I flew new low-cost airline Norse from Paris to New York. I was skeptical, but ended up loving it despite the numerous rules I had to learn.

Taylor RainsJun 30, 2023, 17:02 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

Norse Atlantic Airways is a new low-cost airline flying between the US and Europe using Boeing 787 jets.
The company is like any typical budget airline where extras like bags and food cost a fee.

Norse Atlantic Airways is a new European budget airline trying to recreate the pre-pandemic days of low-cost transatlantic travel. Several carriers — notably Iceland's WOW Air and Norwegian Air Shuttle — have tried the business model using widebody airplanes, infamously cramming up to 344 people onboard.

However, the plan proved hard to sustain, and WOW went under in March 2019 before the pandemic even hit. Norwegian, on the other hand, couldn't weather the COVID storm and had to cut its long-haul operations in January 2021, but it still flies a fleet of Boeing 737 narrowbodies in Europe.

A few other European airlines still operate in the low-cost transatlantic market, like French bee, Spain's LEVEL, and newcomer Norse Atlantic Airways. All are no frills and operate with economy and premium economy cabins.

Having already flown French bee and LEVEL, I wanted to see how the new competition compared. Here's what $500 got me on an eight-hour economy flight from Paris to New York-JFK on Norse's Dreamliner.

I haven't flown on a low-cost transatlantic airline since French bee's inaugural from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris Orly Airport in July 2021.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I haven't flown on a low-cost transatlantic airline since French bee's inaugural from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris Orly Airport in July 2021.

So, I was excited to try out Norse for the first time, especially since it flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners that it has dubbed "longships" for its Viking branding.

Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.Norse Atlantic Airways

Remembering the chaos that ensued at European airports last summer, I was sure to arrive at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport by 4:00 p.m. for my 8:00 p.m. flight.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Though, as I suspected, the ticket counter wasn't open yet and there was already a line of about 25 people. Fortunately, I only waited in line for 30 minutes before the counter opened at 4:30 p.m.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Though, as I suspected, the ticket counter wasn't open yet and there was already a line of about 25 people. Fortunately, I only waited in line for 30 minutes before the counter opened at 4:30 p.m.

Because everyone has to collect their boarding pass from the ticket counter, arrive early to avoid a long queue. Or, you could book a premium economy fare that has a designated line.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Because everyone has to collect their boarding pass from the ticket counter, arrive early to avoid a long queue. Or, you could book a premium economy fare that has a designated line.

While I thought I'd be able to drop my bags quickly, I was held up for about 15 minutes due to a few passengers misunderstanding the baggage rules.

Taylor Rains/Insider

It was a good reminder that just because Norse is an international airline, it doesn't mean its fares always come with a carry-on or checked bag.

Norse Atlantic Airways.Norse Atlantic Airways

And, there are size and weight rules to pay attention to. Both of my checked luggage and carry-on — which were included in my $500 bundled fare — were weighed at check-in.

Taylor Rains/Insider

And, there are size and weight rules to pay attention to. Both of my checked luggage and carry-on — which were included in my $500 bundled fare — were weighed at check-in.

They were less than the 22-pound and 50-pound weight limits, and my carry-on was within the required dimensions. I avoided the $244 fee the couple next to me paid.

Taylor Rains/Insider

So, I was on my way to the gate in no time. Security and passport control only took about 10 minutes in total.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Gate 2 was a short walk from there, and I killed time at a nearby restaurant for about two hours before boarding.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Boarding required everyone to get on buses and be shuttled to the parked aircraft, which was accessible by airstairs.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was on the first bus to head to the plane, a decision I regretted. We ended up standing in the tight space for 30 minutes before being let off, so maybe take your time boarding.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was on the first bus to head to the plane, a decision I regretted. We ended up standing in the tight space for 30 minutes before being let off, so maybe take your time boarding.

Once finally on the plane, I headed to seat 21A — a window in the first economy section. It was included in my bundled fare, though it can be reserved a la carte.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Norse has configured its 282 regular economy Dreamliner seats in a 3x3x3 layout, each offering a generous 31 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The width is a significant improvement compared to French bee's 10-abreast A350 cabin configuration with seats that are just 16 inches wide.

French bee 10-abreast A350.Taylor Rains/Insider

Sitting in the seat, I could definitely tell it wold be a tight squeeze for taller passengers — but at just 5'3" I didn't feel cramped.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Norse does offer extra legroom and premium economy seats for those who need more space.

Norse Atlantic Airways

As far as the amenities, the cabin came with the basics, including a small flatscreen TV…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a seat back pocket big enough for my laptop…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a full-sized tray table…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable headrest…

Taylor Rains/Insider

...a USB power port...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...and the 787's signature dimmable windows.

Taylor Rains/Insider

As far as bathrooms, they were roomy and clean but don't expect any free toiletries.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Out of everything, I was happy to see the adjustable headrest, which is what helps me sleep better on planes.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Once everyone boarded, I lucked out with the middle seat empty. This opened up more space because my seatmate and I could put our personal items under the middle seat for extra foot room.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Once everyone boarded, I lucked out with the middle seat empty. This opened up more space because my seatmate and I could put our personal items under the middle seat for extra foot room.

Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants came by with headphones and blankets for sale, the former costing me $6.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While it's s steep price for scratchy earbuds, my wired ones were broken and I wanted to pass the time with a few movies.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Searching through the titles, I was happy to see good film options like Miss Congeniality 2 and Harry Potter, as well as some mindless ones like Game Night.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I opted for Sandra Bullock's iconic flick while I waited on dinner, which was served about an hour into the flight. My meal came included in my bundled ticket, but basic fare holders can buy food onboard or select a meal a-la-carte online.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I opted for Sandra Bullock's iconic flick while I waited on dinner, which was served about an hour into the flight. My meal came included in my bundled ticket, but basic fare holders can buy food onboard or select a meal a-la-carte online.

My meal options were salmon or chicken, and I opted for the former. While I was expecting mediocre food, I was pleasantly surprised.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The food, which included fish, potatoes, spinach, a roll, and chocolate pudding was flavorful and easily satisfied my hunger.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also offered a complementary drink with my meal, but that was the extent of the free offerings.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The hot tea I ordered later in the flight cost $3.50 per cup, so I suggest bringing a few water bottles for the long-haul journey.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After dinner, it was about 10:00 p.m. Paris time and I was ready to sleep. Luckily, I slept easily thanks to the seat's headrest and solid recline.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I woke up just in time for breakfast and ordered the overpriced hot tea, but that was it. I could've opted for a snack like chips but wasn't hungry enough to justify the cost.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I woke up just in time for breakfast and ordered the overpriced hot tea, but that was it. I could've opted for a snack like chips but wasn't hungry enough to justify the cost.

Travelers who want a full breakfast can order in advance, though it'll cost extra.

Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour later, the Boeing 787 touched down in New York right on schedule. I was able to clear customs and grab my bag within about 30 minutes thanks to Global Entry.

Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour later, the Boeing 787 touched down in New York right on schedule. I was able to clear customs and grab my bag within about 30 minutes thanks to Global Entry.

Overall, despite initial skepticism, I was actually very impressed with my Norse flight.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While I did think the cabin was quite bland and boring, it was easily comfortable enough to compete with mainline airlines.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The 31 inches of pitch is on par for long-haul travel, with American Airlines offering the same on its Dreamliners' Main Cabin section.

American 787.Art Konovalov/Shutterstock

And, if you plan ahead, you can avoid expensive drink and food fees by bringing your own.

Taylor Rains/Insider

But, most importantly, pay close attention to bag fees, or you may find yourself forking up hundreds of dollars at the airport.

Taylor Rains/Insider

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I flew new low-cost airline Norse from Paris to New York. I was skeptical, but ended up loving it despite the numerous rules I had to learn.

I haven't flown on a low-cost transatlantic airline since French bee's inaugural from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris Orly Airport in July 2021.

So, I was excited to try out Norse for the first time, especially since it flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners that it has dubbed "longships" for its Viking branding.

Remembering the chaos that ensued at European airports last summer, I was sure to arrive at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport by 4:00 p.m. for my 8:00 p.m. flight.

Though, as I suspected, the ticket counter wasn't open yet and there was already a line of about 25 people. Fortunately, I only waited in line for 30 minutes before the counter opened at 4:30 p.m.

Because everyone has to collect their boarding pass from the ticket counter, arrive early to avoid a long queue. Or, you could book a premium economy fare that has a designated line.

While I thought I'd be able to drop my bags quickly, I was held up for about 15 minutes due to a few passengers misunderstanding the baggage rules.

It was a good reminder that just because Norse is an international airline, it doesn't mean its fares always come with a carry-on or checked bag.

And, there are size and weight rules to pay attention to. Both of my checked luggage and carry-on — which were included in my $500 bundled fare — were weighed at check-in.

They were less than the 22-pound and 50-pound weight limits, and my carry-on was within the required dimensions. I avoided the $244 fee the couple next to me paid.

So, I was on my way to the gate in no time. Security and passport control only took about 10 minutes in total.

Gate 2 was a short walk from there, and I killed time at a nearby restaurant for about two hours before boarding.

Boarding required everyone to get on buses and be shuttled to the parked aircraft, which was accessible by airstairs.

I was on the first bus to head to the plane, a decision I regretted. We ended up standing in the tight space for 30 minutes before being let off, so maybe take your time boarding.

Once finally on the plane, I headed to seat 21A — a window in the first economy section. It was included in my bundled fare, though it can be reserved a la carte.

Norse has configured its 282 regular economy Dreamliner seats in a 3x3x3 layout, each offering a generous 31 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width.

The width is a significant improvement compared to French bee's 10-abreast A350 cabin configuration with seats that are just 16 inches wide.

Sitting in the seat, I could definitely tell it wold be a tight squeeze for taller passengers — but at just 5'3" I didn't feel cramped.

Norse does offer extra legroom and premium economy seats for those who need more space.

As far as the amenities, the cabin came with the basics, including a small flatscreen TV…

…a seat back pocket big enough for my laptop…

…a full-sized tray table…

…an adjustable headrest…

...a USB power port...

...and the 787's signature dimmable windows.

As far as bathrooms, they were roomy and clean but don't expect any free toiletries.

Out of everything, I was happy to see the adjustable headrest, which is what helps me sleep better on planes.

Once everyone boarded, I lucked out with the middle seat empty. This opened up more space because my seatmate and I could put our personal items under the middle seat for extra foot room.

Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants came by with headphones and blankets for sale, the former costing me $6.

While it's s steep price for scratchy earbuds, my wired ones were broken and I wanted to pass the time with a few movies.

Searching through the titles, I was happy to see good film options like Miss Congeniality 2 and Harry Potter, as well as some mindless ones like Game Night.

I opted for Sandra Bullock's iconic flick while I waited on dinner, which was served about an hour into the flight. My meal came included in my bundled ticket, but basic fare holders can buy food onboard or select a meal a-la-carte online.

My meal options were salmon or chicken, and I opted for the former. While I was expecting mediocre food, I was pleasantly surprised.

The food, which included fish, potatoes, spinach, a roll, and chocolate pudding was flavorful and easily satisfied my hunger.

I was also offered a complementary drink with my meal, but that was the extent of the free offerings.

The hot tea I ordered later in the flight cost $3.50 per cup, so I suggest bringing a few water bottles for the long-haul journey.

After dinner, it was about 10:00 p.m. Paris time and I was ready to sleep. Luckily, I slept easily thanks to the seat's headrest and solid recline.

I woke up just in time for breakfast and ordered the overpriced hot tea, but that was it. I could've opted for a snack like chips but wasn't hungry enough to justify the cost.

Travelers who want a full breakfast can order in advance, though it'll cost extra.

About an hour later, the Boeing 787 touched down in New York right on schedule. I was able to clear customs and grab my bag within about 30 minutes thanks to Global Entry.

Overall, despite initial skepticism, I was actually very impressed with my Norse flight.

While I did think the cabin was quite bland and boring, it was easily comfortable enough to compete with mainline airlines.

The 31 inches of pitch is on par for long-haul travel, with American Airlines offering the same on its Dreamliners' Main Cabin section.

And, if you plan ahead, you can avoid expensive drink and food fees by bringing your own.

But, most importantly, pay close attention to bag fees, or you may find yourself forking up hundreds of dollars at the airport.