My Honest Guide to Flying Norse Atlantic Airways in 2026

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If you’re anything like me and you’re always hunting for the cheapest way to get across the Atlantic, Norse Atlantic Airways has probably caught your eye. I’ve flown with them multiple times since they launched in 2022 and a lot has changed heading into 2026. The airline has cut a huge number of routes, added new winter flights to Thailand and South Africa, and leased half its fleet to another carrier.

From the current route network and fare classes to baggage rules, the onboard experience, and what happens when things go wrong, everything in here is based on firsthand experience and up-to-date research. I wanted to create the most honest and useful Norse guide out there, because most of what I’ve found online is either outdated or sugar-coated. Hopefully this saves you some time and helps you decide if Norse is the right fit for your next trip!

Overview of Norse Atlantic Airways

Norse Atlantic Airways is a Norwegian budget airline that offers cheap, nonstop, long-haul flights. It launched in June 2022 and quickly became one of the best options for travelers looking to cross the Atlantic without spending a fortune. I’ve flown with them several times now, and they consistently deliver great value (if you know what to expect going in).

The airline’s main hub is London Gatwick, with additional routes out of Rome and Athens during the summer, and seasonal winter flights to destinations like Bangkok and Cape Town. Most of Norse’s routes connect Europe with the U.S. East and West Coasts, with New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Orlando being the most common destinations. If you’re flying from the UK to the States on a budget, Norse is one of the first airlines I’d recommend.

Every Norse flight operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is one of the most modern aircraft you can fly on today. You’ll notice the difference compared to older planes. The cabin is quieter, the windows are noticeably bigger, and the air quality is better, which helps on longer flights. For a budget airline, the hardware is impressive.

Norse has two cabins, Economy and Premium, but no business or first class. The Premium cabin offers 43 inches of legroom, which is generous for the price, and Economy is comparable to what you’d get on most major airlines. The base fare is cheap, but extras like checked bags, meals, and seat selection cost more depending on which fare tier you pick. Norse also doesn’t have a loyalty program or belong to any airline alliance, so you won’t earn frequent flyer miles when you fly with them.

What’s changed with Norse Atlantic in 2026?

Norse looks quite different in 2026 compared to when it first launched. The airline has made some significant changes to its route network, fleet, and overall strategy that are worth knowing about before you book. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it affects your travel plans.

A much smaller route network

If you looked at Norse a year or two ago, you might remember a pretty wide selection of routes connecting cities across Europe and the U.S. That’s no longer the case. Norse has cut a large chunk of its network and is now concentrating its summer transatlantic flights around just three European cities: London Gatwick, Rome, and Athens. The routes you can book for summer 2026 are:

• London Gatwick to New York JFK
• London Gatwick to Los Angeles
• London Gatwick to Orlando
• Rome Fiumicino to New York JFK
• Rome Fiumicino to Los Angeles
• Athens to New York JFK

That’s the full list. Routes from Oslo, Paris, Berlin, and Miami have all been dropped, including the Oslo to New York route that Norse originally launched with back in 2022. London Gatwick is now the airline’s main hub, with three U.S. destinations on offer from there.

New winter routes to Thailand and South Africa

While the transatlantic network has shrunk, Norse has expanded into some exciting new destinations during the winter months. For the 2025/2026 winter season, the airline launched several routes to Thailand. This includes:

• London Gatwick to Bangkok (three to five times per week)
• Manchester to Bangkok (once weekly)
• Stockholm to Bangkok (twice weekly)
• Stockholm to Phuket (once weekly)
• Oslo to Phuket (once weekly)

These routes typically operate from around October through March or April, which is perfect timing if you’re looking to escape the European winter. Norse has also added a seasonal route from London Gatwick to Cape Town, South Africa. I think these winter additions are a really smart move for budget travelers, because finding affordable direct flights to Thailand and South Africa from the UK and Scandinavia isn’t always easy. If either of those destinations is on your radar, Norse is well worth checking out for winter 2026/2027 when the seasonal schedule resumes.

Only six planes flying Norse routes

Norse owns a fleet of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, but half of those planes are currently leased out to IndiGo, India’s largest airline. That means only six aircraft are actually flying Norse’s own scheduled routes at any given time. The airline also returned its older 787-8 aircraft, so the fleet is now exclusively made up of the newer 787-9 variant.

For you as a passenger, this doesn’t really change the onboard experience. The 787-9 is a fantastic aircraft to fly on, with a spacious cabin, larger windows than most planes, and better air quality that helps reduce jet lag. What it does mean, though, is that Norse is operating a much leaner schedule than before, which ties back to the reduced route network I mentioned above.

A possible new route to Pakistan

This one is still developing, but it’s worth mentioning. In January 2026, Norse received official approval to operate direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad using their 787-9 aircraft. Ticket sales are expected to open sometime in spring 2026, with flights potentially starting in summer 2026.

If this route does launch, it would be the first low-cost, long-haul option between the UK and Pakistan, and fares are expected to come in well below what British Airways and PIA currently charge on the corridor. I’d keep an eye on the Norse website if this route interests you, because launch fares on new Norse routes tend to be significantly discounted. Nothing is confirmed yet, but this could be a exciting addition for travelers heading to Pakistan from the UK.

Norse fare classes

Norse offers two cabins, Economy and Premium, each with three fare tiers. The tiers are designed to let you choose how much flexibility and how many extras you actually need, so you’re not paying for things you won’t use. Here’s how they break down.

Economy cabin

The Economy cabin has three fare options. Economy Light is the cheapest option and covers your seat, a personal item, and a carry-on bag. That’s it. No checked baggage, no meal, and no seat selection. If you’re the kind of traveler who packs light and doesn’t mind bringing your own food onboard, this is the way to save the most money. Just be aware that you’ll pay extra if you need anything beyond the basics.

Economy Classic adds a checked bag up to 23kg (50 lbs) and a meal during your flight. It’s a good middle ground if you’re not comfortable traveling without a proper suitcase, and the included meal is a nice bonus on a long transatlantic flight. Ticket change fees are also lower with this fare compared to Light.

Economy Flextra includes everything in Classic plus priority boarding, seat selection, and no change fees (other than any fare difference). I’d recommend this one if your plans might shift, because change fees on the cheaper fares can add up fast. The flexibility alone can be worth the price difference if there’s any chance your dates could move.

Premium cabin

The Premium cabin also has three fare options. Premium Light gets you into the Premium cabin with its wider seats and extra legroom, plus two cabin bags, a meal service, and priority boarding. You won’t get a checked bag though, so you’ll need to add one if needed. This is honestly a great option if you travel light but want a more comfortable seat, and I’ve seen it priced surprisingly close to Economy Flextra in some cases.

Premium Classic includes everything in Premium Light plus one checked bag up to 23kg (50 lbs) and lower ticket change fees. It’s the sweet spot for most travelers flying Premium who want a straightforward package without overthinking it.

Premium Flextra is the top tier. You get two checked bags up to 23kg each, free seat selection, and full flexibility on ticket changes. If you’re doing a longer trip and need to bring more luggage, or if you value the peace of mind that comes with being able to change your booking without penalty, this is the one to go for.

• Tip: always compare the price of Economy Flextra against Premium Light before you book. Because Norse’s fare tiers overlap, you’ll sometimes find that Premium Light costs the same or even less than the top Economy fare, and you get a significantly better seat out of the deal.

Norse Atlantic Airways’ baggage policy

Your baggage allowance depends on the fare you choose, but there’s one important update for 2026. As of September 2024, all fares now include both a personal item and a carry-on bag when you book directly through the Norse website. This is a change from the earlier policy where Economy Light only got you a personal item.

Carry-on baggage

Every passenger gets a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, plus a carry-on bag for the overhead bin. The size and weight limits differ slightly between cabins:

• Economy cabin: Personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (no weight limit), plus a carry-on up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 10kg.
• Premium cabin: Larger personal item up to 45 x 36 x 22 cm (no weight limit), plus a carry-on up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 15kg.

A word of warning here. Norse is strict about baggage sizes and weights. If your bag is even slightly over, you could end up paying an excess fee on the spot. I’d strongly recommend weighing your bags at home before you leave and making sure everything fits within the limits. It’s not worth the stress or the surprise charge at the airport.

Checked baggage

Checked baggage varies depending on your fare:

• Economy Light and Premium Light: No checked baggage included. You can add a bag when you book for an additional fee.
• Economy Classic, Economy Flextra, and Premium Classic: One checked bag up to 23kg (50 lbs) included.
• Premium Flextra: Two checked bags up to 23kg (50 lbs) each included.

If you need to add a checked bag, always do it at the time of booking. Adding bags later or at the airport is significantly more expensive. Also, if your bags go over the weight limit, you’ll be charged per kilogram, so it pays to pack carefully.

What to expect at the airport

The onboard experience is only half the story with Norse. Knowing what to expect on the ground will save you a lot of stress, especially if this is your first time flying with them.

Check-in

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes two hours before your flight. If you’re a visa-exempt passenger on any fare except Economy Light, you can check in online through the Norse website or app and get a mobile boarding pass sent straight to your phone wallet. This has improved a lot recently and I’d recommend doing it every time. It means you can skip the check-in counter entirely and head straight to security.

If you’re on an Economy Light fare or need a visa to enter your destination, you’ll have to check in at the airport counter. Premium passengers get a dedicated check-in line, which is usually quick. The Economy queue can be a different story, especially at busy airports like Gatwick, so give yourself plenty of time. Norse recommends arriving at least three hours before departure for long-haul flights, and I’d stick to that.

Terminals

Norse operates out of specific terminals at each airport, and it’s worth checking before you travel so you don’t end up at the wrong one. At London Gatwick, Norse uses the South Terminal. At New York JFK, you’ll be at Terminal 1. If you’re flying from LAX, you check in at Terminal 2 but are then bussed to the West Gates at Terminal B for boarding. The full list of terminals is on the Norse FAQ page.

Lounges

Norse doesn’t have its own airport lounges, and lounge access isn’t included with any fare, including Premium. If you have a Priority Pass through a credit card, you may be able to access a third-party lounge at your departure airport, though availability varies. At Gatwick South Terminal, for example, the Priority Pass lounges tend to fill up quickly, so don’t count on guaranteed entry. Norse does sell lounge access as an add-on during booking, but the prices are generally steep and not great value in my experience.

In-flight experience with Norse

Norse might be a budget airline, but the experience onboard is better than you’d probably expect. The 787-9 Dreamliner does a lot of the heavy lifting here. The cabin feels modern and spacious, the LED mood lighting adjusts to help your body clock on longer flights, and the air quality is noticeably better than on older aircraft. I’ve stepped off Norse flights feeling less drained than after flying with some full-service carriers on similar routes.

Seats

Norse has two seating options: Economy and Premium. Economy seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 layout with a pitch of around 31 to 32 inches, which is standard for long-haul flying. It’s fine for flights of five or six hours, but I’ll be honest, on anything longer you might start to feel it. If you can, try to grab an exit row seat for the extra legroom.

Premium seats are set up in a 2-3-2 configuration with 43 inches of pitch, which is generous for the price. You also get a wider seat with an adjustable headrest, footrest, and a good recline. I’d say Premium on Norse feels closer to what you’d get in a proper premium economy cabin on a legacy airline, and sometimes it’s priced not much more than an Economy Flextra fare.

Entertainment

Every Norse seat has a personal seatback screen with a selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The library isn’t as deep as what you’d find on a British Airways or Delta flight, but there’s enough to keep you entertained for a transatlantic crossing. Expect around 120 titles across movies and shows, with a mix of newer releases and classics.

Premium passengers get complimentary headphones, but if you’re in Economy you’ll need to bring your own or buy a pair onboard. I’d strongly recommend bringing your own, because the ones they sell aren’t great. There’s no moving map display like you’d see on most airlines – just a basic flight information screen.

Food and drinks

What you get when flying Norse depends entirely on your fare. Economy Light passengers don’t receive any food or drinks beyond water, so you’ll need to buy everything from the onboard menu or bring your own. Economy Classic and Flextra fares include one meal, and Premium passengers get two meals plus complimentary drinks including alcohol.

The buy-on-board menu has hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and a decent range of drinks including beer and wine. The food is fine for airline standards, nothing spectacular but perfectly edible. If you have specific dietary requirements, I’d recommend pre-ordering a meal when you book rather than relying on what’s available on the day. Bringing your own snacks for the flight is also a smart move regardless of your fare, especially if you’re flying Economy Light.

Does Norse Atlantic Airways have WiFi?

No, Norse still does not offer WiFi on any of its flights as of 2026. This is one of the biggest frustrations I hear from friends, and honestly I get it. The 787s are technically capable of supporting WiFi, but Norse hasn’t activated it. If you need to work or stay connected during your flight, plan ahead and download everything you need before you board. On the plus side, every seat has a USB charger and most aircraft also have power outlets.

• Read next: Airlines With the Fastest Wi-Fi (Ranked by a Pro Digital Nomad)

Norse Economy vs. Norse Premium: What’s the difference?

This is one of the most common questions I get about Norse. The gap between the two cabins is bigger than you might expect from a budget airline. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.

	Economy	Premium
Seat layout	3-3-3	2-3-2
Seat pitch	31-32 inches	43 inches
Recline	Limited	12 inches
Footrest	No	Yes
Meals included	1 (Classic/Flextra only)	2
Blanket and pillow	No	Yes
Eye mask and earplugs	No	Yes
Headphones provided	No	Yes
Free alcohol	No	Yes

Economy gets the job done if your priority is price. The seats are standard for long-haul flying and comparable to what you’d get on most major airlines. It’s comfortable enough for shorter transatlantic crossings, but on anything over six or seven hours the lack of space starts to become noticeable.

Premium is genuinely one of the best premium economy products I’ve flown in terms of pure seat space. At 43 inches of pitch, you’re getting significantly more legroom than premium economy on carriers like British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, plus a proper recline, a quieter cabin, and two complimentary meals with alcohol included. It’s not business class, but it’s a serious step up from Economy.

My honest recommendation? For anything over six hours, check the price of Premium Light before you book Economy Flextra. I’ve seen cases where they cost the same or Premium is even cheaper, and you’re getting a far better seat for your money. Norse also offers a Bid for Upgrade feature that lets Economy passengers bid a custom amount for a Premium seat, so if the cabin isn’t full you could score an upgrade for well below the standard price.

Is Norse safe to fly?

Yes, Norse is safe to fly. Norse is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which enforces some of the strictest safety standards in the world. All Norse flights into and out of the U.S. are also subject to FAA oversight. The airline has no accidents or safety incidents on its record, and the 787-9 Dreamliner is one of the most modern and well-regarded aircraft types flying today.

The more honest concern with Norse isn’t physical safety, it’s operational reliability. Because the airline operates a small fleet on a limited schedule, a single aircraft issue can cause significant delays or cancellations. Norse doesn’t have a huge network of backup options to reroute you.

Tips for flying Norse Atlantic Airways

These are the things I wish I’d known before my first Norse flight, and the tips I still follow every time I book with them.

• Add your extras when you book. Checked bags, seat selection, meals. Everything is cheaper at the time of booking than it is later. Norse charges a premium for adding things after the fact, and airport prices are even worse. Sort it all out upfront and you’ll avoid any nasty surprises.
• Compare Premium Light against Economy Flextra every single time. I can’t stress this enough. The price difference is often tiny, and sometimes Premium Light is cheaper. You get a dramatically better seat for the same money. It takes 30 seconds to check and it could transform your flight.
• Bring your own headphones and snacks. Norse doesn’t provide free headphones in Economy, and the ones they sell onboard aren’t worth the money. Pack a decent pair and download some entertainment to your phone or tablet as backup. Bringing snacks is also a must if you’re on an Economy Light fare, because you won’t get any food unless you pay for it.
• Weigh your bags at home before you leave. Norse is strict about baggage limits. If you’re over, you’ll pay excess fees on the spot with no room for negotiation. A cheap luggage scale will save you a lot of hassle.
• Book with a good travel credit card. Since Norse doesn’t have a loyalty program, you won’t earn any frequent flyer miles. But you can still earn rewards through your credit card, and get travel protection in case of cancellations or delays. Given that Norse’s customer service can be difficult to reach, having that extra layer of protection is valuable.
• Download the Norse app and check in online. Norse has improved its app significantly, and you can now get a mobile boarding pass with a QR code added straight to your phone wallet. This saves a lot of time at the airport and means you can skip the check-in counter entirely.
• Leave buffer time for connections. Norse doesn’t offer connecting flight protection, so if you’ve booked a separate onward flight and your Norse flight is delayed, you’re on your own. I’d leave at least four or five hours between a Norse arrival and any connecting departure.
• Sign up for their email list. Norse runs flash sales fairly regularly, and some of the deals are excellent. I’ve seen round trips between London and New York for under $300. If you’re flexible on dates, the savings can be significant.