Flying Norse Airways Economy Light with Just a Personal Item

Flying Norse Airways Economy Light with Just a Personal Item: A Minimalist Traveler’s Experience

Traveling light is both an art and a strategy, especially when flying with budget airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways. With their Economy Light fare, passengers are restricted to one personal item, making the journey a true test of minimalist packing and smart travel planning. In this post, I’ll share my experience flying with Norse Airways’ Economy Light option, including tips for packing, surviving the flight, and making the most of your trip with just a personal item for a family of 7 flying from Las Vegas to London, Gatwick direct. 

Why Choose Economy Light with Just a Personal Item?

Norse Airlines’ Economy Light fare is designed for budget-conscious travelers who want to save on airfare by forgoing traditional carry-on and checked luggage allowances. This fare option is perfect for short trips, weekend getaways, or anyone who enjoys the challenge of packing light. I was traveling to Europe for a week with my kids and was going to be bouncing back and forth between London and Paris on trains, so I really wanted to pack light and save us the money and hassle of dragging 7 carry-ons around Europe. 

Key features of the Economy Light fare include:

• One Personal Item: As of writing, the allowed dimensions for a personal item with an Economy Light ticket are 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm), and the item must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no weight limit. 
• No Carry-On or Checked Bag Included: Additional luggage can be purchased if needed, but the base fare keeps costs low by excluding these options.
• Basic Amenities: While the fare is minimalistic, you still get standard in-flight services like complimentary water and the option to purchase snacks and meals.

Will Norse Airways Check My Personal Item Size?

Yes, Norse Airlines is notorious for being strict on making every ticketholder check their bag dimensions in the bag sizer at the check-in counter.

Norse doesn’t allow for online check-in, all passengers will be required to check in at the counter to get their boarding pass and size their luggage. I was stressed about this beforehand and ordered many bags off Amazon before finding one that could be tightened down to fit the bag sizer but then expanded to hold more items once I got to Europe. 

Packing for Economy Light: The Essentials for your Personal Item

When limited to a single personal item, packing becomes an exercise in prioritization. After extensive research and planning, I opted for the HOMIEE RYANAIR Personal Item Travel Bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm), which met Norse Airways’ size requirements perfectly with the straps cinched down. It is not a heavy-duty bag but for less than $30/each, they worked just fine for our family. 

Here’s what I packed for my seven-day trip:

Electronics:

• Phone and charging cable
• Compact power bank
• Noise-canceling headphones (smaller, inside the ear versions to save space)

Toiletries:

• Travel-sized toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturizer (in a TSA-compliant clear bag)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, compact brush
• Curling iron (yes, I managed to make this fit)

Clothing:

• One extra outfit (lightweight and versatile – I opted for a wool thermal top to wear under)
• Underwear and socks for two days
• A beanie and pair of gloves

Miscellaneous:

• Passport, wallet, and travel documents
• Inflatable travel pillow
• Refillable and collapsible water bag (keep empty until after security) 

Packing light required discipline, but the strategic use of multifunctional items made it feasible.

The Airport Experience

Flying with only a personal item didn’t really simplify my airport experience. Here’s why:

Check-In:

• Online check-in doesn’t exist. Everyone has to go to the check-in counter to get a boarding pass and have their bag sized. This took a while, and so I would add an extra hour of arrival time to the airport.
• Bag Sizing. The flight attendant made each one of my family members place their bag in the bag sizer. It needs to fit in easily, no stuffing allowed. If approved, they will tag your bag. 

Boarding:

• Boarding was hassle-free. The compact size of my bag meant I didn’t need overhead bin space, and I could stow it under the seat in front of me without any fuss.

In-Flight Comfort

Flying in Economy Light with only a personal item posed no major challenges during the flight itself. Here are some observations:

Legroom and Storage:

• The personal item easily fit under the seat, leaving ample legroom.
• Having my essentials within arm’s reach made the flight more comfortable, as I didn’t need to disturb anyone to retrieve items from the overhead bin.

Entertainment and Snacks:

• I used my laptop and headphones to watch downloaded movies and shows, which kept me entertained throughout the flight. Make sure you have ones with a headphone jack to plug into the seat. Norse must have a contract with Warner Brothers so there was a myriad of films to choose from, old and new. 
• The snacks I purchased at the airport after checking in helped me avoid the cost of purchasing food on board but they do have snacks and drinks if you really need something.

Tips for Flying with Just a Personal Item

1. Plan Your Packing List:

• Prioritize the essentials. Focus on items you’ll use during the flight and at your destination.

2. Choose the Right Bag:

• A bag that maximizes space while staying within the size limit is crucial. Look for compartments to keep items organized.

3. Wear Your Bulkiest Items:

• Save space in your bag by wearing heavier clothing, like jackets or sneakers, during the flight.

4. Pack Multipurpose Items:

• Choose items that serve multiple functions, such as a scarf that can be used as a blanket or clothing that can be layered.

5. Utilize Travel-Sized Items:

• Invest in travel-sized toiletries and compact versions of electronics.

Pros and Cons of Norse Airways Economy Light Personal Item

Pros:

• Cost Savings: The reduced fare is ideal for budget travelers.
• Simplicity: Traveling with less luggage reduces the risk of lost items and makes navigating airports and train stations easier.

Cons:

• Limited Packing Space: You’ll need to be strategic and may have to leave some items behind.
• No Flexibility for Souvenirs: There’s no room for extra items unless you purchase additional baggage.

My Final Thoughts

Flying with Norse Airlines’ Economy Light fare and just a personal item was a surprisingly liberating experience. By embracing minimalism and planning carefully, I was able to travel comfortably and efficiently while saving money. For short trips or travelers who enjoy packing light, this fare option is a great choice.

If you’re considering Norse Airways Economy Light, I recommend investing in a well-designed personal item bag and taking the time to plan your packing list. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of budget travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Have you flown Economy Light with Norse Airlines or another budget carrier? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!