Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, American or Norse?

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Norse: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). Norse allows the larger bag.

Do American and Norse include a carry-on on basic economy?

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. Norse: Economy Light includes a personal item and, when you book directly with Norse, a 10 kg carry-on. Checked bags cost extra; Economy Classic includes one.

Are American and Norse partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (American: oneworld; Norse: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

AA vs N0 · 2026 comparison

American vs Norse

American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Norse wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

American

Wins 3 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

Norse

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Norse wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Norse: 56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · Norse: Not on some basic fares

Side by side

	American	Norse
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	None published	10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	40 × 30 × 15 cm
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	None
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	OSL, LGW

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

American allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and Norse up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), so Norse's is roomier.

American includes it on every fare, while Norse's Economy Light can be personal-item only.

Norse caps carry-ons at 10 kg (22 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Norse.

Basic economy

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Norse (Economy Light): Economy Light includes a personal item and, when you book directly with Norse, a 10 kg carry-on. Checked bags cost extra; Economy Classic includes one.

Loyalty and where they fly

American is in oneworld and Norse is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and none (Norse).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). Norse's are OSL, London Gatwick (LGW). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose American if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

Choose Norse if you want…

a bigger carry-on
nonstops from OSL, LGW

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.