Flight Experience with Norse Airlines

Jul 11, 2024

Flight Experience with Norse Airlines

Introduction

  • Flying on an airline, Norse Airlines, resurrected from the defunct Norwegian Air.
  • Previous negative experience with Norwegian Air, which had threatened legal action over a review video.
  • Apprehension about flying with Norse due to shared management with the old Norwegian Air.

Check-In and Security

  • Easy check-in experience at Gatwick Airport.
  • Despite flying North Premium, had to pay £5 for fast-track security.
  • Smooth and friendly security through Gatwick.

Background on Norse Airlines

  • Norse Airlines operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners previously used by Norwegian Air.
  • Offers low-cost transatlantic flights from Gatwick to Miami and New York.
  • Same management as the previous Norwegian Air, raising concerns.

Boarding Experience

  • Long walk to Gate 27, an already delayed boarding experience.
  • Selected for additional security screening (random search).

Onboard Experience

  • Welcomed onboard a familiar Boeing 787 (previous experience with the same aircraft under Norwegian Air).
  • Seated in premium economy with good legroom, armrest TV, blanket, and water bottle.
  • Initial delay due to no-show passengers, resulting in 1-hour delay.

In-Flight Service

  • Food: Chicken breast meal with wooden cutlery—dry and chewy, not very appetizing.
  • Mid-flight snack: Barely edible frozen quiche-like snack.
  • Entertainment: Good selection of movies and TV shows but no flight map.
  • Cabin and toilet cleanliness: Crowded and unclean lavatories.
  • Complimentary earbuds were of poor quality.

Flight Crew

  • Cabin crew: Miami-based, with some members commuting from Puerto Rico and Cuba.
  • Friendly staff but the overall service quality highlighted the low-cost nature of the airline.

Arrival and Connection

  • Late arrival into Miami resulted in a very tight 30-minute connection for the next flight.
  • Fast-track through Global Entry, but security delays hindered progress.
  • Successful but stressful last-minute connection to the next flight to Houston.

Cost Efficiency

  • Overall cost of the flight was $1,700 in premium economy.
  • Economy class starts at $300, while other premium airlines start at around $2,200.
  • Advice to bring your own food due to the poor quality of in-flight meals.

Final Thoughts

  • Despite apprehensions involving past experiences with Norwegian Air, Norse Airlines provided reasonable value for money for a low-cost transatlantic flight.
  • Recommendations: Avoid tight connections and manage expectations according to the low-cost model.

Extras

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