able to take onboard a very heavy personal item.

Lastly, I also find it curious that you can only pay for carry-ons up until four hours before departure. This won’t be an option at check-in, but needs to be done in advance. I’m guessing at the airport they’re going to want people to pay the inflated checked bag fees, which really is quite punitive.

What do you make of Norwegian’s new hand luggage policy?