Norwegian Air Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
Norwegian Air is a large airline known for its low fares and many destination offerings. With more than 130 planes in their fleet and 500 different routes across the globe, it’s not difficult to find affordable flights for nearly any date. If you’ve recently booked a Norwegian Air flight and have not flown with this airline before, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of baggage policies and fees. You can view the Lufthansa baggage fees to compare rates.
Norwegian Air offers relatively standard baggage allowances when compared to most major airlines, though taking the time to research and understand their policies before your flight can help you travel in confidence and avoid surprise costs.
Norwegian Air Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Most fares on Norwegian Air include at least one checked bag, though there are exceptions. All fares also include one free personal and standard carry-on item, though weight restrictions can vary based on fare. Another thing to keep in mind is that paying for your baggage online ahead of time with Norwegian Air tends to be cheaper than waiting until you arrive at the airport.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
Norwegian Air offers several fare options, though specific offerings vary based on destination. All flights offer LowFare, LowFare+, and Flex tickets. International long-haul flights, however, also offer Premium and PremiumFlex fare options.
The only fare type that doesn’t include any checked baggage on Norwegian Air is the LowFare ticket. LowFare+ tickets all include one checked bag, whereas Flex (and Premium/Premium+ fares on long-haul flights) include two free checked bags.
All checked bags on Norwegian Air have a maximum weight limit of 44 pounds (20kg) and should not measure greater than 118 linear inches (300cm).
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
All ticketed passengers on Norwegian Air are also permitted one free personal item and one free standard carry-on item. Personal items should measure no greater than 9″ x 13″ x 8″, whereas standard carry-ons should not be larger than 21″ x 15″ x 9″. When measuring a carry-on item, be sure to include any wheels or handles in your measurements for accuracy.
Weight limits for carry-on bags can vary depending on your fare. LowFare, LowFare+, Flex, and Premium fares have a maximum weight limit of total 22 pounds (10kg). PremiumFlex fares enjoy a slightly higher total maximum weight for carry-ons at 33 pounds (15kg).
Be aware that if you arrive at the boarding gate with a carry-on that is too large or too heavy, you will be asked to check it and pay any applicable fees as a result.
Are you getting stopped at the gate with your bag? Get CHESTER luggage. Find the perfect carry-on and checked luggage for all airlines.
What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’ll be traveling with a lap infant for your flight, you’re permitted to bring any baby food, milk, or baby formula needed. You may also bring one stroller and one car seat to check at no charge.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
If you need to purchase additional checked bags beyond what is included with your fare, you can do so for most destinations. However, costs can vary greatly depending on your route and when/how you pay. For example, you can expect to pay between $12 and $47 for your first checked bag for most direct flights if you book and pay for them online. However, costs can range between $53 and $185 if you wait until you get to the airport to pay.
Norwegian Air has strict weight and size restrictions on checked bags, and any overweight/oversized bags will be subject to additional fees. The airline charges for overweight bags at a rate of $12 per kg, so these costs can add up quickly. If you have a bag that weighs more than 70 pounds (32kg), contact the airline before your flight, as bags exceeding this weight may not be permitted to fly to some destinations.
Oversized baggage fees may also apply if any of your checked bags measure greater than 118 linear inches (300cm), but specific fees can vary. Contact the airline before your flight if you have any large bags or special equipment to check.
Saving On Norwegian Air Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
There are plenty of ways to save money on your Norwegian Air baggage fees or possibly even avoid these costs altogether. All it takes it a little planning and foresight to maximize your savings.
Seek Reimbursement From Your Credit Card
Some travel credit cards reimburse for Norwegian Air baggage fees. Capital One is an example of one credit card company that offers this perk on some cards, such as the Venture Rewards Credit Card. If you have this card or any other card that offers baggage fee reimbursement, be sure to pay for your eligible baggage fees using the card and follow your credit card company’s requirements for applying for an account credit after your trip.
Book an Appropriate Fare With Included Baggage
Since most fares on Norwegian Air include at least some checked baggage, you may be able to avoid paying for checked bags by simply booking the fare that suits your baggage needs. If you know you’ll need to check at least one bag, for example, you’ll probably want to avoid booking a LowFare ticket (since this fare doesn’t include any checked bags). If you know you’ll need two checked bags, consider booking a Flex fare.
Pay for Your Baggage Online Before Your Flight
If you’ll need to check more bags than what your fare includes, adding and paying for these bags online before your flight can be a great way to save money. You can easily save 50% by going this route, though specific costs and savings can vary greatly depending on your route. You can check out Norwegian Air’s city pair list to find out more about additional baggage fees as they related to your flight and destination, or contact the airline directly.
Limit Your Luggage to Your Included Carry-Ons
All fares on Norwegian Air include a free personal item and standard carry-on, so if you’re taking a shorter trip and are able to pack lightly, you may be able to avoid any baggage fees at all by simply limiting what you pack to your carry-on baggage. This will also allow you to avoid the wait at the baggage carousel after your flight.
Redeem Norwegian Rewards Points
If you’re a member of Norwegian Rewards (Norwegian Air’s frequent flyer program), keep in mind that you can also redeem your points for free checked baggage.
Norwegian Air Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Norwegian Air’s baggage policies and fees.
How can I pre-pay for my luggage?
There are a few options for pre-paying for your baggage. You can do so by logging into your booking directly through the Norwegian Air website or using the Norwegian Air app. This can be done at any point after booking your flight. Another option is to call the airline directly up to six hours before your flight.
Does Norwegian Air include any checked bags with my fare?
For most fares, at least one checked bag is included with your ticket. The exception to this is the LowFare ticket, which does not come with any checked baggage included. Other fares typically include one checked bag, though some fares (such as Flex) may include up to two checked bags.
How can I avoid overweight/oversized baggage fees?
Norwegian Air has strict weight and size limits for both checked and carry-on luggage. No checked bags can exceed 44 pounds (20kg) without being subjected to overweight bag fees, which can add up because they are assessed by the kg. Oversized baggage fees can also vary depending on the size and route.
The best way to avoid these fees is to take the time to carefully measure and weigh your bags before your flight. You can use a dedicated luggage scale to get an accurate weight. A ruler/tape measure can be used to make sure your bags aren’t too big; just be sure that you’re including any wheels, handles, or other accessories with your measurement.
If your bag is slightly overweight, you might consider moving some of your packed items into your carry-on bag (provided that doing so won’t make your carry-on exceed the weight limit).
What if I’m traveling with special equipment?
If you’ll be traveling with musical instruments, sporting equipment, or other non-traditional luggage, it’s a good idea to contact the airline ahead of time for further instructions. Some special luggage may be subject to additional fees, and these can vary depending on your route and the size/weight of the item. It is not uncommon, however, for special equipment to cost anywhere from $40-$100 in additional fees, so plan your trip accordingly.
