I flew budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways from Europe to New York. It's a great value if you follow strict bag rules.

Taylor RainsAug 14, 2024, 04:05 IST

I enjoy flying on Norse Atlantic Airways and find its seat as good as mainline competitors.Taylor Rains/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Norse Atlantic Airways began its budget flights between Europe and the US in early 2021.</li><li>Historically, the strategy has failed, but I'm happy there's another low-cost transatlantic option.</li></ul>In 2022, a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-expect-when-booking-norse-atlantic-airways-oslo-us-2022-4">new startup airline called Norse Atlantic Airways</a> launched cheap flights between Europe and the US, operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners equipped only with economy and premium economy seats. was initially skeptical about the historically unsuccessful business model. Icelandic carrier <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wow-air-collapse-hundreds-of-passengers-stranded-as-flights-canceled-2019-3">WOW Air ceased operations in 2019, </a>and Norway's Norwegian Air Shuttle scrapped its transatlantic arm two years later. But the travel addict in me was thrilled to learn about <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/play-icelandic-airlines-budget-red-eye-flight-photos-2023-4">another budget option across the Atlantic</a> — especially one that operates a wider network to Europe than competitors like Spain's Level or Paris-based French Bee.I've previously <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norse-atlantic-flight-review-paris-new-york-2023-6">flown Norse's economy cabin twice to New York</a>, first from Paris in 2023 and more recently from London in mid-August. If you're eyeing the cheap fare but have concerns, I think Norse is perfectly comfortable — just pay attention to the bag rules.

My recent Norse flight flew from London's Gatwick Airport to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Gatwick is not London's Heathrow Airport.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The mid-tier 'Classic' fare cost me about $600 one-way and included a personal item, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, and one meal.

Be aware that Norse isn't always less expensive after you add bags. But it was cheaper on my day of travel.Google Flights

I rarely check a bag when flying because I don't like to waste time on either end of the flight, but it didn't matter at Gatwick.

The author's luggage included a backpack as a personal item, an Away carry-on bag, and a Beis carry-on bag that expanded to checked luggage size.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I arrived by 9 a.m. for my 1:05 p.m. flight, and the line was already dozens of people long.

The line ahead of the author after joining the queue. Premium economy ticketholders can access an expedited line.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The agent checked the weight and size of all of my luggage.

I had no issues with my bags' size or weight, but that wasn't the case for people around me.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse clearly outlines its bag rules for passengers on its website and during booking.

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

After dropping off my luggage, I spent about 10 minutes clearing security before heading to the lounge. Boarding started around noon.

The Norse 787 at the Gatwick Airport gate.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The airline currently operates seven Dreamliner aircraft equipped with 338 seats in two cabins. I paid $30 extra to sit in an aisle seat.

The regular economy seats on Norse's 787.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I have not yet experienced premium economy, but I think Norse's coach seats are easily competitive with mainline options.

The Dreamliner plane had dimmable windows.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norse provides the standard 31 inches of seat pitch offered by competitors — so you won't lose much legroom, if any, flying Norse.

Norse and its competitors fall short of JetBlue Airways' 32 inches of coach seat pitch.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The seats also featured inflight entertainment screens, a power port, and a seatback pocket large enough for a water bottle.

The space between the seats.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The entertainment screen is nice, but I recommend coming prepared with pre-downloaded content.

The IFE had movies like Harry Potter, both Dune movies, Crazy Rich Asians, and Ocean's Thirteen.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Remember to bring wired headphones — or Norse will charge you $6.50.

Pictured are the headphones I purchased on my first Norse flight from Paris to New York in 2023, but I remembered my own this time.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

There is no WiFi and water costs $3.50.

The $3.50 bottle of water.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Once airborne, the flight attendants started service. My fare came with one pre-booked meal.

I opted for Coke Zero with my meal, but could choose from other sodas and juices.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Passengers who didn't pre-book a meal aren't out of luck. The seatback screen has a marketplace to order food.

The flight attendants announced food was 50% off once we were about an hour and a half away from New York.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

After landing in New York, I only waited about 20 minutes for my checked bag.

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

Flying Norse was enjoyable and I'd happily book again.

I think Norse is a competitive airline.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The main draw is the cheaper ticket, though I also like its network. That's why I'd fly Norse but not most of its low-cost, long-haul competitors.

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

The downside is that Norse is small and new, which means it has fewer options when things go wrong.

Passengers deplaning the Norse aircraft.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

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