I’m surprised that I enjoyed my recent Norse Atlantic 797-9 Premium Cabin experience as much as I did. It was supposed to be a sub par experience. Something I could use as an example when explaining why it’s often worth paying more for premium economy on a “real” airline.
What I learned is that Norse Premium Class is about as real as it gets. Legroom is excellent, seat width is better than what other airlines are offering, and the food is pretty darn good.
In an unexpected turn of events, what you’re about to read is a detailed explanation of why it’s often worth paying less for premium economy on a “riff raff” airline. Go figure.
NO701 London, UK (LGW) – New York, NY (JFK) Monday, January 22, 2024 Aircraft: 787-9 Registration: G-CKWP Duration: 7 hours 44 minutes Seat: 4D (Premium Cabin)
Norse Atlantic 787-9 side view illustration by NorebboStock.com.Our route from London Gatwick to New York (Kennedy) today as NO701.
My full review of Norse 787-9 Premium Class from London (Gatwick) to New York (JFK)
This flight from LGW to JFK was the first time that I knew exactly what to expect before flying on a new-to-me airline. Even though Norse Atlantic began operations in 2022, they’re essentially a rebirth of Norwegian Air UK (which went out of business in 2020).
Other than the names (and their liveries), everything about these two airlines is the same. If you flew on a Norwegian Air 787-9 in 2019, what I’m about to show you will look no different. It’s the same airline (same seats and all) with a different name.
My arrival at the London Gatwick South Terminal
Getting to LGW from central London proved to be a challenge this particular morning. A strong winter storm had suspended operation of the Gatwick Express train, but I still managed to arrive well before scheduled departure time of this flight to JFK.
Honestly? Running late wouldn’t have been all that big of a deal. Gatwick (especially the South Terminal) isn’t exactly the pinnacle of user-friendly airport design IMHO.
Welcome to the South Terminal at London Gatwick Airport! I have no idea if Norse Atlantic operates out of this terminal, but I’m starting here anyway because this is where the train from London dropped me off at.Disco! Norse does indeed operate out of the South Terminal. They even have a priority check in queue for Premium passengers. Don’t mind if I do.Boarding pass obtained. Judging by how ‘unmotivated’ the guy who checked me in was, I’m surprised he didn’t tell me to “f**k off and never come back.” Which, oddly enough, wouldn’t have been the first time I’ve heard that from a complete stranger.I’m in! Those of you who have been to the Gatwick South Terminal before know (just as much as I do) that this is where the struggle begins.This is essentially the “holding area” where you’re supposed to wait until they announce the gate for your flight (which usually happens 30-45 minutes before departure). There’s no place to sit, which (again) gives off a “f**k off and never come back” kind of vibe.They don’t need to worry about me. I’m scheduled to f**k off in approximately one hour from now.FYI, this is what F’ing off looks like at LGW. They just announced the gate for our flight to JFK, and we are on our way!
The boarding process for NO710 to New York (JFK)
Strolling up to the gate roughly 10 minutes before the scheduled boarding time it’s not normally how I like to do things. That’s how it’s done at LGW though, so I had no choice but to do it their way.
Seeing how empty the gate area was did feel me with hope for a wide open flight. Yes, having an empty seat next to me wouldn’t have been all that big of a deal since I was booked in the Premium Cabin. I’m just a little antisocial, OK?
Looks like it’s going to be gate 34 today. It’s also looking like it’s going to be an extremely light load. That’s a good lookin’ Norse 787-9! I’m really looking forward to it.Don’t worry. I won’t force you to look at my boarding pass (but I’m including anyway for the sake of completeness).Well, that was easy. After announcing families with small children to board first (of which there were no takers), they went straight to the Premium Cabin passengers. It’s been a while since I’ve been one of the first to board a long haul flight!Nobody to greet me at the door? No worries. It’s all part of the long haul low-cost carrier (LLC) experience I guess.
The seats
Stepping onto a Norse 787 is like taking a nostalgic step back to 2019. These are the old Norwegian Air aircraft, and Norse did absolutely nothing to the interior of these planes after the transition. The Premium Class seats we all knew (and loved) back in 2019 are exactly the same today as they were back then.
If this were 2019, I’d be welcoming you to the Norwegian Air 787-9 premium cabin. Here in 2024, it’s Norse Atlantic. Same difference.The Premium Cabin is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, which (believe it or not) is one of the most spacious transatlantic premium economy products at the moment.Blankets, pillows, and bottled water at every seat. Tell me again how this is considered “low cost” premium economy?The moment I remembered that I paid $802.44 for this. Maybe it’s not exactly “low cost” after all? At least the legroom kicks a**.I do believe that I have developed a school-boy crush on a certain airline that rhymes with “horse.” This is nice!Giddyup, ya’ll.I didn’t know it at the time, but these are actually the release levers for the video screens. The fact that my crush was as strong as it was without even knowing that these seats had video screens should tell you everything you need to know about how weird I am impressive this experience has been so far.The levers for seat recline and leg rest extension or on the other armrest. I’m still looking for the throttles (and yoke).Here’s the integrated remote control for the in-flight entertainment system built into the armrest. I can only assume that the “HH” on the display stands for “holla holla” (because why wouldn’t it).A coat hook I think? I know I asked the same question every time I fly European airline, but I’ve never received confirmation on what these do hickeys really are.I know good marketing when I see it though. This water may come from Harrogate – but how do we really know this isn’t actually tap water from the seediest pub in town?Full-size electrical outlets are located between the seats too. This is like *real* premium economy!And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more premium, they announced the closing of the boarding door with the two other seats in my row completely (totally) vacant. I say again: giddyup mofos!The load factor here in Premium Class today couldn’t have been more than 40%. I was too lazy to do the actual math, so you’ll have to take my word for it.I still didn’t even realize that there were video screens yet, and I was already thinking about how I was going to announce that this beats the ever living snot out of Air France A350-900 premium economy. There just isn’t any way to say it without sounding condescending IMHO.Who woulda thunk that I would be so impressed by this? At the very least, this has got me thinking that I should at least *try* the cheap (20 rolls for $5) toilet paper down at my local gas station. What if…it’s actually good stuff?
The departure out of LGW
It’s kind of funny how long the boarding process seems to take when the seat next to you remains vacant. It felt like it was taking forever, when (in reality) they shut the boarding door early. Like, a lot early. Early departures FTW!
12. Minutes. Early. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been on a long haul international flight that pushed off the gate ahead of schedule. I think they just got tired of waiting (and hoping) that more people would show up.They didn’t waste any time when it came to dimming the windows did they? Perhaps they’re feeling ashamed about the food they’re about serve?Nope! Seems like they were trying to hide the fact that the “amenity kit” is à la carte (take only the items you need – and don’t complain about the cardboard packaging). I’m not exactly sure why they’re so self-conscious about this, because I actually quite like it.
In-flight entertainment
In-flight entertainment in Norse 787-9 Premium Class comes in the form of video screens that extend out from the center armrests. Is the catalog of content as extensive as what you might find on other airlines? Hell no. The fact that there were even movies and TV shows to watch at all is what impressed me. This is something I would not normally expect on a long haul low-cost carrier.
Free advice to any airline hoping to get me to say something nice about your in-flight entertainment system: make it so that I’ll find the video screen by total accident. That way, even if your catalog of content sucks (which this kind of does), the novelty of a screen unexpectedly popping out of the armrest will prevent me from saying anything bad.Perhaps “sucks” was too strong of a word (and I’m sorry). “Limited” is more like it. The only other time that I’ve seen a catalog of in-flight entertainment this thin limited was in Aeromexico 787-8 business class.Considering that I wasn’t expecting any video entertainment at all, it’s hard to be critical of this. Anyone who can’t help but to be critical should maybe (and I’m totally spitballin’ here) fly Lufthansa A350-900 premium economy instead.Don’t go flyin’ Lufthansa thinking you’ll get better headphones though. These are just as poopy as what you’ll get over there.I take that back. I like these better because they actually work. #buuuurnA USB-A charging port and a 3.5 mm audio jack are integrated into the retractable video screen (as they damn well better be).
The first meal service
As if the in-flight entertainment wasn’t enough to impress me, the lunch service sealed the deal. Served approximately one hour after takeoff, it consisted of a full tray of food that wouldn’t have been out of place in other long haul premium economy class products.
Drinks were served before they came down the aisle with the meal cart. Figured it was wise to go with something with a little burn to it (such as this Coke Zero).I mean, this is an LLC after all, so there’s no telling how digestible this food is going to be. A fizzy drink might actually help cut through the grizzle and bone shards!Well then. This is definitely more substantial (and somewhat prettier) than what I was expecting. I don’t even need to tell you this is chicken (because it’s obvious). Right? Well done Norse!I don’t even know what I was expecting, but certainly wasn’t this. The salad almost looks fancy.The jury is still out on this dessert, but I’m not overly concerned based on everything else that I’m seeing so far. They’ve earned the right to screw one thing up IMHO.“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for these biodegradable utensils, for which I will use to enjoy this beautiful meal you have most graciously provided. If it’s not too much to ask, can you please provide real (metal) utensils next time? I don’t think these are going to be a match for grizzle and bone shards. Amen.”Maybe it’s not the bone shards I have to worry about. A rogue splinter could end this review real quick!It’s kind of hard to enjoy a meal when all you can think about is getting stabbed through the roof of your mouth with something sharp.
Despite my stupid jokes, the quality of the food was excellent. I’d place it well below typical business class food (of course), but easily on par with what you would get in premium economy on most other airlines.
Seat (and cabin) comfort
If I haven’t made it obvious by now, these Premium Class seats are legit (and well worth the cost of the upgrade). The generous leg room – combined with an extendable leg rest – makes sleeping relatively easy.
So yeah. About those retractable leg rests. They a’ight.Unfortunately, I am not of the body type which would benefit from such a retractable leg rest. You gotta be really short in order to make this work IMHO.I am, however, of the body type which will reap the benefits of this very thick blanket. We scrawny mofos tend to run ice cold 24/7.“Come to papa!”
The only thing that could make these seats more comfortable as if they laid fully flat. But for an 8 hour daytime flight between London and New York? They were just about perfect.
There’s always at least one inconsiderate a**hole person who refuses to comply with the window shade policy on long-haul flights. “It’s my window and I can do whatever the hell I want with it!!Those of you who read my Norwegian Airlines 787-9 economy review will no doubt recognize this on-demand food ordering system (accessed via the video screens). Considering how many people I saw taking advantage of this feature on that flight, it’s shocking to me that Norwegian Air went out of business. They made mad cash that day!I looked everywhere, and I couldn’t even find a single “Norse” reference anywhere in the lavatory. Maybe that was on purpose? It’ll certainly make things easier when this airline goes bankrupt and this aircraft gets sold off to someone else.
The second (pre-landing) meal service
Believe it or not, the second meal was far more substantial than what I’ve received in any other long haul premium economy product over the past few years. It was a full meal – which was very much appreciated, since I wasn’t expecting anything more than a light snack.
Here we go with the second meal service! Judging by how predominately that Coca-Cola is displayed, it’s safe to assume that I wasn’t the only one worried about rouge grizzle and bone shards.Once again, they have presented (and surprised) me with a tray of food far more substantial than I was expecting. The hell is going on?No menus were provided (so I can’t tell you exactly what this is), but it was borderline delicious AF. I say again: the hell?!
The descent and arrival into JFK
Not only did we push off the gate 12 minutes early back at LGW, it resulted in us arriving into JFK 12 minutes early as well. The weather was just about perfect for our descent and landing, and there were absolutely zero issues all the way in. Except for the fact that I was seated in the middle section and I couldn’t see squat.
Trippy pre-landing mood lighting too. I know it’s fun to make bets about when Norse will file for bankruptcy, but make no mistake about it: it would be a real shame to see this airline go wheels up.I wonder how many people down there on Rockaway Beach are looking up and wondering what the hell a “norse” is?Come to think of it, that’s something I’d like to know as well. Maybe it’s a half newt / half man sort of thing? I have no idea.“Norse seven zero one heavy, you’re cleared to land on runway thirty one left. Please advise on the meaning of norse before we can give you gate instructions.”It must’ve been a fascinating definition, because we’ve arrived at the gate 12 minutes early.Who cares if I wasn’t able to credit this flight to any of my frequent flyer programs? That was fun!One last look at the ‘ol gal parked at Terminal 7 before hopping on the AirTrain over to the TWA Hotel. Can y’all do me a favor? Give Norse Atlantic a try. Pretty please. I’d really hate to see them go out of business prematurely.
Pros and cons of the Norse Atlantic Premium Class experience
It’s been a while since I’ve walked out of a flight feeling so enlightened. I had no idea that Norse Atlantic Premium Class is every bit as competitive as premium economy on any other full service airline. Assuming they can find a way to stay out of bankruptcy over the coming years, this is something I will absolutely do again.
Pros
Wide seats! Most other airlines utilize a condensed 2-4-2 layout for their premium economy products, but Norse is a very spacious 2-3-2.
Food quality is good (and relatively substantial). Combine this with the snack on demand service, and it’s highly unlikely that you will go hungry.
The in-flight entertainment is decent. I’m just happy that it exists at all.
Cons
You’ll probably be disappointed if in-flight entertainment is what you care about most. The catalog of continent is somewhat limited.
The pre-flight ground experience at London Gatwick Airport is abysmal.
Honestly, I have to say that this product looks really competitive, especially on a market as heavily contested as London to New York. Spacious seats, two full meals, solid amenities and a decent* IFE system, all for half the price of legacy carriers? It’s an absolute steal!
*At the very least, the UI & screens look modern(ish)
Also, in case you’re wondering, the name Norse (IIRC) is a reference to where the airline is from-the Nordics. They basically wanted to show that this airline is a copy of Norwegian without making it too obvious lol.
Haha, yeah, I vaguely understand where the Norse name comes from, but it was hard not to have a little fun with it in the review. 🙂
I really hope that Norse doesn’t end up like Norwegian. These premium seats are a fantastically good (and very competitive) product, and it would be a real shame to see them get squashed by the likes of British Airways / American / Virgin Atlantic, etc. They deserve to live!
“The pre-flight ground experience at London Gatwick Airport is abysmal.”
In other news, water found to be wet.
Definitely might consider this for flying stateside; although the available destinations are paltry I could finally go to LA on a budget, or at least fly into NY to cut down costs on my yearly trip to Ohio.
Now that I know what Norse premium class is like, I’d definitely be willing to put up with the annoyances of Gatwick to do it again. But you’re right – it isn’t all that great of an option if you need to go someplace other than New York or Los Angeles. My fingers are crossed that not only they survive, but that their route network grows as well.
Peter
Honestly, I have to say that this product looks really competitive, especially on a market as heavily contested as London to New York. Spacious seats, two full meals, solid amenities and a decent* IFE system, all for half the price of legacy carriers? It’s an absolute steal!
*At the very least, the UI & screens look modern(ish)
Also, in case you’re wondering, the name Norse (IIRC) is a reference to where the airline is from-the Nordics. They basically wanted to show that this airline is a copy of Norwegian without making it too obvious lol.
Scott (SANspotter)
Haha, yeah, I vaguely understand where the Norse name comes from, but it was hard not to have a little fun with it in the review. 🙂
I really hope that Norse doesn’t end up like Norwegian. These premium seats are a fantastically good (and very competitive) product, and it would be a real shame to see them get squashed by the likes of British Airways / American / Virgin Atlantic, etc. They deserve to live!
Alex
“The pre-flight ground experience at London Gatwick Airport is abysmal.”
In other news, water found to be wet.
Definitely might consider this for flying stateside; although the available destinations are paltry I could finally go to LA on a budget, or at least fly into NY to cut down costs on my yearly trip to Ohio.
Scott (SANspotter)
Now that I know what Norse premium class is like, I’d definitely be willing to put up with the annoyances of Gatwick to do it again. But you’re right – it isn’t all that great of an option if you need to go someplace other than New York or Los Angeles. My fingers are crossed that not only they survive, but that their route network grows as well.