Norwegian Airlines

[RedSox68]

Anyone flown on them for their European cruises? Any opinions or reviews? I know they are very discount and you have to pay for everything extra, but their prices are attractive and nicely cheap!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Anyone flown on them for their European cruises? Any opinions or reviews? I know they are very discount and you have to pay for everything extra, but their prices are attractive and nicely cheap!

Everything as in bottled water, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, head sets, blankets, food, meals on international flights, phone & airport bookings, booking changes, connecting flights, seat selection, baggage (on low fare tickets), fast track (priority security screening).

 

[RedSox68]

Everything as in bottled water, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, head sets, blankets, food, meals on international flights, phone & airport bookings, booking changes, connecting flights, seat selection, baggage (on low fare tickets), fast track (priority security screening).

But I was thinking some of that stuff I can bring myself (travel pillow, headsets) and we can eat before we board (if we are flying at 9 p.m., I wouldn't want to eat anyway). Just wondering how they were for cleanliness, comfort and safety? I've read mixed reviews on other sites about timeliness, but for a one-way flight I'd be willing to give up a lot. I'm getting $391 for one way to Barcelona per adult, which is the lowest I've ever seen.

 

[RedSox68]

Just found out they have a nonstop from Newark, and if you book your luggage online you save 50%. You are allowed one carry on and one personal. I'd just love to hear from someone who has actually flown them.

 

[Evoga]

I've flown with them from the UK to Florida (MCO) and they were great. I would book with them again. Should be lots of reviews on the main British Disney site with photos if you search on there.

 

[Flossbolna]

A friend of mine just flew with them. He said it was fine, but he did not like the fact that even basic water you needed to purchase. Considering that staying hydrated on a long flight is essential for health reasons he thought that that was taking the nickel and dining too far. He loved the plane though, it was a very new Dreamliner.

 

[RedSox68]

A friend of mine just flew with them. He said it was fine, but he did not like the fact that even basic water you needed to purchase. Considering that staying hydrated on a long flight is essential for health reasons he thought that that was taking the nickel and dining too far. He loved the plane though, it was a very new Dreamliner.

That's one of the pluses I've been reading -- that the planes are the newest in the fleet and lots of leg room even in economy.

I wonder if you can buy water in the airport after security and just take it onboard -- probably cheaper than buying it onboard. I am a water-a-holic!

 

[RedSox68]

I've flown with them from the UK to Florida (MCO) and they were great. I would book with them again. Should be lots of reviews on the main British Disney site with photos if you search on there.

Thanks much.

 

[Flossbolna]

That's one of the pluses I've been reading -- that the planes are the newest in the fleet and lots of leg room even in economy.

I wonder if you can buy water in the airport after security and just take it onboard -- probably cheaper than buying it onboard. I am a water-a-holic!

I always bring an empty water bottle with me on my longer flights and fill it up after security. Most airports I have been to sell water after security, too. But they also charge a premium for it. However, unless you depart from a third world country, there ought to be some kind of water fountain in the terminal - I am even fine with filling my water bottle at a bathroom tap. My reasoning is that if I let the water run for a while, it will kind of clean itself. But I can understand when other people are more concerned than me.

 

[gotomu212]

I personally really love ala cart pricing since I never eat airplane food (even on 14 hour flights), bring my own water (just because I like to buy the huge liter of water for the trip rather than keep asking for those dinky cups), dont bring much luggage, and don't care where we sit. I like that I only pay for the things I want and don't pay for benefits I don't use. Those huge price discounts more than make up for the little I spend on water and a snack to bring on the plane.

The only negative I heard about Norweigian is they have cancelled flights/discontinued routes close to travel dates and since they usually don't have multiple flights you're scrambling to book another carrier last minute.

 

[mmouse37]

Yes, we flew them last year from Copenhagen to EWR (Newark) after the WBTA. I thought they were great!! We paid extra for the next level of service and were treated like royalty. Roomy seats, free bags, dinner, snacks, etc. We were very happy with their service.

MJ

 

[jenf22]

Yes, we flew them last year from Copenhagen to EWR (Newark) after the WBTA. I thought they were great!! We paid extra for the next level of service and were treated like royalty. Roomy seats, free bags, dinner, snacks, etc. We were very happy with their service.

MJ

Is that the level that is $100 more than the cheapest option? The LowFare+ or did you go with the premium cabin?

 

[mmouse37]

Is that the level that is $100 more than the cheapest option? The LowFare+ or did you go with the premium cabin?

I honestly don't remember. I know it also gave us access to the club at the Copenhagen airport. I don't remember paying too much more than the lowest fare.

MJ

 

[RedSox68]

I honestly don't remember. I know it also gave us access to the club at the Copenhagen airport. I don't remember paying too much more than the lowest fare.

MJ

Might be the only time I can afford to actually upgrade on a flight!

I personally really love ala cart pricing since I never eat airplane food (even on 14 hour flights), bring my own water (just because I like to buy the huge liter of water for the trip rather than keep asking for those dinky cups), dont bring much luggage, and don't care where we sit. I like that I only pay for the things I want and don't pay for benefits I don't use. Those huge price discounts more than make up for the little I spend on water and a snack to bring on the plane.

The only negative I heard about Norweigian is they have cancelled flights/discontinued routes close to travel dates and since they usually don't have multiple flights you're scrambling to book another carrier last minute.

I wonder if when they cancel or delay a flight they reimburse you?!?

I agree with what you've stated -- I mean nowadays you can go on an airline that includes the drinks and meals and pillow and blankets, but pay $300-$600 more per person and in some cases still have to pay for the luggage! I, too, would rather pick and choose what I pay for.

 

[Dug720]

I agree with what you've stated -- I mean nowadays you can go on an airline that includes the drinks and meals and pillow and blankets, but pay $300-$600 more per person and in some cases still have to pay for the luggage! I, too, would rather pick and choose what I pay for.

Internationally as far as I know the mainstream airlines do NOT charge for one piece of luggage per person. Even in Economy. So that's sort of a moot point.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Internationally as far as I know the mainstream airlines do NOT charge for one piece of luggage per person. Even in Economy. So that's sort of a moot point.

Not on Norwegian. The lowest economy fare pays for checked bags.

But, maybe it's not "mainstream"?

 

[Dug720]

Not on Norwegian. The lowest economy fare pays for checked bags.

But, maybe it's not "mainstream"?

Yeah, I meant the big-name ones like United, American, British Airways, Air France, etc.

This thread is the first I've EVER heard on "Norwegian Airlines".

 

[Flossbolna]

Not on Norwegian. The lowest economy fare pays for checked bags.

But, maybe it's not "mainstream"?

Yeah, I meant the big-name ones like United, American, British Airways, Air France, etc.

This thread is the first I've EVER heard on "Norwegian Airlines".

I think the term is "legacy carriers" as compared to "low-cost airlines". Norwegian is in the second group, United, American etc. would be in the first group.

I think also that Norwegian has a 20kg limit on bags, legacy carriers have a 23kg limit (44 pounds/50 pounds). Those 3kg can make a huge difference! And my experience with low cost carriers is that they are extremely strict about their limits.

 

[Flossbolna]

I wonder if when they cancel or delay a flight they reimburse you?!?

I just checked and the EU Air passenger rights apply for Norwegian carriers as well. So, yes, you are entitled to a reimbursement for cancellation and a payment in case of delay: http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I think the term is "legacy carriers" as compared to "low-cost airlines". Norwegian is in the second group, United, American etc. would be in the first group.

I think also that Norwegian has a 20kg limit on bags, legacy carriers have a 23kg limit (44 pounds/50 pounds). Those 3kg can make a huge difference! And my experience with low cost carriers is that they are extremely strict about their limits.

I was going to mention what @Flossbolna already mentioned above about their reduced weight limit so just make sure you are aware of this as I tend to agree, those extra 6 lbs can be a big difference but knowing ahead of time can alleviate any issues.

My thoughts on Norwegian Air as this also came up for our group in 2015 for the Iceland cruise - if you are flying to/from a destination where they only have flights 3 or 4 days a week, just make sure you have a back up plan in case the flight you originally are on can't leave on time or gets rescheduled. I've read that not all flights are operated on the new Dreamliners and when they've had cancellations and flight interruptions the planes have been "awful" and lots of complaints. I'd google reviews of Norwegian Air.

The positive side - great fares, people love the Dreamliner it seems and if the flights work for you, I'd go for it as long as I had a back up plan. We are doing the Med in 2017 and I booked our flight to Germany pre-cruise on AA points and I'm waiting very anxiously for the return date to open up for us as we'd need to leave from BCN. Norwegian is an option, but they don't have flights that leave on Saturday, or if they did, it leaves at 8am and that won't work and the next flights to other cities we don't live near are on on Sunday or even Monday. We'd have to pay for another night in BCN and then still get home from where they fly to so we'll see. I think you are doing a Transatlantic (lucky duck!) so the return won't matter for you

I had posted this in another thread about Norwegian Air - I had read that if you price it out and book say in the Norwegian Krone instead of US dollars it's cheaper. You might need to do a google translate or a walk through to make sure you pick the right options but that saves a little bit more. When I did it about a week ago it was at least $60 more it saved.

Friends of ours on the Iceland cruise took Norwegian from MCO and had no complaints.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Heather