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. (2024)

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Taylor Rains

2023-06-30T10:10:00Z

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. (1)

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.
  • I flew Norse from Paris to New York and despite my skepticism, I think the carrier is a great way to travel.

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. (2)

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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. (3)

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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. (4)

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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 my one-way $500 bundled fare got me on an eight-hour economy flight from Paris to New York-JFK on Norse's Dreamliner.

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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.

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. (5)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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.

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. (6)

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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.

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. (7)

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 queued for 30 minutes before the counter opened at 4:30 p.m.

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. (8)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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

Source: Norse Atlantic Airways

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.

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. (10)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (11)

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.

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. (12)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (13)

Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Norse Atlantic Airways

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

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. (14)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (15)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (16)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (17)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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.

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. (18)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (19)

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.

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. (20)

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

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. (21)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (22)

Norse Atlantic Airways

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

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. (23)

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a seat back pocket big enough for my laptop…

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. (24)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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…a full-sized tray table…

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. (25)

Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable headrest…

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. (26)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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...a USB power port...

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. (27)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (28)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (29)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (30)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (31)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (32)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (33)

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.

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. (34)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (35)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (36)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (37)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (38)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (39)

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.

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. (40)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (41)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (42)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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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.

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. (43)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (44)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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

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. (45)

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.

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. (46)

Source: SeatGuru

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

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. (47)

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.

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. (48)

Taylor Rains/Insider

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