WiderøeWF

Wideroe is Norway's largest regional airline and the oldest airline still operating in the country. Founded in 1934 by Viggo Wideroe, the airline has grown from a small seaplane operation to become the backbone of Norwegian regional aviation, connecting remote communities throughout Norway's dramatic fjord and mountain landscape.

Headquartered in Bodo, Wideroe operates the world's most extensive network of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) routes, serving airports that larger aircraft cannot reach. Many of these routes are operated under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts subsidized by the Norwegian government, ensuring essential air links to communities that would otherwise be isolated. The airline operates approximately 400 daily departures and carries around 2.8 million passengers annually.

Wideroe is not a member of any global airline alliance but maintains a close partnership with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines). Passengers can earn and redeem SAS EuroBonus miles on Wideroe flights, providing valuable connectivity for frequent travelers. In 2023, Norwegian Air Shuttle acquired Wideroe, though the airline continues to operate as a separate brand with its distinct regional focus. Following the acquisition, Wideroe flights now also count toward Norwegian Reward benefits.

Carry-On Allowance

Important Note: Wideroe operates smaller regional aircraft with limited cabin space. Standard carry-on bags often must be gate-checked, especially on Dash 8 Q100/Q200 aircraft.

Personal Item + Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Combined dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22" x 16" x 9") for cabin bag
• Personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16" x 12" x 6")
• Combined weight limit: 8 kg (18 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead bin or under seat

Fare Type	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Combined Weight
Mini	Included	Included	8 kg
Smart	Included	Included	8 kg
Flex	Included	Included	8 kg

Small Aircraft Reality: On Dash 8 Q100 and Q200 aircraft (used on shortest STOL routes), overhead bins are very small. Expect:

• Rolling bags will be gate-checked to cargo hold (free)
• Only small backpacks or handbags fit in overhead bins
• Retrieve gate-checked bags on the tarmac after landing

Checked Baggage

Standard Checked Bag:

• Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag
• Maximum dimensions: 158 cm linear (L + W + H)
• Included bags vary by fare type

Checked Bag Allowance by Fare:

Fare Type	Included Bags	Weight per Bag
Mini	0 bags	Purchase required
Smart	1 bag	23 kg
Flex	2 bags	23 kg each

Additional Bag Fees:

When Purchased	Price
At booking/online	From NOK 250 / $23 / EUR 21
At airport	From NOK 400 / $36 / EUR 34

Weight Restrictions on STOL Routes

Critical Information: On short STOL routes with Dash 8 Q100/Q200 aircraft, strict weight limits apply:

• In poor weather or strong winds, checked baggage may be left behind and forwarded on the next flight
• Passengers may be asked to leave bags if aircraft is at weight limit
• Priority is given to passengers over baggage in challenging conditions
• Wideroe will forward delayed baggage on next available flight at no charge

Overweight & Oversized

Overweight Bags:

Weight Range	Fee
24-32 kg	NOK 500 / $45 / EUR 42
Over 32 kg	Not accepted

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 32 kg
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	NOK 350 / $32 / EUR 30	Must be boxed or bagged
Car seat	Free	1 per child
Stroller	Free	Gate-check standard due to aircraft size
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice required

Musical Instruments:

• Small instruments (violin, guitar) can be carried in cabin if space permits
• Cabin space extremely limited on Dash 8 Q100/Q200
• Large instruments should be checked in hard cases

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at wideroe.no/baggage before traveling.

Wideroe operates an all-economy cabin configuration across its fleet. The focus is on efficient transportation rather than luxury, though the dramatic Norwegian scenery more than compensates.

Fleet & Seating

Bombardier Dash 8 Q400:

• Seats: 76-78 passengers
• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
• Used on longer regional routes (Bergen-Tromso, Oslo-regional destinations)
• Quieter turboprop operation with noise-reducing technology
• Overhead bins accommodate small bags

Bombardier Dash 8 Q300:

• Seats: 50 passengers
• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 30 inches (76 cm)
• Used on medium STOL routes
• Smaller overhead bins

Bombardier Dash 8 Q100/Q200:

• Seats: 37-39 passengers
• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 29-30 inches (74-76 cm)
• Used on shortest STOL routes and most challenging airports
• Very limited cabin storage - most bags gate-checked
• Experience the true character of Norwegian regional aviation

Embraer E190-E2:

• Seats: 114 passengers
• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Modern jet for longer routes and charter operations
• Larger overhead bins, jet-comfort cabin
• Planned fleet expansion with additional E2 aircraft

In-Flight Service

Complimentary:

• Coffee and tea on flights over 45 minutes
• Water available on request
• Norwegian newspapers and magazines (varies by aircraft)

For Purchase:

• Light snacks and beverages available on Q400 flights
• Limited or no onboard service on short STOL hops (flights under 30 minutes)
• Card payment accepted; cash rarely accepted

Service Philosophy: Wideroe focuses on efficiency and punctuality rather than elaborate cabin service. Many flights are under 45 minutes, with some STOL hops as short as 7-10 minutes. On these ultra-short flights, fasten seatbelt signs may remain illuminated throughout.

The Scenic Experience

Flying Wideroe offers some of Europe's most spectacular aviation experiences:

• Low-altitude flights through fjords and over mountains
• Challenging approaches at STOL airports surrounded by dramatic terrain
• Window seats highly recommended for photography
• Best views typically on left side heading north, right side heading south (varies by route)

Booking:

1. Book Flex fare for flexibility - Norwegian weather can be unpredictable; rebooking options are valuable
2. Check PSO route schedules - These subsidized routes have fixed timetables and good pricing
3. Book popular routes early - Lofoten Islands routes (LKN, SVJ) fill up in summer
4. Consider connections - Wideroe connects efficiently with SAS and Norwegian at major hubs

Baggage: 5. Pack light for STOL routes - 8 kg carry-on limit is strictly enforced; small aircraft have no room for exceptions 6. Expect gate-checking - On Q100/Q200 aircraft, rolling bags will be gate-checked; pack essentials in a small bag you can keep 7. Prepare for delays - In poor weather, bags may arrive on a later flight; keep medications and essentials in your cabin bag 8. Use soft bags - Easier to squeeze into small overhead bins when space permits

At the Airport: 9. Check in online - Especially important at unstaffed airports 10. Arrive early at small airports - Security lines can be slow with limited staff 11. Dress for tarmac boarding - You may walk outside to the aircraft in all weather 12. Keep travel documents accessible - Staff may check ID on the tarmac

In Flight: 13. Book a window seat - Wideroe routes offer some of the world's most spectacular scenery 14. Bring entertainment - No onboard WiFi or entertainment; flights are short but beautiful 15. Keep your seatbelt fastened - Turbulence common when flying through fjords and mountains 16. Listen to landing announcements - STOL approaches are thrilling; crew often share information about the view

Norwegian Winter Flying: 17. Allow buffer time in itineraries - Weather delays more likely November-March 18. Check flight status morning of - Arctic weather can change quickly 19. Pack for conditions - Even if final destination is mild, intermediate stops may be cold 20. Keep phone charged - You'll want photos of the Arctic scenery and need access to mobile boarding pass

Frequent Flyer: 21. Join EuroBonus before booking - Earn points from your first flight 22. Or join Norwegian Reward - If you fly Norwegian more than SAS 23. Credit to one program consistently - Build status faster than splitting between programs 24. Check award availability early - Scenic routes like Bergen-Lofoten have limited award seats