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Norwegian Introducing Larger Premium Cabin With Less Legroom on Its 787s

Jan. 02, 2018
2 min read
norwegian premium
Norwegian Introducing Larger Premium Cabin With Less Legroom on Its 787s
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After a year of strong growth, with a 11% increase in passengers last November from a year earlier, Norwegian made a big announcement Tuesday, with the introduction of a new premium cabin layout on its Boeing 787s.

The airline will introduce a larger premium cabin on its new 787-9s, increasing the size 60% over the old premium cabin. The new seats will look the same but will actually have less legroom than the current design, from 46" of pitch to 43". A Norwegian spokesman told us that the configuration on the airline's new 787-9 Dreamliners will feature 56 premium seats and 282 in regular economy for a total of 338 seats.

Right now, Norwegian's premium cabin is similar to that of a premium economy product, or older business class recliner seats — featuring a 2-3-2 layout, personal TV and footrest. Norwegian's 787-8 currently has 32 premium seats and its 787-9 has 35 premium seats. TPG reviewed premium class and enjoyed his experience.

The current premium cabin seating on Norwegian's 787.

The new premium cabin will be installed on the next 20 787-9s that Norwegian will start taking delivery of in February. 10 of the 787s with the new cabin will operate on routes originating from London's Gatwick airport (LGW).

The airline also said that it will "begin to rollout inflight Wi-Fi on long-haul routes that will keep passengers connected in the skies." Although Norwegian didn't provide much detail, the carrier only operates 787s on its long-haul routes, except for some 737s, which already feature Wi-Fi. It's unclear how long it will take to equip its wide-body fleet with in-flight internet and what type of system the aircraft's will feature, although last summer the carrier did say that it will offer free Wi-Fi on all its routes within one year.

Being a low-cost carrier, Norwegian prices its premium product competitively and if you want to save even more money you can actually book through the Norwegian version of the website, which can sometimes save you up to 20%. TPG recently discussed the trick when he appeared on NBC's Today Show last week.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.