Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline, has been making waves in the aviation industry since its launch in March 2021. Founded by Bjørn Tore Larsen, the airline aims to provide affordable transatlantic flights, connecting major cities in the United States and Europe, with additional routes to destinations like Bangkok and Cape Town.
Operating a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Norse Atlantic Airways offers a no-frills experience that prioritizes cost savings while maintaining a level of comfort comparable to legacy carriers. This article delves into the latest information about Norse Atlantic Airways, addressing common questions found on platforms like Google and YouTube, and providing an in-depth look at what it’s like to fly with this budget airline.
Company Background and Mission
Norse Atlantic Airways was established with a mission to make long-haul travel accessible to a broader audience. Headquartered in Arendal, Norway, the airline is led by CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen, who is also its major shareholder. The leadership team includes President Charles Duncan, Chief of Staff and Culture Kristin Berthelsen, Chief Financial Officer Anders Jomaas, Chief Operating Officer Thom-Arne Norheim, and Finance Director and Managing Director of Norse UK, Ben Boiling. The airline is 100% owned by Norse Atlantic ASA, a publicly traded company listed on the Euronext Growth Exchange in Oslo, Norway.
Business Model
Norse Atlantic Airways operates as a low-cost carrier specializing in long-haul flights, a niche that sets it apart from traditional budget airlines like Ryanair or Spirit Airlines, which typically focus on short-haul routes. By offering point-to-point transatlantic flights, Norse aims to provide travelers with affordable fares without the frills of legacy carriers.
The airline’s business model is reminiscent of Norwegian Air Shuttle, which also offered low-cost transatlantic flights before ceasing long-haul operations due to financial challenges during the pandemic. However, Norse insists it is a distinct entity, not a reincarnation of Norwegian, with a focus on sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
Fleet and Sustainability
Norse Atlantic Airways exclusively operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners, known for their fuel efficiency and environmental benefits. The 787 Dreamliner consumes 20% less fuel than comparable aircraft, thanks to its lighter construction and advanced engine technology, making it a greener choice for long-haul travel. The airline currently operates 15 aircraft, with plans to maintain this fleet size to ensure operational stability. The Dreamliner’s modern design also enhances passenger comfort, with features like larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and a quieter ride.
Route Network and Destinations
Norse Atlantic Airways primarily focuses on transatlantic routes, connecting major U.S. cities like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA/FLL), and Orlando (MCO) with European hubs such as London (LGW), Paris (CDG), Berlin (BER), and Oslo (OSL). The airline has also expanded its network to include destinations like Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), and Cape Town, reflecting its ambition to grow beyond traditional transatlantic markets. Recent announcements include new routes starting in winter 2025, such as Oslo to Phuket, Stockholm to Phuket, Stockholm to Bangkok, London to Bangkok, and Manchester to Bangkok.
Seasonal Adjustments: Some of Norse’s routes are seasonal, operating only during specific times of the year to optimize demand. For example, the airline has suspended its Paris CDG to New York JFK route for the winter of 2025, a decision that reflects its strategy to adjust capacity during quieter travel periods. This flexibility allows Norse to maintain high load factors and operational efficiency, with January 2024 reporting a 64% load factor, a 12% increase year-on-year.
Operational Bases: Norse operates bases in key cities, including Fort Lauderdale/Miami (FLL/MIA), New York (JFK), Paris (CDG), London (LGW), and Oslo (OSL). These bases support its crew and operational logistics, ensuring smooth service across its network. Detailed crew station procedures are available to employees through Norse’s internal systems, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to structured operations.–
Booking and Check-In Process
Booking a flight with Norse Atlantic Airways is straightforward through their official website, flynorse.com, or mobile app. However, the airline does not currently appear on major online travel platforms like Google Flights or Chase Travel, which may limit visibility for some travelers. Norse offers three fare classes Economy Light, Economy Classic, and Economy Plus alongside Premium Light, Premium Classic, and Premium Plus options for its premium economy cabin.
Each fare type includes different perks, such as baggage allowances, meal services, and flexibility for changes or cancellations. For example, Economy Light is the cheapest option, excluding meals and checked baggage, while Premium Plus includes free seat selection, two checked bags, and free flight changes.
Travelers have noted that Norse’s booking process can involve multiple upsell prompts, such as seat selection, baggage upgrades, and meal options, which can increase the total cost. Some have compared this to an “unbundling striptease,” where additional fees are revealed throughout the booking process. To avoid surprises, travelers are advised to carefully review fare inclusions and baggage restrictions before confirming their bookings.
Check-In Challenges
One of the most frequently discussed topics on platforms like YouTube and Google is Norse’s check-in process. The airline offers online check-in through its website or app, allowing passengers to select seats, add meal options, and download boarding passes. However, many travelers report difficulties with online check-in, with some claiming it is unreliable or unavailable, forcing them to check in at the airport.
Airport check-in can be time-consuming, with reports of long lines and wait times of up to two hours, particularly at busy airports like London Gatwick (LGW). Norse has acknowledged these issues, and while improvements have been made, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to account for potential delays.
At the airport, Norse enforces strict baggage measurements, requiring all bags to fit within designated size and weight limits. Passengers must place their carry-on and personal items in measurement stands before proceeding to security, which can add to check-in time. Those with oversized or overweight bags may face fees, such as $60 for checking a bag that exceeds the carry-on limit. To avoid these charges, travelers should pack light and ensure their bags meet Norse’s requirements.
In-Flight Experience
Cabin Configurations: Norse Atlantic Airways operates two cabin classes on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners: Economy and Premium. The Economy cabin features a 3-3-3 seating configuration, standard for most Dreamliners, with a seat pitch of around 31-32 inches. The Premium cabin, equivalent to premium economy, offers 56 recliner seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, providing more legroom and a wider seat. Passengers in Premium cabins benefit from priority boarding, priority check-in, and included meal services, depending on the fare type.
Comfort and Amenities: The in-flight experience on Norse is often described as comparable to legacy carriers, particularly in terms of aircraft quality. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s modern design ensures a comfortable ride, with lower cabin altitude and higher humidity reducing fatigue on long flights. However, as a budget airline, Norse does not offer complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment screens, or free meals in Economy Light fares.
Passengers are encouraged to bring their own food, headphones, and entertainment, as everything on board is for purchase. Premium cabin passengers receive two meals, and the service is noted for being polite and efficient, with crew members often going out of their way to assist passengers.
Common Complaints: Despite the modern aircraft, some passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of Wi-Fi, even though the planes are equipped for it. Others have noted that the in-flight experience can feel sparse due to the absence of complimentary services, a common trait of budget airlines. For travelers who pack light and prepare their own meals, the experience is often described as satisfactory, particularly given the low fares. However, those expecting a full-service experience may find Norse lacking.
Customer Service and Reliability
Customer Service Challenges: Norse Atlantic Airways has faced significant criticism for its customer service, particularly regarding communication and responsiveness. Many passengers report difficulties contacting the airline, as Norse does not provide a customer service phone number. Instead, support is handled through email or airport staff, which can be frustrating for resolving urgent issues like cancellations or delays. Social media platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot highlight complaints about unresponsive customer service, with some travelers waiting days for responses to refund or rebooking requests.
Delays and Cancellations: Flight delays and cancellations are another common concern. Reviews on Trustpilot and Reddit mention delays of up to 15 hours, with minimal communication from the airline. For example, a flight from Paris CDG to LAX on June 25, 2025, encountered technical issues, forcing an emergency return to CDG. Passengers reported poor communication, with updates provided only via departure boards rather than direct announcements.
Cancellations have also been an issue, with some travelers receiving notifications just hours before departure, leaving them with limited rebooking options. Under EU/UK261 regulations, passengers may be entitled to rerouting or compensation, but Norse’s customer service challenges can make claiming these rights difficult.
Baggage and Fees: Norse’s strict baggage policies are a frequent point of contention. The airline enforces carry-on and personal item size limits rigorously, with fees for non-compliance. For example, passengers exceeding the 22-pound carry-on weight limit may be charged to check their bags. Additional fees for seat selection, meals, and other services can also add up, making the initial low fare less attractive for some travelers. To mitigate this, passengers are advised to review Norse’s baggage policies on flynorse.com and pack strategically.
Safety and Operational Performance
Safety Record: Norse Atlantic Airways operates under a Norwegian Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and adheres to strict safety standards, particularly for flights to and from the United States, where the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes rigorous requirements. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, despite early issues with batteries and fuel leaks when introduced in 2011, has a strong safety record today, comparable to other modern aircraft. No catastrophic incidents have been reported for Norse, and the airline’s safety standards align with those of major carriers like Air Canada and United Airlines, which also operate Dreamliners.
Operational Metrics: In January 2024, Norse reported a 100% flight completion rate, with 71% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. The airline carried 65,116 passengers across 313 flights, including 31 charter flights, demonstrating its focus on optimizing fleet utilization during the quieter winter season. These metrics suggest a reliable operation, though passenger reviews indicate that delays and cancellations remain a concern.
Public Perception and Reviews
Positive Feedback: Travelers who prioritize low fares and travel light often praise Norse for its value. One-way fares as low as $110-$200 make it one of the cheapest options for transatlantic travel. Passengers appreciate the modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner, comfortable seats, and friendly crew, particularly in the Premium cabin. Those who prepare for the no-frills experience bringing their own food and entertainment report a positive experience, especially for short trips to destinations like London or Oslo.
Criticisms: Negative reviews focus on customer service, check-in difficulties, and unexpected fees. On Trustpilot, Norse has a mixed TrustScore, with 1,006 reviews highlighting issues like flight cancellations, delays, and unresponsive support. Reddit threads echo these sentiments, with passengers describing chaotic boarding processes and strict baggage enforcement. Some travelers feel that the low fares come at the cost of reliability and convenience, making Norse less appealing for those who value predictability.
YouTube and Google Insights: Searches on Google and YouTube reveal common questions about Norse’s legitimacy, check-in process, baggage policies, and in-flight experience. Videos and forums often address whether Norse is a “scam” (it’s not—it’s a legitimate airline with a Norwegian AOC) and how to navigate its budget model. Travelers frequently ask about bringing food on board (allowed, as long as it fits within baggage limits) and whether Wi-Fi is available (it’s not, despite the aircraft being equipped). These platforms also highlight the importance of arriving early and preparing for a no-frills experience.
Future Outlook and Growth
Expansion Plans: Norse Atlantic Airways is pursuing cautious but deliberate growth. The addition of routes to Thailand and Cape Town signals its intent to diversify beyond transatlantic flights. The airline’s focus on charter flights (31 in January 2024) also indicates a strategy to supplement scheduled services with high-demand charters, particularly during the winter season. Norse’s leadership has emphasized sustainable expansion, avoiding the overambition that led to Norwegian Air’s struggles.
Employment Opportunities: With approximately 1,600 employees when its fleet is fully operational, Norse is actively hiring, particularly for commercial and operational roles. The airline promotes a workplace culture that values respect, transparency, and collaboration, offering competitive wages and permanent employment contracts. Job postings on LinkedIn highlight opportunities in pricing, fare distribution, and flight operations, appealing to those interested in joining a young, ambitious airline.
Challenges Ahead: Norse faces challenges in improving its customer service and operational reliability to compete with legacy carriers and other budget airlines. Addressing check-in issues, enhancing communication during disruptions, and streamlining baggage processes will be critical to improving its reputation. Additionally, the airline’s lack of a loyalty program or partnerships with online travel agencies may limit its appeal to frequent flyers and those reliant on booking platforms.
FAQs
Where does Norse Atlantic Airways fly?
Norse Atlantic operates flights mainly between major cities in Europe (such as Oslo, London, and Paris) and the United States (including New York, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale). The airline is gradually expanding its network, with plans to add more destinations in Europe and North America.
How affordable are Norse Atlantic Airways tickets?
Norse Atlantic is designed to be a budget-friendly option for long-haul travel. Ticket prices are often significantly lower than traditional carriers, making it popular among travelers looking for cheap transatlantic flights. However, keep in mind that many add-ons like checked bags, meals, and seat selection may cost extra.
What is the baggage policy for Norse Atlantic Airways?
The standard Economy ticket usually includes one small personal item onboard. Checked baggage, carry-on bags larger than the personal item, and additional services require extra fees. Premium Economy tickets typically include at least one checked bag. It’s best to check the latest baggage allowance on their official website before booking.
Does Norse Atlantic Airways offer in-flight meals?
Basic Economy fares generally do not include complimentary meals, but passengers can purchase meals onboard. Premium Economy usually offers meals included with the ticket. Special dietary requests can typically be made in advance.
In Summary
Norse Atlantic Airways offers a compelling option for budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable transatlantic flights. Its Boeing 787 Dreamliners provide a comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience, and fares as low as $110 one-way make it an attractive choice for those who pack light and plan ahead. However, the airline’s no-frills model, strict baggage policies, and customer service challenges require passengers to be well-prepared to avoid frustrations.
By understanding Norse’s fare structure, checking in early, and bringing their own supplies, travelers can make the most of this low-cost carrier. As Norse continues to expand its routes and refine its operations, it has the potential to carve out a significant niche in the competitive long-haul market. For the latest updates and to book flights, visit flynorse.com.
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