Norwegian Air, officially known as Norwegian Air Shuttle, is one of the leading low-cost carriers in Europe. Known for its distinct red-nosed aircraft and affordable pricing, the airline provides a vast network of flights primarily connecting the Nordic countries to the rest of Europe. Whether you are planning a weekend city break or a business trip, understanding how Norwegian operates can help you save money and enjoy a smoother travel experience. This guide covers everything from booking and baggage to in-flight services and loyalty rewards.
What is Norwegian Air?
Norwegian Air is a major budget airline headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. It was founded in 1993 and has grown to become a significant player in the European aviation market. While the airline previously operated long-haul flights to North America and Asia, it restructured in 2021 to focus specifically on short-haul routes within Europe and the Nordic region.
The airline is recognized for maintaining a modern and fuel-efficient fleet, which helps keep operational costs low. This efficiency is passed on to the consumer in the form of competitive ticket prices. For travelers, this means a reliable way to traverse Europe without the high costs often associated with legacy carriers.
Understanding Norwegian Air Fare Types
When booking a flight with Norwegian, you will encounter three primary fare classes. Choosing the right one depends on your budget and how much luggage you plan to bring.
LowFare
This is the most basic and affordable option. It is ideal for day trips or light travelers. With a LowFare ticket, you are permitted one small underseat bag. Any overhead cabin bags or checked luggage will incur additional fees. These tickets are generally non-refundable.
LowFare+
The LowFare+ is the most popular choice for general travelers. It includes everything in the basic LowFare tier plus one overhead cabin bag and one checked bag (up to 23 kg). It also allows for seat reservation, which is helpful for families or groups who want to sit together.
Flex
The Flex fare is designed for business travelers or those who need maximum flexibility. It includes two checked bags, seat reservation, and Fast Track security at selected airports. Most importantly, Flex tickets are fully refundable and allow for free name changes and flight changes.
Baggage Rules and Restrictions
Norwegian Air has strict baggage policies to ensure quick boarding and fuel efficiency. It is important to measure and weigh your bags before arriving at the airport to avoid expensive gate fees.
- Underseat Bag: Maximum dimensions are 30 x 20 x 38 cm. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Overhead Cabin Bag: Maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm. The combined weight of your underseat and overhead bag must not exceed 10 kg (or 15 kg for Flex tickets).
- Checked Baggage: Each checked bag can weigh up to 23 kg. The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed 250 cm.
If your luggage exceeds these limits, you will be charged an excess baggage fee at the airport. It is always significantly cheaper to add extra baggage online at least four hours before your flight departs.
The Booking and Check-In Process
Booking a flight with Norwegian is straightforward via their official website or mobile app. The website features a “Low Fare Calendar,” which is an essential tool for travelers looking for the absolute lowest prices across different months.
Online Check-In
Norwegian encourages all passengers to check in online to save time. Online check-in usually opens 48 hours before departure. You can check in via the website or the Norwegian App, which allows you to download a digital boarding pass to your smartphone.
Airport Check-In
If you prefer to check in at the airport, you can use the self-service kiosks. Simply enter your booking reference, print your boarding pass, and print your bag tags if you have checked luggage. If you require assistance or are traveling with special equipment, you can visit the manned check-in counters.
In-Flight Experience and Amenities
Despite being a low-cost carrier, Norwegian provides a comfortable in-flight experience with several modern amenities. The seating is generally arranged in a 3-3 configuration on their Boeing 737 aircraft.
Wi-Fi on Board
Norwegian was one of the first airlines to offer gate-to-gate Wi-Fi. They offer different tiers of internet access. The basic “Surf” package is often free or very low-cost and is suitable for browsing and messaging. For streaming video or working, you can purchase a higher-speed “Stream” package.
Food and Beverages
On most short-haul flights, snacks, meals, and drinks are available for purchase from the in-flight menu. If you are traveling on a LowFare+ or Flex ticket on longer European routes, a meal might be included, but it is best to check your specific booking details. You can also pre-order hot meals on certain flights longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Norwegian Reward: The Loyalty Program
Norwegian Reward is the airline’s loyalty program, and it is free to join. It is unique because it uses “CashPoints” instead of traditional miles. One CashPoint is equal to one Norwegian Krone (NOK).
You can earn CashPoints by:
- Booking flights with Norwegian.
- Staying at partner hotels.
- Renting cars through partner agencies.
- Using a Bank Norwegian credit card (where available).
In addition to CashPoints, you can earn “Rewards” for every eight flights you take within 12 months. These rewards include perks like free seat reservation, free baggage, or Fast Track security. These benefits last for at least 12 months, making the program very valuable for frequent flyers.
How to Contact Norwegian Air Support
If you encounter issues with your booking or need to request a refund, Norwegian offers several support channels. The quickest way to get answers is through the “Help and Contact” section on their website, which features a comprehensive FAQ and a digital assistant named “Astrid.”
For more complex issues, you can reach their customer service team via phone or live chat. It is important to have your booking reference number (a six-character code) ready before you contact them to speed up the process.
Tips for Saving Money with Norwegian Air
To get the most value out of your trip, consider these practical tips:
- Use the Low Fare Calendar: If your dates are flexible, use this tool to find the cheapest days to fly.
- Book Early: Prices tend to rise as the flight fills up. Booking several months in advance usually yields the best rates.
- Travel Light: Stick to the LowFare tier and bring only an underseat bag if you are going on a short trip to avoid all baggage fees.
- Join Norwegian Reward: Even if you only fly once or twice a year, the CashPoints can add up and be used to discount future flights.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: While the on-board menu is reasonably priced for an airline, bringing your own food can save you a few extra dollars.
Conclusion
Norwegian Air offers a reliable, modern, and cost-effective way to travel across Europe and the Nordics. By understanding their fare structures and baggage policies ahead of time, you can avoid unexpected costs and enjoy a stress-free journey. Whether you are taking advantage of their free Wi-Fi or earning CashPoints for your next adventure, Norwegian remains a top choice for budget-conscious travelers who value quality service.
For more helpful travel guides and tips on navigating European airlines, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com to make your next trip as easy as possible.