Norse Atlantic Airways Reviews
Looking for honest Norse Atlantic Airways reviews before booking that overseas flight?
Travelers face a real dilemma when choosing budget airlines. Will the low fares come with hidden fees, cramped seats, and headaches? Or could this be the rare gem that actually delivers value without sacrificing comfort?
Most people scan dozens of reviews, still unsure if they’re making the right call.
Here’s something interesting: Norse Atlantic Airways has shaken up the long-haul budget market in ways many didn’t expect.
Real passengers have stories to tell, and they’re not all what you’d predict from a low-cost carrier crossing the Atlantic.
About the Norse Atlantic Airways
Norse Atlantic Airways launched in 2021 as a budget-friendly option for travelers crossing the Atlantic. The Norwegian airline operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners between major European and North American cities.
Unlike traditional budget carriers that focus on short hops, Norse specializes in long-haul routes at competitive prices.
The airline aims to fill the gap left by Norwegian Air’s exit from transatlantic service. With bases in Oslo, London, and several U.S. cities, Norse offers direct flights that typically cost hundreds of dollars less than those of legacy carriers.
Their business model strips away frills to keep fares low, but passengers can add services as needed.
The airline has grown quickly since its first flight, though reviews of Norse Atlantic Airways show mixed reactions to its no-frills approach the transatlantic travel.
What to Expect When Flying Norse Atlantic Airways?
Flying with Norse means understanding what you get for the price and what costs extra.
The airline operates differently from full-service carriers, so knowing the basics helps avoid surprises at the airport or onboard.
1. Booking and Check-In Process
Online booking is straightforward, but pay close attention to what’s included in your base fare. The cheapest tickets cover only your seat and a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
Checked bags, carry-on luggage, seat selection, and meals all come with additional fees. Many travelers miss these details and end up with unexpected charges at the gate.
Check-in opens 24 hours before departure through the website or app, and airport kiosks are available at most locations.
2. Onboard Amenities and Service
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s cabins feel spacious compared to those of older aircraft. Each seat has a personal entertainment screen with movies, TV shows, and games.
WiFi is available for purchase if you need to stay connected.
The cabin crew receives generally positive mentions in Norse Atlantic Airways reviews, with most passengers noting friendly and helpful service.
However, don’t expect the attentive service levels of premium airlines.
3. Food and Beverage Options
Everything costs money once you’re on board. The airline sells sandwiches, snacks, and drinks through a buy-on-board menu.
Prices run higher than grocery stores but remain reasonable for airline food.
Hot meals, when available, get mixed feedback. Some passengers recommend eating before your flight or bringing your own snacks to save money and ensure you get something you actually want.
4. Baggage Policies and Fees
One personal item comes free with every ticket, but that’s where the generosity ends. Carry-on bags start around $25-65, depending on when you add them, and checked luggage runs $50-150 per bag, based on route and timing.
Buying baggage during initial booking saves money compared to adding it later.
Weight limits are strict, and overweight fees hurt. The airline enforces these rules consistently, so measure and weigh your bags at home first.
Economy and Premium Cabin Reviews
Norse offers two main cabin classes, and the experience differs significantly between them. Real passenger feedback shows what works and what doesn’t in each section.
Economy Class Experience
The standard economy seats provide 31 inches of pitch, which is tight for long flights but not unusual for budget carriers. Seats are 17 inches wide and don’t recline much.
Passengers over six feet tall consistently mention feeling cramped, especially on overnight flights. The thin padding means you’ll feel every bump and shift after a few hours.
Key Economic Feedback Points
- Legroom feels adequate for average-height passengers but challenging for taller folks
- USB charging ports work reliably at most seats
- Entertainment screens are clear and responsive
- Cabin temperature runs cool, so bring layers
- Noise levels are lower than expected thanks to the Dreamliner’s design
Premium Cabin Perks
Premium economy provides a noticeable upgrade for a few hundred dollars more. These seats offer 43 inches of pitch and better recline, making sleep actually possible on overnight flights.
The extra space matters more than many travelers expect when crossing an ocean.
Premium Passengers Also Receive
- Priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin space
- Included checked bag and carry-on
- Complimentary meal service and drinks
- More comfortable headrests and footrests
- Premium amenity kits
Is Norse Atlantic Worth the Price?
The big question comes down to math and priorities. Base fares often cost $300-500 less than those of legacy carriers on the same routes.
However, once you add a checked bag ($50-100), carry-on ($25-65), seat selection ($15-35), and meals ($10-25), the gap narrows considerably.
For solo travelers with minimal luggage who don’t mind tight seats, Norse delivers genuine savings. Families or business travelers needing baggage and comfort often find the final price difference minimal.
The premium cabin actually offers better value than economy when you factor in included services. Calculate your total cost with all add-ons before assuming Norse saves money.
Norse Atlantic Airways reviews from premium passengers trend more positively overall. The added cost feels worth it for many travelers, especially on longer routes.
Families and business travelers particularly appreciate the included baggage and meals, which eliminate nickel-and-diming.
Popular Routes Mentioned in Passenger Reviews
Certain routes generate more buzz than others, with passenger experiences varying by destination and seasonal demand.
Most discussed routes in Norse Atlantic Airways reviews:
- Oslo to New York (JFK): The flagship route with the most frequent service and generally positive feedback
- London to Los Angeles: Popular with tourists, though red-eye timing gets complaints
- Oslo to Fort Lauderdale: Snowbirds love this winter route for Florida sunshine
- Berlin to New York: Newer route with fewer reviews but solid ratings so far
- Paris to Newark: Convenient for East Coast connections, but limited frequency
- Rome to New York (JFK): Summer seasonal service that books up fast
- London to Orlando: Family favorite despite early morning departures
- Oslo to Los Angeles: West Coast gateway praised for crew quality
- Athens to New York: Recent addition with limited passenger data
- London to Miami: Beach destination route with competitive pricing
Community Experiences with Norse Atlantic Airways
Travelers across major online communities have shared mixed but detailed impressions of flying with Norse Atlantic.
On Reddit, passengers often highlight the airline’s low fares and smooth flights, with some reporting on-time departures, friendly onboard crew, and decent comfort for the price.
However, users also warn that limited flight frequency can make cancellations more stressful because there are fewer backup options.
Meanwhile, discussions in the TripAdvisor community focus more on service frustrations, such as extra charges and difficulty reaching customer support. Overall, these forums show value appeal but an uneven customer experience.
The Real Deal: What Norse Gets Right and Wrong
Understanding both strengths and weaknesses helps set realistic expectations before you book.
| What Norse Atlantic Does Well | Where Norse Falls Short |
|---|---|
| Modern Dreamliner aircraft that feel newer and quieter than competitors | Tight economy legroom makes long flights uncomfortable |
| Transparent pricing model without hidden surprise fees | Everything costs extra, adding up quickly for unprepared travelers |
| Significantly lower base fares than traditional airlines | Limited flight frequency means no backup options if plans change |
| Friendly crew members who genuinely try to help | Sparse customer service support when issues arise |
| Reliable on-time performance compared to other budget carriers | No lounge access or partnership benefits |
| Direct routes that save time versus connections | Thin seat padding causes discomfort on overnight flights |
| Personal entertainment screens in every seat | Food quality disappoints even by airline standards |
| Straightforward online booking without confusing tactics | Strict baggage enforcement with costly overage fees |
Tips Before Flying Norse Atlantic Airways
Smart preparation makes the difference between a decent flight and a frustrating experience with this carrier.
Before You Book
- Compare total costs, including all add-ons, not just the base fare shown
- Book baggage and seat selection during initial purchase for the lowest prices
- Consider premium economy if you’re over 5’10” or flying overnight
- Check if your credit card offers travel protections, since Norse provides minimal coverage
- Read cancellation policies carefully, as flexibility costs extra
Packing and Preparation
- Weigh and measure bags at home to avoid expensive airport surprises
- Pack snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security
- Bring a neck pillow, blanket, and entertainment for comfort
- Download movies or books since WiFi costs money and may be spotty
- Wear layers as cabin temperatures fluctuate
At the Airport
- Arrive early, as budget airline check-in lines move more slowly
- Print boarding passes at home to skip kiosk lines
- Keep baggage receipts until you collect your luggage
- Screenshot your booking confirmation in case of app issues
During the Flight
- Request extra blankets early before they run out
- Stay hydrated by asking for free water regularly
- Move around every couple hof ours on long flights
- Charge devices fully before boarding, as power ports sometimes fail
- Keep expectations realistic for meal quality if you purchase food
Final Thoughts
Norse Atlantic Airways reviews paint a clear picture: this airline works best for specific travelers. Budget-conscious solo flyers willing to sacrifice comfort can save real money.
Families or those needing full-service amenities might find the savings disappear after adding necessary extras. The key is honest self-assessment about your needs and tolerance for no-frills flying.
Calculate your actual total cost before committing. Add up baggage, seats, meals, and any other services you’ll realistically need. Compare that final number against traditional carriers.
Ready to book? Go in with eyes wide open, pack smart, and manage expectations. Your Atlantic crossing doesn’t need to break the bank or your back.
