I flew a big-name airline and a budget competitor across the Atlantic. The low-cost option is worth it if you follow the rules.

Taylor RainsAug 28, 2024, 20:34 IST

I flew on mainline Virgin Atlantic Airways (left) and budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways across the Atlantic to compare the competing business models.Taylor Rains/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I recently flew back-to-back in economy on Virgin Atlantic Airways and Norse Atlantic Airways.</li><li>The mainline option, Virgin, has more amenities, but low-cost Norse can offer a better value.</li></ul>As an aviation reporter, I spend a lot of time <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economy-class-airlines-compared-best-worst-2023-10">reviewing airlines</a>. My job sometimes gives me the perk of long-haul business class, but I mostly <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/finnair-a350-new-york-to-helsinki-economy-review-2024-2">sit in economy</a>.I've traveled in coach on virtually every transatlantic airline, most recently back-to-back flights on Virgin Atlantic Airways and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norse-atlantic-airways-review-london-new-york-review-value-bags-2024-8">Norse Atlantic Airways between New York and London</a>.These are two airlines at opposite ends of the spectrum. <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-atlantic-airways-history-richard-bransons-2024-7">Virgin is a 40-year-old, big-name mainline carrier,</a> while Norse is a newcomer budget airline trying to make the historically <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wow-air-collapse-hundreds-of-passengers-stranded-as-flights-canceled-2019-3">unsuccessful long-haul low-cost strategy</a> work.While I think Virgin is the better choice regarding convenience and amenities, I'd still recommend <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norse-atlantic-flight-review-paris-new-york-2023-6">Norse to price-sensitive travelers</a> who don't mind giving up a few freebies for a cheaper ticket — so long as they pay attention to the strict bag rules.Here's how my experiences compared:

I flew on Virgin's Airbus A350 and Norse's Boeing 787.

Virgin's A350 is much larger than the Norse 787.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I paid about $600 for each airline one-way.

Virgin sells discounted basic coach tickets to compete with the encroaching low-cost competition.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse's cost-savings make it a good value option, but it can be a headache.

Premium economy passengers have expedited lines.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse doesn't have online check-in from London Gatwick.

The line ahead of the author after joining the queue.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Virgin's self-serve check-in and bag drop was much simpler.

It only took me a few minutes to tag and drop off my luggage. My checked bag could weigh up to 50 pounds.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

At the Norse counter, almost everyone was asked to verify their bags met requirements.

My luggage got an "approved" tag after it passed the weight and size check.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Last-minute bags on Norse cost up to $300.

Virgin's checked luggage fee is $75 for basic tickets, and carry-ons are already included.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse and Virgin offer the same legroom in regular economy.

The Virgin seats (right) are 0.4" wider than those on Norse (left).Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse economy passengers get the bare basics, while Virgin has added touches.

The seats were equally spacious and padded, but Virgin had linens and headphones.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Virgin had more entertainment content.

I prefer to watch my own movies and TV shows when I fly (bottom), even though Virgin (top left) and Norse (top right) had good enough IFE.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Virgin even had a nifty outside camera.

We could watch the view of the plane from the outside via the seatback screens.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

WiFi is available on Virgin — but it's not free.

Virgin's WiFi cost nearly $9 for one hour of browsing. A messaging option was also available for $3.95.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The meals were good for airplane food, but I got two on Virgin.

The two meals on Virgin (top) and the one on Norse (bottom left). Water on Norse cost $3.50.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Neither airline left me waiting too long at baggage claim.

Last year, I waited 45 minutes for my checked bag after a Hawaiian flight from Honolulu.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I had no issues with the low-cost option because I arrived prepared.

Passengers deplaning the Norse aircraft.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Price-sensitive customers can expect comfort on Norse, but Virgin is overall better.

The Virgin cabin had a better ambiance with the lighting, quietness, and space.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse's flight frequency is a drawback, but I like its route options from New York.

Norse flies as far as Bangkok and Cape Town, South Africa,Norse Atlantic Airways

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