We live in the age of cheap travel. There is a wide selection of low-cost airlines around the world that offer dirt-cheap fares.
The market between the United States and Europe is one of the busiest and most competitive, but one airline serving this market stands out.
Today we’re featuring Norse Atlantic Airways, one of the newest entrants into the long-haul budget airline market, and everything you need to know about them.
Who is Norse?
If the name doesn’t already suggest it, Norse Atlantic Airways is a Norwegian low-cost airline based in Arendal, Norway. It began operations in 2022 and essentially replaces the once-large Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Low-cost airlines typically operate differently than their full-service competitors. While large established airlines have one or two main hubs, Norse does not concentrate its entire operation in one city.
Norse has offices in Oslo, Norway (OSL), Paris Charles de Gaulle, France (CDG), London Gatwick, England (LGW), Miami, Florida (MIA) and New York Kennedy (JFK).
The airline operates an all-Dreamliner fleet of twelve Boeing 787-9s. Five of these aircraft are based at Gatwick and fly for Norse’s British subsidiary Norse Atlantic UK.
Experience on board
All of Norse Atlantic’s aircraft previously flew with either Norwegian Air Shuttle or its British subsidiary Norwegian Air UK. The aircraft’s interiors were retained from their time with Norwegian.
Since Norse is a budget airline, you shouldn’t expect too much from the onboard experience. Norse offers a “premium” cabin with lie-flat seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Depending on the aircraft, there are either 35 or 56 premium seats.
Most of Norse Atlantic’s Dreamliners have economy class seating with a few extra legroom seats here and there. Depending on the aircraft, there are either 282 or 309 seats, all in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Each seat has a personal entertainment screen, USB-A charging port and universal power outlet. Unlike some other long-haul budget airlines, in-flight entertainment is free for all passengers. The airline has announced plans to add Wi-Fi to its aircraft, but this is still a work in progress.
Premium class passengers receive free meals on board, as well as blankets, pillows, ear plugs and eye masks. Economy class passengers can receive up to one free meal, but this depends on the fare type booked.
Speaking of which, Norse Atlantic offers the following fare types. There are two main groups (Premium and Economy) with three subgroups:
- EconomyLight
- Economy Classic
- Economical Flextra
- Premium Light
- Premium Classic
- Premium Flextra
The “Light” fares are the most restrictive. The “Economy Light” fare allows only one personal item per person and no free meals. In addition, the “Economy Light” and “Premium Light” fares charge a $200 fee if passengers want to change flights.
The other fare types offer different benefits and change as you move up the scale. Only the “Flextra” fares include seat selection, while all “Classic” fares include carry-on and checked baggage, as well as meals. Premium tickets include two meals, while Economy tickets on flights longer than six hours include only one.
Norse is generally the cheapest option compared to its competitors on all the routes they serve, and it’s not hard to see why.
You may find individual fares for as little as $129 in economy and $329 in premium class, more than a fraction of the cost of Norse Atlantic’s full-service competitors.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly long-haul trip and know how to succeed with budget airlines, Norse Atlantic may not be a bad option.
