Norse Atlantic Airways, often referred to simply as Norse Airlines, is a Norwegian low-cost carrier specializing in transatlantic flights. Launched in 2021, it operates a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offering budget-friendly routes between major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando, and European destinations such as London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Oslo. It has also expanded to non-European spots like Bangkok and Cape Town. With one-way fares sometimes dipping as low as $99, it's an attractive option for cost-conscious travelers. But is it worth the savings? In this comprehensive Norse Atlantic Airways reviews guide, we'll dive into real passenger experiences, pros, cons, and key considerations to help you decide.
This article aggregates feedback from trusted sources including airline review sites, forums, and social media, focusing on 2024-2025 experiences to ensure relevance. We've analyzed hundreds of Norse Airlines reviews to provide a balanced, unbiased overview that aligns with Google and Bing's emphasis on helpful, people-first content.
What Passengers Love About Norse Atlantic Airways
Many travelers praise Norse for delivering solid value, especially if you're prepared for a no-frills experience. Here's what stands out in positive Norse Atlantic Airways reviews:
Affordable Fares and Great Deals
Norse's biggest draw is its pricing. Passengers frequently highlight fares significantly lower than legacy carriers like Delta or British Airways—often $200-$300 less for transatlantic routes. For example, one reviewer flew from London Gatwick to New York JFK for just $200, calling it a "steal" for budget travelers. Sales can drop prices to $99 one-way, including taxes, making it ideal for spontaneous trips or those flying light.
Comfortable Seats and Modern Aircraft
Norse operates exclusively Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature spacious cabins with mood lighting and good air quality. Economy seats offer 31-32 inches of pitch (legroom) and 17-18 inches of width, comparable to or better than some mainline airlines. Reviewers often note the seats are "cozy and spacious" with decent recline and headrests, making long-haul flights tolerable. Premium economy gets even more praise, with up to 43 inches of pitch and enhanced recline—described as "twice as good for half the price" by one flyer.
Friendly Crew and Smooth Flights
Cabin crew receive consistent kudos for being "extremely friendly" and attentive. Many Norse Airlines reviews mention on-time departures and arrivals, with no major disruptions. One passenger on a Los Angeles to Paris route called the premium cabin "quiet, clean, and spacious." In-flight entertainment (IFE) is solid, with a decent selection of movies and TV shows, though some note it's not the most up-to-date.
Value for Light Travelers
If you pack minimally, Norse shines. The basic economy fare includes a personal item, and upgrades for carry-ons or checked bags are reasonable if booked in advance. Reviewers who bring their own food, water, and entertainment report saving hundreds without sacrificing much comfort.
Ratings aggregated from Skytrax, Trustpilot, and Reddit reviews.
Common Complaints in Norse Airlines Reviews
Not all experiences are smooth. Norse Atlantic Airways reviews often highlight frustrations typical of ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Spirit or Ryanair. Expect to pay for extras, and be prepared for potential hiccups.
Strict Baggage Policies and High Fees
This is the top gripe. Norse enforces tight limits: personal items must fit under the seat (max 10kg/22lbs), and carry-ons or checked bags incur fees starting at $45 online but up to $300 at the airport if oversized. Many passengers report being charged unexpectedly, with one calling it "robbery" after paying $85 for a carry-on that fit on other airlines. Reddit users advise measuring bags precisely and arriving early to avoid surprises.
Poor Customer Service and Communication
Contacting Norse is notoriously difficult—no phone support, only email or chat, with slow responses. Delays or cancellations lead to frustration, as rebookings can take days without alliances to fall back on. One Trustpilot reviewer described being stranded after a flight change, with no help offered. No online check-in adds to airport queues, sometimes lasting 1.5 hours.
Limited Amenities and Food Options
Economy gets no free meals, snacks, or even blankets—everything is à la carte, starting at $5 for water or $10 for a sandwich. Food quality is hit-or-miss; some call it "standard plane fare," while others skip it entirely. No Wi-Fi is another common complaint. Premium fares include meals, but pre-selection is required, leading to mix-ups.
Delays, Cancellations, and Overbooking
Recent reviews mention frequent delays—up to 15 hours in some cases—with poor communication. Overbooking has left passengers denied boarding, and refunds can be elusive. As a small airline, recovery options are limited compared to larger networks.
Ratings aggregated from Trustpilot (overall 2.3/5 from 1,092 reviews) and Skytrax (mixed, averaging 3/10).
Overall Ratings and Passenger Verdict
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Trustpilot: 2.3/5 – Heavy on 1-star reviews for service issues, but positives for value.
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Skytrax: 3/10 – Praises aircraft but criticizes check-in and extras.
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Reddit & Tripadvisor: Mixed; positive if expectations are low, negative for families or those needing flexibility.
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X (Twitter): Recent posts echo affordability but warn of IndiGo lease deals and operational news.
In 2025, Norse scores well for solo budget travelers but falters for those wanting reliability or perks.
Tips for Flying Norse Atlantic Airways
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Book directly on flynorse.com for easiest management.
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Measure bags: Personal item ≤ 40x30x20cm; carry-on ≤ 55x40x23cm.
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Arrive 3+ hours early—no online check-in.
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Bring your own snacks, water, headphones, and blanket.
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Consider premium for longer flights; it's often worth the upgrade.
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Check flight status via apps like FlightRadar24, as emails may be sparse.
Is Norse Atlantic Airways Worth It?
Based on aggregated Norse Airlines reviews, yes—if you're flexible, pack light, and prioritize savings over service. It's a great alternative to pricier options for direct transatlantic hops, but beware the hidden fees and potential disruptions. For families or those needing reliability, opt for legacy carriers. Always cross-check recent reviews before booking, as airline performance can evolve.
If you've flown Norse recently, share your experience in the comments!
FAQs About Norse Atlantic Airways Reviews
Is Norse Atlantic Airways safe?
Yes, it meets FAA and EASA standards with a modern fleet. No major incidents reported.
Does Norse have Wi-Fi?
No, currently no in-flight Wi-Fi.
Why is Norse so cheap?
It's a ULCC model: base fares cover just the seat; extras like bags and food add up.
What's the best seat on Norse?
Aisle or window in premium for more space; avoid middle seats in economy.
How do I contact Norse customer service?
Via email or their website chat—expect delays; no phone support.
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