Passengers flying on budget airline Norwegian’s short-haul European flights should be aware that changes are reportedly being implemented to its baggage policy.
Norwegian is Norway's largest airline and it previously permitted all of its passengers to bring a cabin bag of up to 10kg on board free of charge. Effective from February 2020, passengers who purchase the lowest-priced LowFare tickets will reportedly have to pay extra to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin, unless it can fit under the seat in front of them. According to travel news site, check-in.dk, this move will not affect passengers who have already purchased tickets prior to the changes being introduced.
The revised policy means that passengers can still take small personal items such as backpacks, handbags or laptop cases on board without charge, providing they fit under the seat. But the regular 10kg suitcases that many people bring with them will need to be stored in overhead lockers, and this will require the payment of a fee, the amount of which has yet to be disclosed. The good news is that Norwegian is also increasing the weight restriction on checked luggage from 20kg to 23kg, and passengers purchasing a Flex ticket will be able to take 15kg of cabin baggage on board instead of 10kg.
This move follows follows a similar rule introduced by budget carrier Ryanair, and it is believed that Norwegian is implementing it to increase the punctuality of its flights and improve passengers' onboard experience. Norwegian has been in the headlines recently because it implemented free Wi-Fi for passengers on long-haul flights, and also cancelled hundreds of flights between the US and Europe from its 2019/2020 schedule.
While the low-cost carrier has yet to officially announce details of its new baggage policy, you can follow its website here for updates.