Norse Atlantic Airways recently made waves as it allowed hand luggage on board, free of charge, even in its “Economy Light,” a low-fare option. Compared with other airlines of the same industry, which usually restrict baggage allowances for low-cost carriers to lower costs, the airline’s new policy is quite out of the norm. We will dive deeper into the specifics of this new policy, regarding Norse allowing free carry-on, its implications for passengers, and how it sets Norse up in the competitive airline market.
Is a Free Carry-On Allowed on a Norse Atlantic Flight?
The good news is that Norse allows a free carry-on on all of their flights. For its newest baggage policy, Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic has announced a change where a carry-on bag is allowed on board for all fare classes including Economy Light passengers, where only a personal item was permitted as per the previous policy. This policy holds good for all Economy Light passengers who have booked their tickets after 2nd September 2024. Tickets sold prior to the above-mentioned date won’t be eligible for a free carry-on.
Carry-On Types Allowed on Norse Atlantic Airways As Per Fare Type
- Economy Light – A single small personal item and a single carry-on included as a part of the fare
- Economy Classic – One small personal item and one carry-on or cabin bag (included as a part of the fare)
- Economy Flextra – A small personal item and a small carry-on or cabin bag
- Premium Light – A large personal item and carry-on or cabin bag
- Premium Classic – A big personal item and carry-on or cabin bag
- Premium Flextra – A big personal item and carry-on or cabin bag
Carry-On Dimensions for Norse Atlantic Airways As Per Fare Types
Here are some of the dimensions for carry-on baggage as per the fare types. Please take a look:
- Economy Cabin – Small personal item: 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm (15.5 inches x 11.5 inches x 5.5 inches); Carry-on or cabin baggage: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches); The weight limit is 10 kg or 22 lbs
- Premium Cabin – Bigger personal item: 45 cm x 36 cm x 22 cm (17 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches); there aren’t any restrictions about weight, except for the fact that it has to accommodate below the seat; Cabin or carry-on baggage: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches); The weight limit is 15 kg or 33 lbs
Reasoning for the Policy Change by Norse Atlantic
This free carry-on baggage policy supports Norse Atlantic’s strategy to appeal to budget-sensitive travelers when there is wide competition in the transatlantic market. Some of the reasons for this change are as follows:
Free carry-on luggage is more liberal than the baggage allowance offered by most of the competitors, and Norse will then lack differentiation compared to its bigger competitors in the marketplace. Revenue generation: Norse targets that period during which demand is normally lower. A free carry-on luggage offer may stimulate a higher volume of customers to use Norse rather than some of its competitors. This will be a benefit for loyal customers and attract new customers who value travel experience.
Implications for Traveler
Substantive benefits are in store for travelers who fly with Norse Atlantic on this new baggage policy:
- Cost Savings: Passengers save by not paying extra fees for excess luggage
- Convenience: The advantages of having to carry all that one needs in a bigger carry-on mean a guarantee of accessing anything one might need without checking bags aboard an aircraft.
- Flexibility: This is directly related to convenience; a traveler will get to carry as much as possible onboard, fulfilling business or leisure needs.
Passengers Considerations
While the new rule is quite advantageous, travelers should not ignore certain aspects of it:
For example, some airports do not have the measure and weight of carry-ons against strict requirements while others adhere to these regulations to a tee. The travelers should ensure they follow the regulations that Norse requires lest they may be charged an extra fee. There are very few checked baggage options. While the number of carry-ons has increased, checked luggage options remain few, and under the Economy Light fare, passengers will have limited options. They must plan if they need more serious options for packing.
Competitive Landscape
Norse Atlantic has timed its move in line with the increased trend that many airlines are taking this opportunity to review their baggage policies, especially within the backdrop of the changing consumer appetite and intensifying competition. Competition within the industry across airlines lines has been welcomed by low-cost carriers indicating an increase within transatlantic routes and compelling most airlines to review their offerings.
Other Players
Some of the other competitors to Norse Atlantic include airlines that operate in a similar line and thus, outline their baggage policies:
| Airline | Free Carry-On Allowance | Checked Baggage Options |
|---|---|---|
| Norse Atlantic | Up to 10 kg | Limited under Economy Light |
| Ryanair | Up to 10 kg | Paid options only |
| Norwegian Air | Up to 10 kg | Paid options only |
| British Airways | Varies by fare | Included in most fares |
This table explains how this new policy benefits Norse Atlantic over the competitors who might charge extra fees on other comparable services.
Conclusion
One of the strategic moves made by Norse Atlantic Airlines is the free carry-on baggage offered in Economy Light. So, Norse Atlantic Airlines aims at enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening its market position competitiveness in the transatlantic. For one, reduction of the extra charges for extra services will give flexibility and convenience to the passenger without being too cost-intensive concerning traditional low-cost carriers that have had strict limited allowances.
There is a good chance that Norse Atlantic will gain attention and market shares with more people looking for value for convenience in their flights. From a transatlantic crossing to finding new options, knowing the updates can make all the difference in your choice about traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Norse Atlantic Airways does have sizes for personal items, and they are allowed items with sizes: 40 x 30 x 15 cm or approximately 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches in size. This is the dimension for Economy passengers. For premium passengers, the dimensions are a little higher as mentioned above. Flexibility does exist on the part of the airport concerning issuing at check-in or the boarding process, however.
To answer the question above, yes Norse Atlantic allows passengers to carry free of charge carry-on luggage up to 10 kg approximately 22 lbs in size at 56 x 45 x 25 cm or about 22 x 18 x 10 inches when booking an Economy Light fare ticket. This rule is valid for reservations made starting from September 2, 2024. The free carry-on provision is eligible for other ticket classes as well.
Scandinavian Airlines, or SAS as an acronym, allows each travel class differently. Free carry-on applies to most of the classes that SAS implements on all its fare types with special weight restrictions and dimensions. The passengers are encouraged to visit the official website of SAS for the latest guidelines concerning their booking class.
