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U.S. Embassy in Norway

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***Effective as of 12:01 a.m. EDT May 12, 2023, the Presidential Proclamation for COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the United States has been rescinded. 

Check the CDC website for additional information and  Frequently Asked Questions .

Country-Specific Information: 

  • As of February 12, 2022, the travel-restrictions upon entry into Norway were lifted. The same rules as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic apply. There are no requirements for testing, quarantine or registration upon arrival in Norway. Visit the Norwegian government website  for further updates regarding testing, isolation and workplace guidance etc.
  • For detailed information about travel to Norway, please see  Health Norway’s (FHI) website .
  • Updated information about national and local COVID-19 prevention measures, as well as information about quarantine and testing is available on  Health Norway’s website .
  • Commercial, public, and government services are open.

Entry and Exit Requirements: 

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?  Yes.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?  The remaining entry restrictions, i.e. the duty to complete entry registration and to produce a negative test prior to arrival, have been removed.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?  No.
  • For more information regarding visa extensions for residents and/or tourists, please consult the  Norwegian Directorate of Immigration .
  • Please see the  Norwegian government’s website  for an exhaustive list of questions and answers about entry to Norway.

Movement Restrictions: 

  • Is a curfew in place? No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?   No

Quarantine Information: 

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?   No.

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating?  Yes.
  • Is public transportation operating?  Yes.

Fines for Non-Compliance:   Not applicable anymore.

Consular Operations:

  • American Citizen Services : The U.S. Embassy in Oslo is open for scheduled routine appointments. Emergency American citizen services appointments are available on a case-by-case basis.  Visit our U.S. Citizen Services information page  for the most up-to-date information on consular operations.
  • Visa Services : The U.S. Embassy in Oslo is open for routine appointments.  Visit our Nonimmigrant Visas page for more detailed information on visa services.

Restrictions for Entering the United States:

Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel

Last updated: May 4, 2023

The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order  Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic  will no longer be in effect when the   Presidential Proclamation  Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic  is revoked .

Local Resources:

  • View U.S. Embassy Oslo’s Most Recent Alerts
  • Information and advice about the coronavirus situation from Norwegian authorities
  • Norwegian Institute of Public Health  (Folkehelseinstituttet)
  • The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Travel to Norway
  • The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs  (Utenriksdepartementet, in Norwegian)
  • Emergency Preparedness Guide

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

U.S. Embassy Oslo’s phone number is +47 21 30 85 40

U.S. Embassy Oslo Morgedalsvegen 36 0378 Oslo NORWAY

Our postal address is: U.S. Embassy Oslo PO Box 4075 AMB 0244 Oslo NORWAY

You can find the official Facebook page of U.S. Embassy Oslo at ( https://www.facebook.com/usembassyoslo/ )

You can find the official Instagram account of U.S. Embassy Oslo at https://www.instagram.com/usembassyoslo/

You can find the official Twitter page of U.S. Embassy Oslo at https://www.twitter.com/usembassyoslo/

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Please call: (+47) 21 30 85 40

Outside of Office Hours, contact: (+47) 21 30 85 40

Outside of Norway: 011 47 2130 8540

Luggage Policies at Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA operates more than 160 aircraft, mainly Boeing 737s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners . Like other airlines, Norwegian Airlines enforces strict guidelines regarding the carry-on and checked baggage, including size and weight limits. To ensure you aren't surprised when arriving at the airport , double-check you are adhering to the luggage rules for the airline. 

Carry-On and Hand Baggage

Norwegian Air allows you to bring one  carry-on bag into the cabin free of charge. It is also permitted to bring a small personal item onboard, such as a small handbag or a slim laptop case that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.

Your ticket type determines the weight limits of your carry-on baggage. For what Norwegian Air calls LowFare, Lowfare+ and Premium tickets, you are allowed:

  • One carry-on bag, with maximum dimensions of 55 by 40 by 23 centimeters, or approximately 22 by 16 by 9 inches
  • One small personal item, with maximum dimensions of 25 by 33 by 20 centimeters, or approximately 10 by 13 by 8 inches
  • The maximum combined weight (for both) is 10 kilograms or about 22 pounds

Flex and PremiumFlex tickets have the same dimension maximums, but the carry-on items can weigh up to 15 kilograms, or about 33 pounds. If you are traveling to and/or from Dubai , hand baggage cannot exceed 8 kilograms. 

On full flights, Norwegian Air says it may ask passengers to check carry-on items if all overhead compartments are full, even if the carry-on baggage is within the permitted size and weight limits. In those cases, Norwegian Air recommends travelers remove any travel documents, ID papers, medication, and fragile or valuable items from the carry-on bag. Additionally, if you want to bring more bags on board, you can pay for that option online for an additional fee when booking your ticket. 

There is no carry-on baggage allowance for infant tickets, infants are those under 2 years of age, but parents can bring a reasonable amount of baby food and milk or formula for the flight. Children 2 to 11 years old can carry on the amount of hand baggage and checked baggage that their ticket type allows.

Checked Baggage

As with carry-on items, your ticket type determines if checked baggage is included, or whether you'll need to pay extra.

For LowFare tickets, you are not allowed to check any bags. For domestic flights, if you purchase a LowFare+ ticket, you are allowed to check one bag weighing 20 kilograms, or about 44 pounds. The airline also offers Flex tickets, which allow you to check two bags, each weighing 20 kilograms.

For international flights, you are not allowed to check any bags for LowFare tickets. For each LowFare+ ticket, you are allowed one bag weighing up to 20 kilograms. With Flex, Premium and PremiumFlex tickets, you can check two bags each weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Extra Checked Baggage

In addition to the allotted baggage allowances, you can purchase the right to check additional bags. The cost depends on the countries or regions to which you are flying, which Norwegian Air lists as "zones.", which the airline lists on their website . 

Norwegian Air has a few additional specific baggage limits, even if you are buying the right to check additional baggage:

  • Each bag must weigh no more than 32 kilograms, or approximately 70.5 pounds, or be lighter than 2 kilograms, or about 4.4 pounds.
  • Your total amount of checked bags cannot weigh more than 64 kilograms or about 141 pounds.
  • Each bag must not exceed 250 by 79 by 112 centimeters, 98 by 31 by 44 inches, with a maximum circumference of 300 centimeters, or about 118 inches. 

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Norwegian sees less risk of travel restrictions next summer

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

Budget carrier Norwegian expects there will be significantly less risk of travel restrictions next summer thanks to vaccination progress, allowing it to expand its schedule.

The airline said its flight schedule for summer 2022, published on August 13, 2021, will see it offer 259 routes from the Nordics. 

“ With this summer schedule we will continue to deliver on our strategy of investing in Norway and the Nordic region,” commented Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian. “In recent months, we have noticed an increased demand from customers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board to their favourite Nordic destinations.” 

Norwegian exited bankruptcy protection in May 2021, emerging as a smaller carrier focused on European routes. Rapid expansion into low-cost long-haul flying had resulted in it racking up debt and getting into financial difficulty.   

Karslen said Norwegian was well equipped for 2022, though still expected to be affected by the pandemic to some extent. 

“ We have considerable flexibility in the use of our aircraft, and after the restructuring we have lower debt, an adapted fleet and organisation, and we have received new capital. It has been a tough time, but the result is that we are stronger now than before the pandemic,” said Karlsen.

In July 2021, the carrier operated 33 aircraft, 50% more than the previous month, and said travel to northern Norway was especially popular. Its newly slimmed down fleet comprises 51 aircraft in total.   

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Norwegian Air expects rise in bookings as travel restrictions ease

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Richard Milne , Nordic and Baltic Correspondent

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Norwegian Air Shuttle’s first results since it emerged from bankruptcy protection showed the low-cost airline still struggling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, even as it improved its financial position.

Norwegian said it expected future bookings to continue to increase as travel restrictions across Europe are eased, but warned that the uncertainty over Covid was still too high to provide profit guidance this year.

Under its preferred measure of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and restructuring costs excluding other gains and losses, Norwegian’s losses widened from NKr467m in the first half of 2020 to NKr1.86bn ($215m) in the first six months of this year. Revenues dropped 92 per cent to NKr591m.

But thanks to its financial restructuring, which it completed in May, it swung from a pre-tax loss of NKr4.79bn last year to a profit in 2021 of NKr1.59bn.

Chief executive Geir Karlsen said the first-half results represented “a clear improvement” in Norwegian’s financial situation as the airline had cut its operating costs and debt, allowing it to plan for the future with “renewed confidence and focus”.

He added: “Forward bookings continue to increase in response to the relaxation of travel restrictions and the rollout of international vaccination programmes. We expect to see this trend continue in the remaining months in 2021 and through 2022.”

Norwegian overextended itself before the pandemic, increasing its debt substantially to fund a lossmaking transatlantic long-haul programme. It has now abandoned those flights and is seeking to concentrate mostly on its home Nordic region and flights from there to Europe.

The low-cost airline ended 2019 with a fleet of 156 aircraft but had only about 10 aircraft operating this spring. By the end of June, that had increased to 51 aircraft and Norwegian estimated it would operate about 70 next year should the recovery in air traffic go to plan.

Norwegian managed to reduce its debt by 96 per cent from a year earlier in its financial restructuring in Ireland and Norway that ended in a large debt-for-equity swap and left creditors owning most of the airline.

Norwegian now operates most of its aircraft on a power-by-the-hour basis, meaning it only pays for them when it uses them so its costs should be much more in line with demand. Its cash burn in June — the first full month since its restructuring — was significantly reduced from the level at the start of the pandemic.

Shares in Norwegian, which have fallen steeply and steadily over the past three years, were flat at NKr10 on Tuesday morning.

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International Edition

Norwegian Air Sees Spike in July Travelers Amidst Uncertain Prospects

Gwladys Fouche, Reuters

August 5th, 2021 at 9:25 AM EDT

The travel recovery is completely dependent on traveler confidence, vaccine availability and easing of travel restrictions. Will all this be enough to turn things around for Norwegian or will the pandemic and competition prove to be too much?

Ruthy Muñoz

Norwegian Air saw a jump in passengers in July due to the lifting of some travel restrictions in Europe and more people being vaccinated, and plans to offer more routes in autumn and winter, it said on Thursday.

The budget carrier, which emerged from government-backed bankruptcy proceedings in May, said capacity expansion, as measured by available seat kilometres (ASK), had increased by 104 percent year on year with passenger traffic (revenue passenger km) up 124 percent.

Still, the number of passengers flown last month was less than a fifth of those flown at the same time two years ago, before the pandemic started.

“Demand is driven by easing in travel restrictions, in addition to a higher level of the population being vaccinated,” Norwegian Air said in a statement.

The company flew 33 aircraft in July, up from 15 in June, it said.

“For the coming autumn and winter season, the number of aircraft and routes will gradually be increased to meet anticipated market demand,” it added, without giving details.

Norwegian Air emerged from six months of bankruptcy protection in late May with a smaller fleet and its debt almost wiped out but facing stronger competition and lingering uncertainty wrought by the pandemic.

(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; editing by Jason Neely)

Copyright (2021) Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions

This article was from Reuters and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected] .

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Tags: bankruptcies , coronavirus recovery , norwegian air

Photo credit: A Norwegian Air Boeing 737-8 flying in Norway. The airline saw its aircraft in operation more than double to 33. Alan Wilson / WikiMedia

Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Norway - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. 

Exercise normal precautions in Norway.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Norway.  

If you decide to travel to Norway:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Norway.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy oslo.

Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo, Norway Mailing address: PO Box 4075 AMB, 0244 Oslo, Norway Telephone: +(47) 2130-8540 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(47) 2130-8540 Fax: +(47) 2256-2751 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Visit the  Royal Norwegian Embassy  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

  • Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country; review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .   
  • You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
  • For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Norway. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terroris m: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

Crime:  Norway has a low level of crime and violent crime is uncommon.

  • The most likely forms of crime, especially in the Oslo metropolitan area, include residential and office burglaries and petty thefts.
  • Pickpocketing and petty theft occur more frequently in major tourist areas, hotel lobbies, train and transit stations, and surrounding areas. The Oslo Central train station is an especially popular area for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
  • Although rare, violent and weapons-related crimes do occur in areas known to have drug trafficking and gang problems, such as certain parts of eastern Oslo. As in any other urban area, you should remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

International Financial Scams:   See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(47) 2130-8540. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • help you find appropriate medical care
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • provide a list of local attorneys
  • provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
  • assist you in accessing Norway’s program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious criminal injuries, via the  Norwegian Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority .
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Victims may also contact:

Police (non-emergency)  02 800  Oslo Emergency Room  116 117  Helpline for Children and Youth  116 111  Hotline for Victims of Sexual Assault  800 57 000  DIXI Center for Victims of Rape  22 44 40 50  Oslo Crisis Center  22 48 03 80  National Association for Victims of Crime  22 16 40 00

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are usually identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. At certain times of year, there are increased risks of avalanche and hidden crevasses in mountainous areas throughout Norway.  Rapid weather changes may also create hazards in backcountry areas.  We encourage you to check with local authorities and websites showing current conditions before engaging in outdoor sporting activities. If you plan to travel to Svalbard, please see more information below. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. For instance, it is generally illegal to carry knives or other sharp objects in Norway. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities before practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Svalbard:  The Svalbard archipelago consists of nine main islands located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.  You need a passport to enter Svalbard.

  • Unlike Norway’s mainland, Svalbard is not party to the Schengen Agreement and air travelers to Svalbard from Norway will depart the Schengen Zone prior to boarding.
  • Travelers to Svalbard face unique hazards given the extreme weather conditions and limited transport infrastructure.
  • The U.S. Embassy has no direct representation on Svalbard, limiting its ability to provide emergency consular services.
  • Verify that you have adequate travel, medical, and medical evacuation insurance to cover the potential costs of medical treatment or repatriation before you travel to Svalbard.
  • Although road systems exist within the three largest towns – Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, and Ny-Alesund – they do not connect with each other, making sea, snowmobile, or limited air service the only options for traveling throughout Svalbard.
  • Tourism to Ny-Alesund is restricted due to its status as a research facility and the danger of polar bear attacks.
  • There have been several reported instances of death or injury to tourists in the Svalbard archipelago due to animal attacks and boating incidents, often involving unpredictable weather or ocean conditions.
  • In cases of illness or injury, a clinic in Longyearbyen can provide limited emergency care until medical evacuation to Tromsoe is available.
  • You should consult the  Svalbard Tourist Board  for the latest travel conditions and information before you go.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Child Protection Laws:  The treatment of children is taken very seriously in Norway. All forms of corporal punishment of children are against the law, and any form of violence, humiliating treatment, or neglect may result in the child being taken away from parents by the Norwegian authorities and placed into long-term care by Norway’s social services.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Norway.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   While in Norway, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States.

  • Oslo Gardermoen International Airport is accessible to wheelchair users and the staff is very helpful with accessibility issues.
  • The Oslo subway/light-rail system (T-banen) has above-average wheelchair accessibility.
  • Taxi drivers are generally helpful in assisting wheelchair users.  It is possible to order taxis with wheelchair lifts.
  • From December to March it is extremely difficult for wheelchair users to navigate Oslo’s streets without assistance due to snow and ice.
  • Shopping malls, hotels, public buildings, and most modern structures will have accessible toilets.
  • Fewer than half of the restaurants in Norway are wheelchair accessible and many have restrooms located up or down a flight of stairs.
  • Many modern public structures, such as shopping centers, substitute inclined moving walkways/ramps for elevators, which are difficult for wheelchair users to use safely.
  • Norway’s Tourist Board website  offers accessibility information specifically for ferries.

Students :  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

There are several options for obtaining COVID-19 tests at local clinics, at your own expense (from $70-$200 per person, depending on test type and wait time).  

  • https://oslohelse.no/covid-19-test-services/
  • https://drdropin.no/en/coronatest/testclinic/oslo
  • https://www.volvat.no/lokasjoner/oslo/tjenester/corona-test/
  • https://www.kry.no/en/covid-offering/  

Results are provided via email or may be picked up at some clinics as soon as two hours after testing. 

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Norway. Vaccinations are provided by the municipalities in Norway. In Oslo, vaccinations are available at the Nydalen vaccination centre . Visit the Nydalen vaccination centre website for contact details and hours. Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Medical facilities are widely available and of high quality but may be limited outside larger urban areas. The remote and sparse populations in northern Norway and the dependence on ferries to cross fjords of western Norway may affect transportation and ready access to medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy in Oslo maintains a  list of emergency medical and dental clinics  in major cities.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Norway  to ensure the medication is legal in Norway.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:   Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Ambulance services are widely available.

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

  • Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
  • Medical staff may speak limited English.
  • Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. 
  • Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Norway.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
  • Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Norway.  

Pharmaceuticals 

  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often more difficult to obtain in Norway. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.  
  • Norway does not allow the importation of some medications that are legal in the United States by prescription.   Please review Norway’s rules on medications:  Bringing medicines into Norway by travel - Legemiddelverket . 

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal in Norway.

Adventure Travel 

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .
  • The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are usually identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.
  • In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.
  • At certain times of year, there are increased risks of avalanche and hidden crevasses in mountainous areas throughout Norway.  Rapid weather changes may also create hazards in backcountry areas.  We encourage you to check with local authorities and websites showing current conditions before engaging in outdoor sporting activities.
  • If you plan to travel to Svalbard, please see more information above.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   The maintenance and condition of urban roads is generally good. Rural road conditions are fair, and the availability of roadside assistance is limited.

  • Roadside assistance is mainly provided by two service providers in Norway: Viking (phone number +47 06000) and Falck (phone number +47 02222). Both service providers operate with 24/7 duty phones.
  • Most roadways beyond the city limits of Oslo and other major cities tend to be simple two-lane roads. In mountainous areas of Norway, the roads tend to be narrow, winding, and have many tunnels.
  • Road conditions vary greatly , depending on weather and time of year. Extreme weather, floods, and landslides can occur. This can disrupt both rail and road travel.
  • The use of winter tires is mandatory on all motor vehicles from November to April.
  • Many mountain roads are closed due to snow from late fall to late spring.

Traffic Laws: Norwegian law requires that drivers always use headlights when driving. Norwegian law also requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right, except in a traffic circle, when drivers are required to yield to vehicles already in the circle.

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers.
  • It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving; violators risk a fine of 1,300 kroner (approximately $215).
  • Automatic cameras placed by the police along roadways help enforce speed limits, which are often lower than in other European countries.  Fines – and sometimes even jail time – are imposed for violations.
  • The maximum legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car in Norway is .02 percent.  Police conduct frequent road checks with mandatory breathalyzer tests, and driving under the influence can lead to a stiff jail sentence.

Public Transportation:   See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Visit the website of Norway’s  Tourist Board  and the  Norwegian Council for Road Safety .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Norway’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Norway should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

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  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Norway . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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How Strict Is Norwegian Air With Carry On? 2024

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So how strict is Norwegian Air with carry-on?

Norwegian Air is a low-cost airline based in Norway that operates flights to over 150 destinations worldwide.

And in this post We’ll explore the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, what items are allowed, exceptions to the policies, and share tips for ensuring a hassle-free travel experience with Norwegian Air.

Let’s dive right in.

This article will Cover the following:

  • Carry on Baggage strict
  • Checked Baggage strict

Excess Baggage

  • Special Baggage

Restricted Items

 Norwegian air baggage strict

How Strict Is Norwegian Air With Carry On Size And Weight?

However sometimes your carry on luggage may slightly go over the allowed size or weight.

Norwegian Air is quite strict with the appliance of its carry on and personal item size and weight policies, and if you want to transport oversized or overweight items you’ll need to pay extra charges.

But, overall your carry on baggage must follow the airline hand luggage restrictions and rules for a smooth flight.

you are allowed on board One carry-on bag free-of-charge that must not exceed the following weight and sizes:

  • 55 cm in Height
  • 40 cm in Length
  • 23 cm in Width

In addition of your free carry on baggage, you can bring also one personal item that must be placed under the seat in front of you and it can be one of the following items:

  • a small backpack or
  • a briefcase or
  • a camera case or
  • rain gear (umbrella, raincoat) or
  • a limited amount of duty-free merchandise purchased at the airport

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  • Is Etihad strict with baggage allowance?
  • What Is The Baggage Allowance For Srilankan Airlines?
  • Is Philippine airlines strict with baggage?
Please pack essentials in your personal item (e.g. medicine, valuables and baby items).

Do Norwegians weigh personal items?

Norwegian air limited cabin luggage storage, so your hand baggage and personal items may be measured at the gate. please make sure to measure your bags and remember that it’s the combined weight of your hand baggage that counts! Hand baggage that exceeds the limits of your ticket type will be stowed in the aircraft hold at a charge, per leg.

What Is Norwegian Air Carry On Child Policy ?

Infant under 2 years

There is no cabin baggage allowance for infants’ tickets; but you can carry a reasonable amount of baby items, food , drinks and other necessary items in the flight.

Children between (2 to 11 years)

If you purchase a child ticket, your child can bring the amount of hand baggage and checked baggage that their ticket type allows.

If you buy a ticket for your child or your infant; the baggage allowance of your child will be indicated in the ticket

How Strict is Norwegian Air With Checked Baggage?

Your ticket type determines if checked baggage is included, or whether you will need to pay some extra; please note that special baggage e.g ski equipment, golf bags etc.) cannot be ordered as checked baggage.

You can add checked baggage to an existing booking up until 4 hours before departure. It’s quick and easy to do this online or by Contacting the Norwegian air Center.

International long haul flights:

  • LowFare: no baggage included
  • LowFare +:1*23 kg
  • Flex, Premium and PremiumFlex: 2*23 kg

All flights excl. long haul /

  • Flex : 2*23 kg

Pay careful attention to the size and weight of your bags when preparing for your trip.

  • Each of your bags must not be weighed more than 32 kg or lighter than 2 kg.
  • Your total amount of checked bags cannot weigh more than 64 kg.
  • Each bag must not exceed 250 x 79 x 112 cm (L x H x W) with max. circumference 300 cm.

Infants checked baggage

The amount of baggage you can bring will depend on the age of your child and the type of ticket you’ve purchased for them.

  • 5 kg of checked baggage included (packed in your bag, or their own separate bag)
  • One car seat and one stroller included

Children between 2 to 11 years

  • You can bring the amount of checked baggage that your child’s fare type allows

Excess baggage charges apply to any items over the 2 baggage limit, and to items over 23 kg –  14$ per kilo, per leg.

Special Baggage?

Skis and snowboards

If your heart yearns for a winter adventure the maximum weight your Skis and snowboards that you are allowed is a Max 20 kg and You can have 2 bags with a combined weight of 20 kilos, this can only contain relevant skiing or snowboarding equipment.

your clothes and other gear must be checked as your standard checked baggage allowance.

All flights (excl. international long haul) 30 – 35 GBP (online) 40 – 60 GBP (airport)

International long haul 50 GBP (online) 60 GBP (airport)

Your ski and snowboard equipment (max 2 bags and 20 kg) is charged each way.

Golf equipment

If you are a golf admirer you are allowed a Max of 20 kg (max one item per Guest)

Only pack relevant golfing equipment to help you get that hole-in-one.

All items are charged per item, each way.

Surfboards and kite equipment

Surfboards and wind lovers are only entitled for a Maximum of 25 kg and they can Only pack equipment directly related to the sport, and make sure the board’s are no larger than 250 x 79 x 112 cm.

All flights (excl. international long haul) 35 – 45 GBP (online) 45 – 70 GBP (airport)

International long haul 60 GBP (online) 70 GBP (airport)

Book early to make sure we’ve got space for your bike.

If you want to carry your lovely bike with Norwegian air please make sure that you contact the airline early to make sure they have enough space for your little baby.

Fishing rods

Your fishing rods must be packed in suitable hard casing.

Other sports equipment

Norwegian air allows you to bring any type of sports equipment; however they are not mentioned above, and as checked baggage, but they must fit the Norwegian air size and weight allowance.

This equipment will count towards your checked baggage allowance, and any item over the 2 bag limit or over 23 kg will be charged as excess baggage.

carry on baggage

please make sure to not include this items in your cabin luggage

  • Firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns
  • Toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons
  • Component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights
  • Compressed air and CO2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball bearing guns
  • Signal flare pistols and starter pistols
  • Bow, cross bows and arrows
  • Harpoon guns and spear guns
  • Slingshots and catapults

Checked baggage

please make sure to not include any of these items in your Checked baggage

  • Blasting caps
  • Detonators and fuses
  • Mines, grenades and other explosive military stores
  • Fireworks and other pyrotechnics
  • Smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges
  • Dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives
  • Gases including propane and butane
  • Flammable liquids including gasoline and methanol.
  • Flammable solids and reactive substances including magnesium, firelighters, fireworks and flares.
  • Oxidizers and organic peroxides including bleach and car body repair kits.
  • Toxic or infectious substances including rat poison and infected blood.
  • Radioactive material including medical or commercial isotopes.
  • Corrosives including mercury and vehicle batteries.
  • Vehicle fuel system components that have contained fuel.
  • E-cigarettes
  • Valuable items (e.g. cash, jewelry, precious stones, electronic devices, cameras etc.)
  • Fragile items (e.g. breakable items, glasses etc.)
  • Perishable or food with an odor (i.e. meat or herring)
  • Keys, work documents, ID papers
  • Medicine and medical certificates
  • Hoverboards, balance gliders, self balancing scooters or self balancing boards of any type which use lithium or lithium ion batteries
  • Electric kick bike

Learn more about what to take in checked baggage in this post .

Norwegian Air is quietly strict with its carry-on policies and it’s important to stay within their size and weight limits.

So to ensure that you don’t face any last minute charges, pack efficiently, prepare for security screening, and follow the airline’s policies closely.

Use a suitcase that is fully compliant with the airline luggage allowance.

We hope this helps

Happy travels

Helpful links

  • Become a member
  • Norwegian Reward
  • Excess baggage alternative
  • find a carry on bag that fits your needs

Disclosure :Some information for (How strict is Norwegian Air with carry on) is pulled from The airline websites as a resource. Airline websites are the authority and can change at any time. For the latest information please visit the Airline website.

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Norwegian airlines restrictions--too onerous?

I was about to purchase some flights within Scandinavia on Norwegian airlines for July, but some of their restrictions gave me pause...not only the 22lb limit for a carry-on, but the personal item was described as a "small purse or laptop that would fit easily under the seat" . I travel with a daypack and have never had problems using it as my personal item since it does fit easily under a seat. But it is clearly larger than a small purse or laptop. Does anyone have experience with this? I also read here that paying with a credit card can be a problem...so what do you use if buying it in advance from the US?

I'm good with their carryon limits so I can't comment on that. But I did buy a set of tickets for July with my Alaska Airlines Visa without even calling to give them a heads-up and the charge went through.

Too onerous? Nope.

I would never want to travel with more than 22 lbs so that weight limit common to many airlines doesn't restrict me. Next, the personal item rule is quite common and also is not an issue for me because my personal item is a tote bag fits under the seat. If your daypack fits under the seat, you're good to go.

I also read here that paying with a credit card can be a problem...so what do you use if buying it in advance from the US?

What specifically is the problem? Next, from where did you read about this problem?

I am not an authority on this topic, but I can describe my experience flying on Norwegian from Iceland to Norway and from Norway to Los Angeles in July, 2017 First, it is my understanding that Norwegian uses Boeing 737-600 series planes for most European flights - that's the same plane used by Southwest. Their transatlantic flights are on 767-800 series Boeing Dreamliners - a much larger plane. I flew to Iceland on the first leg of a three week holiday that included Sweden and Norway. I flew Icelandair from PDX to KEF. When I flew from Iceland to Oslo on Norwegian Air, I was not permitted to carry on my backpack - I was forced to check it - but there was no additional cost for this service. That may be a polite policy or maybe I just caught a break. Ten days later, I flew from Bergen to Stockholm on SAS - another Boeing 737 - again, I was forced to check my backpack - again, no added cost. Maybe another lucky break. I bought all those flights from home prior to the beginning of my holiday - no problem using my credit card. I have flown Norwegian several times since then, but all have been transatlantic flights (on Dreamliners). Never a problem. I'm flying Norwegian Oakland to Barcelona next month. They have become my favorite carrier.

I've flown Norwegian several times from the west coast to Europe, including segments within Europe. They will weigh your bags but if you don't think you can manage the 22 pound limit you can pay when you book your ticket to check the larger bag. It's probably about $25 each flight, but it's a lot more if you book it later or are required to check it at the airport. If your daypack will fit under the seat you shouldn't have any problem with that. I think that their website now states clearly that they weigh both pieces if you want to carry on, and that the total must be no more than 10 kilo,. although they didn't weigh my large purse on my flights. It's a good airline and the rules are clear. As to credit card issues, I think that on one flight Cap One had me type in a code they emailed me to validate the purchase. This happens occasionally on international buys so I keep my cell phone handy to check the code without having to leave (and screw up) the transaction in progress.

Their transatlantic flights are on 767-800 series Boeing Dreamliners - a much larger plane.

Not so, from many of their east coast airports they use 737s across the pond.

Also, Dreamliner is a 787. The 767 is more the discount airline plane (Condor, Icelandair).

Southwest flys 737-700 and 737-800 models currently plus a few 737-MAX planes. The -600 has been retired by Boeing as it was the smallest version of the 737 in recent years and was just too small for most airlines. Southwest never flew any 737-600s. They had nearly every other version of the pane and have added some of the MAX versions mainly for their international routes.

Norwegian flys 737-800 for many flights and have added 787-800 and -900 models in order to extend their flights further into the US past the east coast.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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That Super “Cheap” Norwegian Airline Is Coming Back To America

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If you wanted anything from a drink to a hot meal, or a checked bag, it was extra. The idea caught on like wildfire, and soon thereafter, all the “classic” airlines were offering their own dysfunctional version of “basic economy” to compete.

But then came a freak global pandemic, travel died and the heavily debt strapped low cost, long haul airline called ‘Norwegian’ went bust. Well, kinda. It gave up on long haul flights in favor of protecting a small European network.

But thanks to the never ending amusement and joy that capitalism can bring, the airline managed to basically screw its creditors and debt obligations and immediately re-form as a new entity, without all the “baggage”.

That “new” entity is called Norse Atlantic , and it just achieved a significant milestone in bringing cheap, no frills flights back to the USA.

Norse Atlantic Gets Operators License

a plane flying in the sky

An absolutely crucial step in flying passengers in the United States is getting an ‘Air Operators License’, which is administered by the FAA. This is a rightfully cumbersome process designed to ensure the utmost in safety and reliability.

Norse Atlantic has now been granted a ‘Foreign Operators Certificate’, which means a primary hurdle to beginning flights has been cleared. In the never ending irony of the new operation, the team just received delivery of its first Boeing 787 with a fresh new paint job, which covered up that of the previous owner… Norwegian.

Norse Atlantic is helmed by a few Bjorn’s, including Bjørn Tore Larsen, who was a part of Norwegian, Bjørn Kjos who founded Norwegian, and Bjørn Kise who is also a part of the operation.

It’s kinda like McDonalds going out of business to renegotiate debts and then opening a new group called WacDonalds the next week, with the same store fronts, grills and everything else. It’s as admirable and amusing as it is “WTF”.

a tower with trees in front of it

Great News For Low Transatlantic Fares

Anyway, you care because those super low fares which make Europe more affordable than DisneyWorld should likely return within the year.

Whenever there’s an uptick in interest in transatlantic travel — likely as restrictions and testing begins to wane — the new Norse Atlantic should be ready and waiting to whisk customers to the best places in Europe on the cheap. When they start offering prices on the cheap, others airlines will need to as well, so everyone may win.

Initial services are expected out of Stewart Airport in Newburgh, New York, about two hours out of the city, as well as places like San Bernadino, California as well as Florida, with service to Fort Lauderdale. London, Paris and Oslo are likely first destinations in Europe.

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Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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10 Comments

Don’t be so dismissive and sarcastic. Bankruptcy law and corporate legal structure have allowed many companies to shed debt, refinance and effectively start over for years. You act like this is something new.

You may not like it but those are the rules and any business can utilize them (including major US airlines that walked away from leases and, in some cases, pension obligations.

I have no problem with it. I just see this as one of the most comical cases of such behavior. I make plenty of positive points that they bring a great product to marketplace.

Also worth noting that Norwegian (short haul) is still in business. People who were once with Norwegian may now manage, work for, or invest in Norse Atlantic, but it is a genuinely different organisation.

This comment speaks for itself.

Did you actually do any research before writing this? Norse is an entirely new airline, and is not formed from any parts of Norwegian. It’s CEO was screwed by Norwegian when they cut ties to OSM Aviation, which he owned. Yes, some INVESTORS were formally part of Norwegian, but Norse is a completely separate and new company formed by independent parties.

Yep, using old Norwegian planes, with most of the leadership team from Norwegian. Nothing to see here, totally separate. LOL.

Delighted if Norse Atlantic or ” old norwegian” start flying again to the States. I used to fly with them to JFK and LAS business class for little more than economy costs. Great service, seating was great and added bonus for me, they flew out of/into LGW. Not sure any of their new routes will suit me, aside from maybe San Bernadino ( if there is a flight from there to Las Vegas ). Hoping their fares will be worth the wait.

I wish Norse well, but I am not going two hours out of my way to fly them. Until Norse starts service to EWR and/or JFK their service is of no value to me.

As one of the many ticket holders who were left holding the bag and got basically no compensation for the tickets for me and my two kids, I still have a bitter taste in my mouth and think that the Norwegian government, as the entity that guaranteed Norwegian Air, should have helped to compensate the many average people who had spent a lot of money on tickets.

@Alpha Bond, I am in the same boat, or should I say JET as you, no compensation whatsoever for flights from the US to Paris and Rome from August of 2020, was issued points that are useless for a US citizen, not happy.

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Underseat Luggage Size Restrictions for 20 Popular Airlines

T he size restrictions for carry-ons are generally easy to understand. The most common size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which has become an industry standard. However, when it comes to underseat luggage, the current situation is "all over the place". The actual size restrictions vary a lot between airlines, and some airlines don't even disclose the exact measurements.

To make your life easier, we made this guide where you can find the exact underseat luggage size restrictions for 20 popular airlines. Note that these restrictions might change, which is why we've also linked out to their official websites. Make sure to double-check the restrictions before you start packing.

What Is Underseat Luggage?

Underseat luggage is a type of hand luggage that you're allowed to bring onto the passenger area of a plane. You'll have to stow it under the front seat unless you're sitting in the emergency exit row. If you happen to get one of those seats, your luggage will have to be stored in the overhead compartments together with carry-ons. The items that you're allowed to use as underseat luggage vary between different airlines.

Generally, you can use [amazon link="B0762VC1XB" title="small, wheeled suitcases"] , small backpacks, tote bags, handbags, [amazon link="B07F1RY1ZS" title="duffle bags"] , messenger bags, laptop bags , camera bags, briefcases, and other similar items. Usually, underseat luggage isn't as heavily restricted as carry-ons. Most of the time, the security will quickly glance over your underseat item to make sure it isn't too large and let you pass through. The only rule is that it has to fit under the front seat. That's because, in case of an emergency, all aisles have to be clear of any obstacles/luggage.

Read Next: Airport Travel Terminology 101 – The Ultimate Guide

What's the Difference Between a Personal Item and Underseat Luggage?

There isn't any difference between the two. When airlines refer to personal items ( or personal articles, if in Europe, ) underseat luggage is included in that statement. The only difference is that when someone says "underseat luggage," they're usually talking about bags and suitcases specifically designed for this purpose. "Personal item" is a slightly different term because a personal item could also be a camera, a laptop, an assistive device, an umbrella, a child seat, a pet carrier, or something similar.

Read Next: 10 Best Wheeled Underseat Suitcases in 2022

What Size Underseat Item You Should Get?

The underseat size restrictions are different for each airline. If you want to purchase a bag that would fit most underseat restrictions, try getting one below 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) as this is the most common size restriction. Sometimes the restrictions are a bit smaller (and sometimes larger,) but if you get a flexible fabric bag you should be able to squeeze it in. Good options for personal items would be small backpacks, duffle bags, totes, messenger bags, and purses.

Below, we'll cover the underseat luggage/personal item size restrictions for the 20 most popular airlines in North America and the rest of the world. Unless you're flying to remote destinations, we recommend searching for the specific airline you will be using.

1. American Airlines

American Airlines states that underseat items should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

2. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines doesn't specifically mention their underseat item restrictions anywhere on their website. Instead, they say that the personal item should be a purse, a briefcase, a diaper bag, a laptop computer, and other items in similar dimensions. This doesn't help much because, for instance, diaper bags can come in various sizes. Sometimes these bags can be bigger than the carry-on restrictions.

The actual size under the front seat in Delta varies based on which aircraft model you'll be flying with. For instance, on the Bombardier CRJ200, the size restrictions are 18 x 16 x 10.5 inches. Yet on the Embraer 175, the restrictions are 17 x 16 x 7.8 inches. In order to find out the exact dimensions, you should contact them directly, and tell them your flight details. They specify that bulkhead seats don't have underseat storage, so plan on stowing them in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.

3. United Airlines

On United Airlines , underseat items shouldn't exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

4. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines states that underseat items have to be under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. If your item doesn't fit under the front seat, they'll ask you to store it in the overhead compartments.

Read Next : 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2022

5. Air Canada

Air Canada limits underseat luggage on all of its aircraft to 17 x 13 x 6 inches.

6. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines doesn't specifically mention any size restrictions for underseat items. Instead, they say that the underseat item should be a purse, a briefcase, or a laptop bag.

The actual size under the seats depends on which aircraft you've boarded. If you will be flying on their Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the underseat dimensions are 14 x 12 x 9 inches. To get the exact measurements, contact Alaska Airlines and tell them your flight details. They'll reply shortly with the exact dimensions.

7. Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has stated that underseat items shouldn't exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

If you're flying with JetBlue , then your underseat luggage shouldn't exceed 17 x 13 x 8 inches.

9. Air France

Air France states that underseat items shouldn't be larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches.

10. KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)

On KLM , underseat luggage shouldn't exceed 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches, regardless if you're flying Economy, Business, European, or International flights .

11. Lufthansa

Lufthansa restricts their passenger's underseat luggage to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm). Their width limit of 3.9 inches is the tightest one we've seen yet, which means that you'll be able to use only slim briefcases, purses, or laptop messenger bags.

12. Ryanair

On Ryanair , underseat luggage is restricted to 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.8 inches (40 x 25 x 20 cm). One of our staff members used their [amazon link="B06XZTZ7GB" title="Matein 15.6-inch laptop backpack"] as a personal/underseat item which is larger than these restrictions, and he never had any issues. From his experience, they tend to inspect carry-ons more than underseat luggage.

13. Wizz Air

Wizz Air has said on their official website that underseat luggage shouldn't exceed 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 cm.) However, they mention that, regardless of the restrictions, the underseat item should always fit under the front seat. Also, they are the only airline that we know of that doesn't include wheels and handles in their size restrictions.

14. Norwegian Airlines

Norwegian Airlines is fairly strict in its underseat luggage restrictions - they must be smaller than 14.9 x 11.8 x 7.8 inches This means that even a 15-inch laptop might be too large.

15. Finnair

Finnair limits their passenger's underseat luggage to 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches. Also, they require that the combined weight of your carry-on and underseat item can't exceed 17.6 lbs (8kg.) Make sure that you don't bring anything heavy!

16. British Airways

British Airways restricts underseat luggage to 16 x 12 x 6 inches. Their weight limit is much less restrictive than Finnair, allowing underseat items up to 51 lbs (23 kg.)

17. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines restricts underseat baggage to 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches. We researched what people had to say on Twitter about this airline and found quite a few incidents where Turkish Airlines didn't allow their passengers to use backpacks as personal items. In one instance , they even asked a passenger to throw their clothes from their backpack into the trash and place the empty backpack inside of their carry-on.

18. Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air states that all personal items should be under 16 x 15 x 7 inches, and that acceptable items are purses, briefcases, and small backpacks.

19. EasyJet

EasyJet restricts underseat luggage to 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches (45 x 36 x 20 cm). Wheels and handles must be included in these measurements. There isn't a weight limit set in stone, but each passenger must be able to lift and carry their bags by themselves.

20. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines states that personal items have to be under 18 x 14 x 8 inches, and they provide bag measuring boxes in airports. Suitable items include briefcases, backpacks, purses, totes, and diaper bags.

Why Are the Underseat Luggage Size Restrictions so Different Between Airlines?

The exact size under each seat will differ between different aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing, Bombardier, Airbus, or Embraer. All of the largest airlines usually have a wide variety of different aircraft in their fleet.

For instance, at the time of writing this article, Delta Airlines has 834 aircraft in its fleet . They service 17 different aircraft models from Airbus and Boeing and each airplane model has slightly different dimensions under their seats. That's why Delta doesn't specifically mention the underseat luggage size dimensions. To get an exact measurement, you have to contact them directly with your flight details.

This is the norm when it comes to airlines and their manufacturers. Usually, each airline has a variety of different aircraft in their fleet. It makes it hard for them to make a specific size restriction that fits all of their aircraft.

Obviously, this could be fixed simply by setting a new standard, where each new airplane model would have to have an exact amount of space underneath the seats. But as of yet, no such standard has been set and it doesn't appear that there will be one in the near future.

What Items Can Be Used as Underseat Luggage?

Here's a list of items that are usually accepted as personal items/underseat luggage:

  • Small backpacks
  • Handbags/purses
  • [amazon link="B07F1RY1ZS" title="Small duffle bags"]
  • Camera/DSLR bags
  • Messenger bags
  • Laptop bags
  • [amazon link="B0762VC1XB" title="Small rolling suitcases within the size limits"]
  • Assistive medical devices

Having said that, from our personal experiences, we recommend that you always use a bag that's made from a soft material and avoid overpacking it. This way, you'll be able to squeeze the bag underneath the front seat, even if it's slightly too large. Theoretically, you can also use small, hard-shell suitcases or leather duffles within the size limits. Keep in mind that, sometimes, they might be too large, so use them at your own risk.

Final Thoughts

In reality, the restrictions for personal items are a bit looser compared to carry-ons. However, it's still important to know each airline's specific restrictions, if you want to avoid paying additional fines.

When purchasing a personal item, try to get one that would fit within the restrictions for most airlines. Consider using something soft that you can squeeze under the seat so you can avoid any issues when flying, such as small backpacks, totes, messenger bags, or duffle bags.

Also check out: Airplane seat upgrades

Clever Journey | Travel Gear Reviews, Packing Tips, Travel Advice

Low-cost European carrier Norwegian Air may be the first casualty of Trump's Europe travel ban as it slashes thousands of flights and plans to lay off up to 50% of staff

  • Norwegian Air is reducing its long-haul flying by 40% following President Trump's restrictions on travel between Europe and the US.
  • The low-cost airline's business model makes it particularly vulnerable to the restrictions that limit which US airports can accept flights from most Continental European cities.
  • With financial problems plaguing the airline before the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Norwegian may not survive much longer, according to an airline industry expert. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Insider Today

One of Europe's leading low-cost, long-haul airlines announced that it will be suspending over 4,000 flights in response to President Trump's proclamation that travel between the US and Europe will be restricted for the next 30 days. 

Norwegian Air issued a statement Thursday afternoon detailing the specifics of its transatlantic scale back include canceling a majority of flights between the US and cities in Europe such as Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo, Stockholm, Barcelona, Athens, Rome, and Paris. The cuts resulting in a 40% reduction of service in its long-haul network.

Unlike most European long-haul airlines, Norwegian had adopted a largely point-to-point business model for its transatlantic routes and isn't tied to a single hub on the continent. The low-cost airline primarily serves routes between North America and Europe with strong demand, starting a low-cost revolution when it first launched by offering inexpensive nonstop flights aimed at leisure travelers.

With a large focus of its business focused on the Continental European destinations that are being restricted under the president's proclamation, Norwegian is heavily at risk and may not survive the season. 

At Denver International Airport, for example, Norwegian serves Paris and was scheduled to begin service to Rome at the end of the month. Both routes will be forcibly suspended under the travel restrictions because the airport isn't listed as an approved entry airport.

In conversation with Business Insider, airline industry consultant Henry Harteveldt included Norwegian on his list of airlines that may not survive the drastic reduction in demand airlines are seeing as a result of the spread of COVID-19. Norwegian is particularly vulnerable as it had financial issues before the crisis began. 

"Norwegian has a relatively week balance sheet," Harteveldt said.

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

Norwegian's financial issues stem from a series of unfortunate events that have plagued Norwegian since its debut in the transatlantic market. President Trump's announcement is just the latest in a line of situations outside of Norwegian's control that may lead to its demise. 

The first hiccup for the red-nose airline occurred when it was forced to ground its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, the backbone of its transatlantic strategy, due to battery and wiring issues with the next-generation aircraft.

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

The Dreamliner, though offering Norwegian increased efficiency that enabled it to increase margins despite offering low fares, would continue to haunt the airline as the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines powering the aircraft would experience issues as well. 

The result has been Norwegian being forced to ground its 787s for extended periods to resolve the engine issues and wet-lease older, inefficient aircraft from other airlines instead. Aging aircraft such as the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 were frequently used and detrimentally impacted Norwegian's image to its passengers. 

The latest hiccup came following the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, for which Norwegian had high hopes to use for a fleet renewal and further transatlantic expansion.

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

The next-generation narrow-bodies were deployed on long, thin routes to secondary cities on both sides of the Atlantic under the brand Norwegian Air International. 

Once the Max aircraft were grounded, the entire network was soon shuttered and Norwegian's plans to replace its intra-European fleet with the aircraft were put on hold indefinitely. 

Despite the hiccups, Norwegian has been steadily expanding across the United States including to secondary markets such as Denver, Austin, and Seattle, but the airline may have spread itself too thin and the current downturn may see the demise of the airline. 

Norwegian has one saving grace, according to Harteveldt, and that is its base at London's Gatwick Airport, currently unrestricted by the US government.

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

From London, Norwegian can continue operating flights to any US city and may experience an uptick in bookings as US citizens flock to return home amid the uncertainty of future travel restrictions and border closures. The airline stated it intends to route passengers through the London hub as much as possible. 

Whether that one base is enough to keep the airline afloat remains to be seen.

The airline will also be temporarily laying off 50% of its staff across all departments in order to preserve cash flow and try to stay in the fight a little bit longer.

norwegian airlines travel restrictions

  • Main content

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Information

    All the travel info about flying with Norwegian. From baggage info to check-in, boarding, special assistance and more.

  2. Entry requirements map

    Local governments have specific entry requirements for inbound travellers, including health declaration forms, COVID-19 tests, vaccination certificates and health measures to follow upon arrival. Important: The information in the map is accurate at the time of publishing and provided as guidance only. It's your responsibility to check entry and ...

  3. Baggage

    From checked and hand baggage allowances to protecting your equipment, here's all you need to know when flying with Norwegian.

  4. COVID-19 Information

    As of February 12, 2022, the travel-restrictions upon entry into Norway were lifted. The same rules as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic apply. There are no requirements for testing, quarantine or registration upon arrival in Norway. Visit the Norwegian government website for further updates regarding testing, isolation and workplace guidance etc.

  5. Luggage Rules and Restrictions at Norwegian Air

    On full flights, Norwegian Air says it may ask passengers to check carry-on items if all overhead compartments are full, even if the carry-on baggage is within the permitted size and weight limits. In those cases, Norwegian Air recommends travelers remove any travel documents, ID papers, medication, and fragile or valuable items from the carry ...

  6. Norwegian sees less risk of travel restrictions next summer

    The airline said its flight schedule for summer 2022, published on August 13, 2021, will see it offer 259 routes from the Nordics. "With this summer schedule we will continue Budget carrier Norwegian expects there will be significantly less risk of travel restrictions next summer thanks to vaccination progress, allowing it to expand its schedule.

  7. Information about international travel and the coronavirus

    Contact. Foreign Service Response Centre. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: 23 95 00 00. Address: Boks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo, Visitor address: 7. juniplassen 1, N-0032 Oslo , The global advice against all non-essential travel was rescinded on 1 October 2021. The infection situation and local restrictions can change very quickly.

  8. Travel to Norway

    Norwegian Government Security and Service Organisation (G.S.S.O.) Postbox 8129 Dep, N-0032 OSLO, Norway. Phone: + 47 22 24 90 90. Contact information

  9. Norwegian Air expects rise in bookings as travel restrictions ease

    Norwegian said it expected future bookings to continue to increase as travel restrictions across Europe are eased, but warned that the uncertainty over Covid was still too high to provide profit ...

  10. Norwegian Air Sees Spike in July Travelers Amidst Uncertain Prospects

    "Demand is driven by easing in travel restrictions, in addition to a higher level of the population being vaccinated," Norwegian Air said in a statement. The company flew 33 aircraft in July ...

  11. Norway International Travel Information

    Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday ...

  12. Updates

    A delay on your flight may occur, usually on the day of departure and we understand that this can be frustrating. We'll do our best to keep you updated with the very latest information and help you. We'll also do our best to send you regular updates by SMS and through our app. If you gave us your phone number when making your booking, you ...

  13. Covid: Norwegian Air faces 'very uncertain future'

    Struggling airline Norwegian Air faces a battle for survival after the Norwegian government said it would not provide further backing. ... and with travel restrictions and quarantine measures ...

  14. Norwegian Air sees travel rebound ending need to seek more cash

    Norwegian Air said on Tuesday it would not need to raise more cash as easing COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted bookings, although the budget carrier which has emerged from bankruptcy proceedings ...

  15. How Strict Is Norwegian Air With Carry On? 2024

    Norwegian Air is a low-cost airline based in Norway that operates flights to over 150 destinations worldwide. And in this post We'll explore the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, what items are allowed, exceptions to the policies, and share tips for ensuring a hassle-free travel experience with Norwegian Air.

  16. Norwegian Air Ends 2021 On A High With December Traffic Boost

    Despite domestic coronavirus measures in Norway and travel restrictions in its other markets, Norwegian Air enjoyed a boost in passenger numbers during December 2021. More than 930,000 passengers ...

  17. Air Sea Program

    Airline Policies & Restrictions ... please contact Norwegian Cruise Line at 1-800-327-7030 or your travel advisor immediately. ... control of NCL. However, any air itinerary schedule change initiated by the airline more than 72 hours prior to your travel date will be managed by the NCL Air team. A schedule change communication containing your ...

  18. What We Know So Far About Norway's Norse Atlantic Airways

    However, the continued global travel restrictions delayed that plan into 2022. The latest quotes from Norse management suggest the airline is still targeting spring 2022 for its first flights.

  19. Hand baggage

    Travelling with us. Baggage. Everyone can bring one underseat bag to be stored under the seat in front. If you're travelling on a LowFare+ or Flex ticket, you can also bring one overhead cabin bag. Your ticket type determines your allowance. Be sure to measure your bags and remember that it's the combined weight of your hand baggage that ...

  20. Norwegian airlines restrictions--too onerous?

    I am not an authority on this topic, but I can describe my experience flying on Norwegian from Iceland to Norway and from Norway to Los Angeles in July, 2017 First, it is my understanding that Norwegian uses Boeing 737-600 series planes for most European flights - that's the same plane used by Southwest. Their transatlantic flights are on 767-800 series Boeing Dreamliners - a much larger plane.

  21. That Super "Cheap" Norwegian Airline Is Coming Back To America

    Whenever there's an uptick in interest in transatlantic travel — likely as restrictions and testing begins to wane — the new Norse Atlantic should be ready and waiting to whisk customers to the best places in Europe on the cheap. When they start offering prices on the cheap, others airlines will need to as well, so everyone may win ...

  22. Get ready to fly

    Onboard your flight. We recommend stowing baggage under the seat in front of you and limiting the use of the overhead lockers, to make the boarding process as efficient as possible. Please check your boarding card info regarding where you are seated. If you are seated in row 17-31/32 (depending on aircraft) you will in some cases, be asked to ...

  23. Underseat Luggage Size Restrictions for 20 Popular Airlines

    Norwegian Airlines. Norwegian Airlines is fairly strict in its underseat luggage restrictions - they must be smaller than 14.9 x 11.8 x 7.8 inches This means that even a 15-inch laptop might be ...

  24. Coronavirus: Norwegian Air Slashes Transatlantic Routes ...

    Norwegian Air is reducing its long-haul flying by 40% following President Trump's restrictions on travel between Europe and the US. The low-cost airline's business model makes it particularly ...