It's important to understand Air Greenland Baggage Policy while making travel arrangements. The airline's luggage policies are both standard and environment-specific due to the peculiarities of flying in Greenland, including small planes, isolated airports, and weight-sensitive operations. The main elements of their policy are broken out below, along with helpful advice to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Standard allowance
Here are the standard allowance amounts for checked and cabin baggage for typical adult passengers:
Economy Class: Checked baggage up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Cabin baggage up to 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm, one piece.
Business Class: Checked baggage up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Cabin baggage: two items allowed, combined weight 8 kg, same dimension limits per item.
Infants / Children under 2 years old: Typically allowed a checked baggage allowance of up to 10 kg. They may also have a push-chair or pram in addition.
These limits apply on the majority of routes with Air Greenland. Some domestic flights (especially to remote settlements) may have further constraints because of smaller aircraft and weight limitations — so always check the specific flight.
Excess / overweight baggage
If you exceed the standard weight allowance, Air Greenland has rules and fees for excess baggage. Key points:
If your baggage exceeds the allowance of your ticket type, you will be charged a fee per kilogram per flight.
Excess baggage of more than 75 kg must be booked in advance (i.e., you cannot just show up and add that much without prior arrangement) because space is extremely limited on many Greenland flights.
Prices vary by route (for example, one sample: from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, “from DKK 260 per 5 kg when booked in advance” or “DKK 365 per 5 kg at check-in”).
There is a note that the staff loading the aircraft are not allowed to lift baggage pieces over 30 kg; hence if you have a single bag over 30 kg you may be required to split it into multiple pieces.
Specific rules for cabin baggage and special items
The cabin baggage allowance is quite strict, given space constraints in Greenland’s aviation environment:
The permitted cabin weight is 8 kg, total across the items allowed (one or two items depending on class).
Dimensions: maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Items exceeding that or too bulky may be asked to check in.
The airline emphasises: “If the amount of cabin baggage exceeds the capacity on board the aircraft, we reserve the right to stow some of this baggage in the cargo section.
Additionally, because many flights are subject to extreme cold or conditions in Greenland (with baggage stored outside in some cases) they give a warning: “Please ensure that you keep any medicine in your cabin baggage so that it is available to you, even if your checked-in baggage is delayed.”
Special items such as skis/snowboards or weapons/ammunition also have separate procedures:
Skis & snowboards can be pre-registered.
Weapons/ammunition have very specific packing and declaration rules.
Why these rules (Context & practicalities)
Understanding why Air Greenland has the baggage rules it does helps you appreciate the need to comply:
Greenland’s aviation infrastructure is unlike that of many major international routes: many remote settlements only accessible by small aircraft or helicopters. Weight and space limitations on such flights are very real.
For example: “Both Air Greenland and Air Iceland Connect have strict baggage weight allowances … due to the length of runways in Greenland, or a lack of a runway altogether, these airlines use either small propeller planes or helicopters … Bottom line: space for both humans and suitcases alike is extremely limited.”
On some routes, the cabin is very small and overhead bin/storage space is minimal; hence stricter enforcement of cabin baggage weight and size.
Another practical tip: the cabin baggage is sometimes weighed at check-in. As one passenger on a forum noted: “Yes … when I was checking in … at Ilulissat the lady in front of me had her carry-on weighed … it exceeded the limit so it had to fly cargo.”
All these factors mean that even though the allowance may look familiar (20 kg checked, 8 kg cabin), in practice the rules can be enforced strictly — and you’d want to prepare accordingly.
Liability and conditions of carriage
In addition to baggage allowances, Air Greenland’s policy covers liability for damage, loss, or delay of baggage. Some highlights:
Under the carrier’s Conditions of Carriage: For checked baggage, the liability for destruction, loss or damage is up to 1,131 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) — roughly the international standard liability under the Montreal Convention.
The same document covers baggage delays, claims time-limits (e.g., for damage you must complain within 7 days of receiving baggage; for delay within 21 days).
The general terms & conditions also state: “The passenger may be subject to an extra charge for carriage of Hand Baggage if the Hand Baggage does not observe Air Greenland's rules for the dimensions and weight.”
Tips for passengers flying Air Greenland
Here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother given the baggage policy:
Weigh your bags at home: Given the weight-sensitive nature of flights in Greenland, ensure your checked bag is ≤ 20 kg (economy) or ≤ 30 kg (business) and your cabin bag ≤ 8 kg, before arriving at the airport.
Dimensions matter: The cabin baggage dimension rule (55 x 40 x 23 cm) is strict. Smaller aircraft may have even less space.
Pack smart for cold environs: Since bags may be exposed to frost or outdoor conditions (especially in Greenland), consider weather-proofing items, and keep sensitive items (medicines, electronics) in your cabin bag.
Pre-book extra weight if needed: If you anticipate needing more than the standard allowance — for example sports equipment, expedition gear, or multiple bags — it’s advisable to contact Air Greenland ahead of time (especially if excess > 75 kg) to ensure availability and avoid last-minute cost surprises.
Take note of aircraft type/routes: On domestic segments serviced by small turboprops or helicopters, allowances might be stricter or space more limited.
Connect flights caution: If your itinerary involves multiple flights (including domestic legs), consider packing for the most restrictive segment to avoid issues.
Have a backup plan for oversize items: If you have bulky gear, verify whether it can go as regular checked baggage or whether it must go as special cargo; check the cost and booking conditions.
Keep documentation: Save your baggage tags/claim checks. If bags are delayed, damaged or lost, you’ll need to file claims within specified deadlines.
Conclusion
The luggage policy of Air Greenland is intended to strike a balance between the convenience of passengers and the particular operational difficulties associated with flying in Greenland. Travelers can save unforeseen costs and delays by being aware of weight constraints, cabin size restrictions, and the significance of pre-booking excess baggage. A seamless, stress-free trip across one of the most isolated and stunning locations on earth is ensured by carefully packing your bags.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Air Greenland Baggage Policy
It's important to understand Air Greenland Baggage Policy while making travel arrangements. The airline's luggage policies are both standard and environment-specific due to the peculiarities of flying in Greenland, including small planes, isolated airports, and weight-sensitive operations. The main elements of their policy are broken out below, along with helpful advice to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Standard allowance
Here are the standard allowance amounts for checked and cabin baggage for typical adult passengers:
Economy Class: Checked baggage up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Cabin baggage up to 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm, one piece.
Business Class: Checked baggage up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Cabin baggage: two items allowed, combined weight 8 kg, same dimension limits per item.
Infants / Children under 2 years old: Typically allowed a checked baggage allowance of up to 10 kg. They may also have a push-chair or pram in addition.
These limits apply on the majority of routes with Air Greenland. Some domestic flights (especially to remote settlements) may have further constraints because of smaller aircraft and weight limitations — so always check the specific flight.
Excess / overweight baggage
If you exceed the standard weight allowance, Air Greenland has rules and fees for excess baggage. Key points:
If your baggage exceeds the allowance of your ticket type, you will be charged a fee per kilogram per flight.
Excess baggage of more than 75 kg must be booked in advance (i.e., you cannot just show up and add that much without prior arrangement) because space is extremely limited on many Greenland flights.
Prices vary by route (for example, one sample: from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, “from DKK 260 per 5 kg when booked in advance” or “DKK 365 per 5 kg at check-in”).
There is a note that the staff loading the aircraft are not allowed to lift baggage pieces over 30 kg; hence if you have a single bag over 30 kg you may be required to split it into multiple pieces.
Specific rules for cabin baggage and special items
The cabin baggage allowance is quite strict, given space constraints in Greenland’s aviation environment:
The permitted cabin weight is 8 kg, total across the items allowed (one or two items depending on class).
Dimensions: maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Items exceeding that or too bulky may be asked to check in.
The airline emphasises: “If the amount of cabin baggage exceeds the capacity on board the aircraft, we reserve the right to stow some of this baggage in the cargo section.
Additionally, because many flights are subject to extreme cold or conditions in Greenland (with baggage stored outside in some cases) they give a warning: “Please ensure that you keep any medicine in your cabin baggage so that it is available to you, even if your checked-in baggage is delayed.”
Special items such as skis/snowboards or weapons/ammunition also have separate procedures:
Skis & snowboards can be pre-registered.
Weapons/ammunition have very specific packing and declaration rules.
Why these rules (Context & practicalities)
Understanding why Air Greenland has the baggage rules it does helps you appreciate the need to comply:
Greenland’s aviation infrastructure is unlike that of many major international routes: many remote settlements only accessible by small aircraft or helicopters. Weight and space limitations on such flights are very real.
For example: “Both Air Greenland and Air Iceland Connect have strict baggage weight allowances … due to the length of runways in Greenland, or a lack of a runway altogether, these airlines use either small propeller planes or helicopters … Bottom line: space for both humans and suitcases alike is extremely limited.”
On some routes, the cabin is very small and overhead bin/storage space is minimal; hence stricter enforcement of cabin baggage weight and size.
Another practical tip: the cabin baggage is sometimes weighed at check-in. As one passenger on a forum noted:
“Yes … when I was checking in … at Ilulissat the lady in front of me had her carry-on weighed … it exceeded the limit so it had to fly cargo.”
All these factors mean that even though the allowance may look familiar (20 kg checked, 8 kg cabin), in practice the rules can be enforced strictly — and you’d want to prepare accordingly.
Liability and conditions of carriage
In addition to baggage allowances, Air Greenland’s policy covers liability for damage, loss, or delay of baggage. Some highlights:
Under the carrier’s Conditions of Carriage: For checked baggage, the liability for destruction, loss or damage is up to 1,131 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) — roughly the international standard liability under the Montreal Convention.
The same document covers baggage delays, claims time-limits (e.g., for damage you must complain within 7 days of receiving baggage; for delay within 21 days).
The general terms & conditions also state: “The passenger may be subject to an extra charge for carriage of Hand Baggage if the Hand Baggage does not observe Air Greenland's rules for the dimensions and weight.”
Tips for passengers flying Air Greenland
Here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother given the baggage policy:
Weigh your bags at home: Given the weight-sensitive nature of flights in Greenland, ensure your checked bag is ≤ 20 kg (economy) or ≤ 30 kg (business) and your cabin bag ≤ 8 kg, before arriving at the airport.
Dimensions matter: The cabin baggage dimension rule (55 x 40 x 23 cm) is strict. Smaller aircraft may have even less space.
Pack smart for cold environs: Since bags may be exposed to frost or outdoor conditions (especially in Greenland), consider weather-proofing items, and keep sensitive items (medicines, electronics) in your cabin bag.
Pre-book extra weight if needed: If you anticipate needing more than the standard allowance — for example sports equipment, expedition gear, or multiple bags — it’s advisable to contact Air Greenland ahead of time (especially if excess > 75 kg) to ensure availability and avoid last-minute cost surprises.
Take note of aircraft type/routes: On domestic segments serviced by small turboprops or helicopters, allowances might be stricter or space more limited.
Connect flights caution: If your itinerary involves multiple flights (including domestic legs), consider packing for the most restrictive segment to avoid issues.
Have a backup plan for oversize items: If you have bulky gear, verify whether it can go as regular checked baggage or whether it must go as special cargo; check the cost and booking conditions.
Keep documentation: Save your baggage tags/claim checks. If bags are delayed, damaged or lost, you’ll need to file claims within specified deadlines.
Conclusion
The luggage policy of Air Greenland is intended to strike a balance between the convenience of passengers and the particular operational difficulties associated with flying in Greenland. Travelers can save unforeseen costs and delays by being aware of weight constraints, cabin size restrictions, and the significance of pre-booking excess baggage. A seamless, stress-free trip across one of the most isolated and stunning locations on earth is ensured by carefully packing your bags.
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