If you’ve been searching for affordable ways to hop across the Atlantic, you’ve probably come across Norse Airways. Founded in 2021, this Norwegian low-cost carrier set out to fill the gap left by other budget airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle, offering cheap non-stop flights between Europe and North America. But does Norse Atlantic Airways truly live up to the hype as the best budget transatlantic airline? Let’s take a closer look at what it offers, how it compares to competitors, and whether it’s worth booking your next trip with them.
Fleet and Destinations
Norse Airways operates a modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. These aircraft are configured in a two-cabin layout: Economy and Premium. From its primary base in Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), Norse Airways serves key U.S. destinations, including New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), and Orlando (MCO).
The airline has also expanded into London Gatwick (LGW), Berlin, and Paris as European gateways, making it a convenient option for travelers on both sides of the Atlantic. This network continues to grow, with new routes being announced regularly, particularly for the summer travel season.
Fares and Value
One of the main reasons travelers consider Norse Airways is the price. Basic economy fares can be surprisingly low—sometimes under $200 one-way—especially if you book during promotional periods. However, like many budget airlines, the base fare includes little more than a seat and a small carry-on item.
Checked baggage, seat selection, meals, and other perks come at an extra cost. Norse Airways offers several fare bundles to help you customize your experience:
Economy Light: Cheapest fare, no checked bag, no meals.
Economy Classic: Adds one checked bag and a meal.
Economy Plus: Includes two checked bags, meals, and seat selection.
Premium Class: Larger recliner-style seats, more legroom, upgraded meals, and priority boarding.
If you’re a traveler who packs light and doesn’t mind bringing your own snacks, you can save significantly. But families or business travelers may find the costs of add-ons adding up quickly.
Onboard Experience
Even in the Economy cabin, Norse Airways provides a relatively comfortable ride thanks to the Dreamliner’s spacious design, quieter engines, and better cabin pressure. Seats have standard legroom (31 inches) and a personal entertainment screen stocked with movies and shows. USB and power outlets are available at every seat, which is a major plus for long flights.
Premium Class offers a noticeably upgraded experience with wider seats and extra recline. While it’s not a true lie-flat business product, the Premium cabin is comparable to premium economy on legacy airlines, often at a fraction of the price.
Meals are simple but adequate, with options like chicken, pasta, or vegetarian dishes. You can also pre-purchase snacks or beverages online or onboard. While the food isn’t gourmet, most passengers find it comparable to other budget airlines.
Customer Service
One of the common concerns with low-cost carriers is the level of customer support. Norse Airways has received generally positive reviews for helpful cabin crews and smooth boarding processes. That said, if you encounter issues—like cancellations or delays—reaching customer service can require patience. Response times to emails and calls vary, so it’s wise to double-check your booking details and stay informed about any schedule changes.
Punctuality and Reliability
Since launching operations, Norse Airways has maintained a respectable on-time performance record. Like all airlines, it experiences occasional delays, especially on routes with busy air traffic or seasonal weather disruptions. Still, the airline’s modern fleet and relatively young operation mean fewer maintenance-related delays compared to some competitors.
Sustainability Focus
Norse Airways has made sustainability part of its brand, emphasizing the fuel efficiency of its Dreamliners and efforts to minimize its carbon footprint. The company highlights that its aircraft emit up to 25% less CO2 compared to older models flying transatlantic routes. While budget airlines aren’t always associated with green initiatives, Norse Airways is making an effort to appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
Pros and Cons of Flying Norse Airways
Pros:
Extremely competitive fares on major transatlantic routes.
Modern, comfortable Dreamliner fleet.
A clear menu of add-ons and fare bundles to customize your experience.
Solid Premium cabin offering.
Cons:
No-frills base fare with many essentials costing extra.
Limited customer service during disruptions.
Fewer frequencies compared to established legacy airlines.
Is Norse Airways the Best Budget Transatlantic Option?
Whether Norse Airways is the best budget airline for crossing the Atlantic depends on what you value most. If your priority is an affordable ticket with decent comfort and you don’t mind skipping frills, Norse Airways stands out as one of the most compelling options. For travelers who prefer more inclusions or flexible change policies, you may prefer to pay extra for a legacy carrier or consider other low-cost competitors like PLAY Airlines or French Bee.
Overall, Norse Airways has quickly established itself as a serious contender in the transatlantic market. For many passengers, the combination of low fares, modern aircraft, and convenient routes makes it an excellent choice. If you’re willing to plan ahead and carefully select your fare bundle, you could find yourself flying between Europe and the U.S. for less than the cost of a domestic trip.
