A Detailed Review of Norse Airlines

Norse Atlantic Airways took to the skies in 2021 offering an alternative for budget flights covering Transatlantic routes. As a relatively new airline, Norse offers direct flights between major U.S. and European cities, so if you are a digital nomad between these two continents, Norse might be a great airline for you. Their planes consist of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and as a reasonably new airline, Norse is rapidly gaining attention for its affordable pricing and modern aircrafts. This review explores what to expect from Norse Atlantic Airways, when it’s a good option, and when you might want to consider alternatives.

When to Use Norse Airlines

Routes and Destinations

Norse Atlantic Airways primarily focuses on affordable transatlantic routes, connecting cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami with major European hubs like London, Paris, and Oslo. The airline operates long-haul flights and offers low-cost options for travellers seeking to explore Europe or the U.S. With direct connections between some of the busiest airports on both sides of the Atlantic, Norse provides an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking to fly internationally.

Best For

Norse Atlantic Airways is ideal for digital nomads who prioritise budget over luxury. They offer reliable services without all the additional extras included in the ticket. It is one of the cheapest ways to fly Transatlantic, and it is a hit with digital nomads who travel light and are looking to relocate or travel regularly between North America and Europe. Norse can provide a convenient and cost-effective flying experience, and this is what makes it popular.

When NOT to Use Norse Airlines

Norse Atlantic Airways might not be the best option if you are seeking extra comfort, luxury, or premium services during long-haul travel. As a budget airline, customers must pay additional fees for extras such as baggage, upgrades and food and drink services. If you’re used to flying with full-service airlines that offer complimentary meals, entertainment, and more spacious seating, then you may want to consider flying with a different carrier that offers these services within the flight ticket.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable transatlantic fares, especially for long-haul flights.
• A modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet provides a comfortable flight.
• Simple booking process with an easy-to-navigate website.
• Competitive pricing for travellers seeking budget-friendly long-haul options.
• Flights to major cities in Europe and the U.S. with direct connections.

Cons:

• Additional charges for things such as checked baggage, seat selection, and meals, increasing ticket cost.
• Basic in-flight service with no complimentary meals or entertainment.
• Little to no luxury amenities are available.
• There are no in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment options.
• Potential delays and cancellations, especially during peak travel times.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

Norse Atlantic Airways has a user-friendly website, and booking a flight with them is very simple. The platform is simple, providing clear price information, available services, and any additional fees. You can also access flight status updates, boarding passes, and other valuable details on the website, ensuring you stay informed throughout your journey.

Payment and Ticketing

Payment is easy with Norse Airlines. Like most airlines, major credit and debit cards are accepted, and the payment process itself is self-explanatory. Just remember that additional extras will cost, and these can go up or down in price depending on when you add them. For example, adding a bag at the airport can be more expensive than adding it when you first book your ticket. It is possible to get a digital boarding pass; however, this will not be issued if you check in closer to your flight departure time.

Norse Airlines Baggage Policy

Norse follows a similar baggage policy to other low-cost carriers:

• Personal item: Free 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5.(no weight limit, must fit under seat)
• Carry-on bag: This is free for most passengers, with a size limit of 56 x 45 x 25 cm / 22 x 18 x 10 in (max 10kg / 22lbs).
• Checked bags: Additional charges apply, starting around $60 for the first checked bag, depending on the route, weight and size. The maximum checked luggage you can bring must be no more than (32kg / 70lbs), and have a maximum total size of 158 cm / 62 in (H + W + L).
• Overweight/oversized bags: Extra charges apply for bags exceeding size or weight limits.

Additional baggage can be purchased for an extra cost, and this will be more if you leave it to the last minute, so it is always best to book in advance.

In-Flight Experience

Food

As a low-cost carrier, Norse Atlantic Airways does not offer complimentary meals or snacks on board. Passengers can buy food and beverages during the flight, with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks available. For those flying on longer routes, it is a good idea to bring your own food or purchase meals from the reasonably priced but basic in-flight menu.

Entertainment

Norse Atlantic Airways does not provide in-flight entertainment options such as movies or TV shows, and Wi-Fi is unavailable on flights. Passengers are encouraged to bring their entertainment, whether books, music, or films, on personal devices, so make sure to download something before boarding.

Does Norse Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Wi-Fi is not available on Norse Airlines flights. As a budget carrier, the airline does not prioritise additional extras such as Wi-Fi. However, they have introduced some newer aircraft into their fleet, so perhaps this will be added as an additional extra in the near future. As with most flights, it is best to download entertainment to your device before boarding.

Norse Airlines Customer Service

Customer Service

Norse Atlantic Airways provides standard customer service focusing on efficiency rather than personalisation. Passengers can reach customer support through the airline’s website, via phone, or at the airport. Norse aims to resolve issues swiftly, though the service is generally more functional than personalised, which isn’t what everyone wants. As with many low-cost carriers, there’s an emphasis on providing fast resolutions for issues like flight changes, cancellations, and refunds.

Reliability

Norse Atlantic Airways is a newer airline that has quickly built a punctual reputation, considering it is a budget airline. The airline generally offers reliable service with reasonable on-time performance, though delays can still occur, especially during busy travel periods or adverse weather conditions. Passengers can track flight statuses on the website to stay updated on any changes.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons

If you’re considering alternatives to Norse Atlantic Airways, here are a few options:

• Icelandair: A full-service airline offering transatlantic flights with more amenities, including complimentary meals and better in-flight services.
• Norwegian: Another low-cost carrier focusing on transatlantic travel. Its pricing structure and service model are similar to Norse’s.
• British Airways: A full-service airline providing more comfort and amenities, especially for long-haul international flights.

Final Thoughts

Norse Airlines is a fantastic option for digital nomads looking for a cost-effective way to cross the Atlantic. With routes between the US and European hubs, you will find a direct flight at a very affordable price. Their budget approach means that you can get a ticket for a very low cost if you are not bothered about additional extras or if, for example, you are travelling light. Norse is an excellent option for adventurers and explorers who want to get from A to B. Still, for those looking for a more luxurious experience, perhaps it is best to consider an alternative airline.

Have you flown with Norse Atlantic Airways? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts below about their service, comfort, and overall value.