Atlantic Airways Baggage Policy
Atlantic Airways (IATA: RC) is the flag carrier of the Faroe Islands. The airline connects its base at Vágar Airport (FAE) to destinations across Northern Europe using Airbus A320-family aircraft, while also running domestic inter-island routes with Leonardo AW139 helicopters. Because aircraft types and route structures vary significantly across the network, the airline enforces different baggage allowances for international jet flights compared to domestic rotorcraft hops.
On Atlantic Airways international jet flights, your ticket includes one carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg (55 × 40 × 25 cm) and one small personal item placed under the seat. Checked baggage depends entirely on your fare family: LowFare tickets include no checked luggage, LowFare+ includes one 23 kg bag, and Flex includes two 23 kg bags. Domestic helicopter flights enforce a stricter total weight cap.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Carry-on baggage limits apply across all standard jet fares, while checked baggage allowances depend on the fare class purchased. Domestic helicopter services operate under separate, stricter weight controls.
What can change: Allowances vary between Airbus fixed-wing services and domestic helicopter routes, across fare tiers, and by purchase channel for extra baggage.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Standard Carry-on Bag
Published limit: 55 × 40 × 25 cm (8 kg / 17.6 lbs)
Airbus A320 flights, all fare classes
Standard Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Max 158 linear cm (23 kg / 50.7 lbs)
LowFare+ (1 bag), Flex (2 bags), or purchased
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase monitors official conditions of carriage, customer service rules, and station operating notices published by Atlantic Airways. We confirm checked baggage dimensions, fare bundle allowances, and airport handling constraints at Vágar Airport (FAE) and key destinations such as Copenhagen (CPH) and Billund (BLL). We clearly separate confirmed facts from variable station fees or unstated parameters, ensuring Atlantic Airways is never confused with other North Atlantic or international carriers.
Atlantic Airways Carry-On Baggage Allowance
All adult and child tickets on Atlantic Airways jet flights permit carry-on luggage in the cabin. The allowance consists of one standard piece for the overhead locker and one small personal item placed beneath the forward seat.
The primary cabin bag must measure no more than 55 × 40 × 25 cm (approximately 21.6 × 15.7 × 9.8 inches) and weigh a maximum of 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Atlantic Airways documentation publishes this three-dimensional exterior envelope, which means protruding hardware such as spinner wheels, handles, and packed external pockets must fit inside standard airport sizers. You can compare how this envelope measures against standard European routes in our guide to international carry-on size limits.
Ground agents at Vágar Airport, Copenhagen, and other European stations monitor bag weights using boarding-area scales. Review our guide on the carry-on weight limit to understand why regional European airlines enforce this 8 kg threshold. If your bag exceeds this limit or overhead bins fill to capacity, your bag may be sent to the cargo hold. You can also evaluate how these requirements compare across Nordic and regional operators using our airline carry-on size comparison.
Personal Item Rules and Under-Seat Fit
In addition to your main overhead cabin piece, Atlantic Airways allows you to bring one small personal item onboard. This item may be a handbag, a small laptop briefcase, or a slim backpack.
The airline requires that the personal item fit under the seat directly in front of you. The official source does not clearly state explicit maximum dimensions (such as length, width, and height in centimeters) for the personal item. If you sit in an emergency exit row or against a bulkhead wall, you must stow all cabin items, including personal bags, in the overhead locker for taxi, takeoff, and landing.
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Cabin Bag | 1 piece per passenger | Max 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.6 × 15.7 × 9.8 in) | Max weight 8 kg (17.6 lbs); must fit in overhead locker |
| Personal Item | 1 piece per passenger | Must fit under seat in front | Dimensions not officially published; cannot block exit rows |
| Gate-Checked Hand Luggage | As needed by crew | Compliant cabin dimensions | Placed in cargo hold if overhead lockers fill to capacity |
Checked Baggage Allowances by Fare Tier
Checked luggage on Atlantic Airways jet services is governed by the fare family chosen during booking. The airline sells three primary branded fare products: LowFare, LowFare+, and Flex.
All checked bags must adhere to standard international sizing. The linear sum of a suitcase (length + width + height) cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches). Any bag weighing between 23.1 kg and 32 kg is classified as heavy and incurs an excess charge.
| Fare Family | Included Checked Bags | Max Weight per Bag | Max Linear Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LowFare | 0 pieces | Not applicable | 158 cm (62 in) if purchased | Carry-on luggage only; checked bags cost extra |
| LowFare+ | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) | Standard checked piece included in ticket |
| Flex | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each | 158 cm (62 in) per piece | Fully flexible fare with two bags included |
If you buy a LowFare ticket and later determine you need checked luggage, you can add baggage before departure. Purchasing baggage in advance through the airline website or mobile app is less expensive than paying at the airport counter.
Atlantic Airways Checked Baggage Fees and Excess Charges
When traveling with baggage beyond your ticketed allowance, Atlantic Airways charges ancillary fees. The airline calculates base ancillary prices in Danish Krone (DKK), which trades at a 1:1 parity with the Faroese Króna. Fees paid at European stations outside Denmark and the Faroe Islands are charged in the local currency equivalent (such as EUR or GBP).
Fees are structured into three distinct categories:
- Additional bags booked in advance: Pre-purchasing an extra 23 kg bag online via the manage booking tool generally costs between 150 DKK and 250 DKK each way, depending on the route.
- Additional bags purchased at the airport: Adding a checked bag at the airport check-in desk or boarding gate is priced higher, typically between 250 DKK and 400 DKK each way.
- Overweight bags (23.1 kg to 32 kg): If a single checked bag exceeds the 23 kg threshold, airport staff collect a flat heavy-bag fee. This surcharge typically ranges from 250 DKK to 400 DKK (approximately 35 EUR to 55 EUR).
European workplace safety rules set an absolute limit for passenger baggage. No single piece of checked luggage may exceed 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Luggage weighing more than 32 kg will not be accepted at the passenger check-in counter and must be booked separately through Atlantic Airways Cargo.
| Condition | Threshold | Additional fee | Acceptance limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag (Online) | Up to 23 kg / 158 linear cm | ~150 to 250 DKK each way | Standard checked parameters apply |
| Extra Bag (Airport Desk) | Up to 23 kg / 158 linear cm | ~250 to 400 DKK each way | Subject to hold capacity on the flight |
| Overweight Bag | 23.1 kg to 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs) | ~250 to 400 DKK flat surcharge | Accepted up to 32 kg maximum |
| Excess Weight Over 32 kg | Over 32 kg (70.5 lbs) | Not accepted as passenger baggage | Must be shipped as freight via cargo |
Baggage Rules for Domestic Helicopter Flights
Atlantic Airways operates subsidized domestic helicopter routes connecting Vágar Airport and the capital, Tórshavn, to remote islands including Suðuroy, Mykines, Svínoy, Fugloy, and Stóra Dímun. These flights use Leonardo AW139 helicopters and have different luggage constraints than commercial Airbus jet flights.
Helicopters operate under strict payload, balance, and center-of-gravity limitations influenced by maritime weather and local fuel requirements. As a result:
- Passenger baggage is generally capped at 15 kg to 20 kg total per traveler.
- Large, rigid suitcases may be rejected or offloaded if the cargo compartment reaches volumetric capacity. Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for travel on the helicopter network.
- Cabin space inside the rotorcraft passenger compartment is minimal; hand luggage must be kept small and placed on your lap or beneath your seat as instructed by the flight crew.
- Travelers should check in earlier for helicopter services than for jet flights to allow ground staff to calculate total passenger and luggage weights before takeoff.
If you are connecting from an international flight into Vágar directly onto an inter-island helicopter hop, your international allowance does not carry over to the helicopter. Pack within the lower rotorcraft limit or make arrangements to store excess luggage at Vágar Airport before boarding the helicopter.
Sports Gear, Hiking Equipment, and Musical Instruments
Many travelers visit the Faroe Islands for outdoor activities such as trekking, trail running, angling, and bird photography. Atlantic Airways accepts specialized outdoor equipment subject to safety rules.
- Trekking poles and spikes: Walking sticks and hiking poles with metal points cannot travel inside cabin baggage. They must be packed securely inside checked luggage.
- Camping stoves and gas canisters: Camping stoves are accepted in checked baggage only if they have been drained of liquid fuel and cleaned to eliminate fuel vapors. Camping gas canisters and pressurized fuel bottles are strictly prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage on all Atlantic Airways flights. Purchase gas cartridges upon arrival in the Faroe Islands.
- Fishing gear: Clean and dry all fishing rods, waders, and tackle before arrival to comply with Faroese environmental regulations designed to prevent the transfer of aquatic diseases.
- Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit within the standard cabin dimensions of 55 × 40 × 25 cm and weigh under 8 kg may be brought into the cabin in place of your primary carry-on bag. Larger instruments traveling in the passenger cabin require the purchase of an extra seat, arranged directly through the airline. Instruments packed in rigid cases may travel in the cargo hold as part of your standard 23 kg checked allowance or incur a special baggage fee.
Special Travel Allowances: Infants, Mobility, and Frequent Flyers
Atlantic Airways provides specific exemptions and baggage allowances for young families, travelers requiring medical equipment, and eligible loyalty program members.
| Eligible traveler | Free allowance | Weight/size cap | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant under 2 (on lap) | 1 checked bag | Max 10 kg (22 lbs) | Checked into aircraft hold |
| Infant stroller / buggy | 1 piece per infant | Standard collapsible size | Checked free of charge at check-in or gate |
| Infant car seat | 1 piece per infant | Certified child restraint seat | Checked free or used in cabin if seat purchased |
| Traveler with reduced mobility | Up to 2 mobility items | Manual or battery-operated | Carried free; advance notification required |
| Súlu Club elite members | Tier-specific bag benefits | Standard 23 kg parameters | Applies on eligible published fares |
Children aged 2 to 11 traveling on a child fare receive the same standard baggage allowance as an adult on the same ticket tier. In addition, a pushchair or safety car seat can be checked into the hold free of charge.
Passengers requiring manual wheelchairs, crutches, or walking frames can travel with these aids in the hold at no extra cost. If you use a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, notify Atlantic Airways customer support in advance with the manufacturer details, battery type, and disconnect procedures to secure dangerous-goods clearance.
Frequent flyers enrolled in the Atlantic Airways Súlu Club may qualify for additional checked luggage allowances on select ticket classes. Because partner agreements and codeshare flights (such as connections booked through SAS) may involve different operating rules, check your booking confirmation to identify which carrier's baggage rules apply to each flight segment.
What Happens If Your Baggage Exceeds Size or Weight Limits?
Baggage that does not comply with Atlantic Airways published rules is managed differently depending on where the issue is identified:
- At the check-in desk: If a checked suitcase weighs between 23.1 kg and 32 kg, you must pay the standard heavy-bag surcharge before the bag is loaded. If the bag exceeds 32 kg, you must unpack items into a second bag or ship the item as cargo.
- At the departure gate: Carry-on items that exceed 8 kg or fail to fit inside the sizing unit cannot enter the cabin. Agents will gate-check the bag into the aircraft hold and assess the higher airport baggage fee.
- During boarding on full flights: If overhead bins reach capacity, gate agents may ask passengers with compliant 8 kg carry-on bags to gate-check their luggage free of charge. In these cases, retrieve essential travel items, medications, and lithium-ion batteries to keep in your personal item under the seat.
Atlantic Airways Baggage Checklist
Use this pre-departure checklist before packing for an Atlantic Airways flight.
- Purchase checked bags online in advance. Adding baggage via the Atlantic Airways website or app is less expensive than paying at the check-in desk or gate.
- Weigh your hand luggage with a luggage scale. Atlantic Airways applies an 8 kg cabin weight limit that ground crews check at regional departure gates.
- Pack sharp hiking gear in checked luggage. Trekking poles, crampons, and multi-tools are confiscated if carried in hand luggage.
- Never pack camping gas canisters. Gas cartridges are prohibited on commercial flights; purchase fuel upon arrival in the Faroe Islands.
- Verify domestic helicopter limits separately. If traveling on the inter-island helicopter network, pack within the 15 kg to 20 kg limit using soft luggage.
- Carry critical essentials in your under-seat item. Weather diversions can occur in the North Atlantic; keep chargers, medication, and warm base layers in your personal item.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the carry-on dimensions for Atlantic Airways flights?
The main carry-on bag must not exceed 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.6 × 15.7 × 9.8 inches) and must weigh 8 kg (17.6 lbs) or less. You are also permitted one small personal item that fits under the forward seat.
Does an Atlantic Airways LowFare ticket include a checked bag?
No, LowFare tickets include cabin baggage only. If you need to check a suitcase, book a LowFare+ or Flex fare, or purchase a checked bag separately online or at the airport.
How much does it cost to check a bag on Atlantic Airways?
Adding a 23 kg bag online in advance typically costs between 150 DKK and 250 DKK each way. Purchasing a bag at the airport counter or boarding gate is higher, generally ranging from 250 DKK to 400 DKK each way.
What is the maximum checked bag weight on Atlantic Airways?
The standard weight limit is 23 kg (50.7 lbs) per piece. Bags weighing between 23.1 kg and 32 kg (70.5 lbs) require an overweight fee, and bags over 32 kg cannot travel as passenger luggage.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to my carry-on bag?
Yes, Atlantic Airways allows one small personal item (such as a handbag, small laptop sleeve, or camera bag) alongside your overhead cabin bag. The item must fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Are baggage rules different on Atlantic Airways domestic helicopter flights?
Yes, domestic helicopter routes enforce stricter payload limits due to rotorcraft weight and balance requirements. Baggage is typically capped at 15 kg to 20 kg total per passenger, and soft luggage is advised.
Can I check a stroller and car seat for free when flying with an infant?
Yes, passengers traveling with infants under 2 years old can check a fully collapsible pushchair or stroller and an approved car seat free of charge. Lap infants also receive a 10 kg checked baggage allowance.
What is the linear size limit for checked bags on Atlantic Airways?
The maximum size for any standard checked bag is 158 linear centimeters (62 linear inches), calculated by adding length, width, and height together. Bags exceeding this dimension may be classified as oversized equipment.
Making Your Baggage Decision
When organizing your luggage for Atlantic Airways, check your ticket tier and route network. If you only need cabin bags for a brief journey, a LowFare ticket covers your 8 kg overhead trolley and under-seat personal item. For longer trips requiring technical hiking gear or winter layers, booking LowFare+ directly is generally more economical than adding a checked piece to a basic fare later.
Keep in mind that Atlantic Airways enforces different operating constraints across its network. While Airbus flights accommodate standard 23 kg suitcases, domestic helicopter routes operate under stricter weight caps. Review your itinerary to confirm whether any domestic rotorcraft flights are included.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
