The airline will be filling the discount-carrier gap left when Norwegian Airlines left the long-haul market after its 2020 bankruptcy. Quick-to-react travelers looking to make some discount summer plans should act soon to grab these "limited availability" deals before they disappear.
Norse Atlantic launches as new carrier
Beginning June 14, Norse Atlantic Airways will provide direct service from Oslo Airport (OSL) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) begins June 20, from Orlando International Airport (MCO) on July 5, and is scheduled to begin from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on August 10 according to the latest booking information from the Norse website. More routes are expected to be added soon.
Norse is planning to fly a fleet of 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, calling them "Longships" to fit with their Viking theme and naming them after national parks from around the world as an homage to "the spirit of exploration," according to the carrier's website.
The flights will provide two-cabin service with premium and economy sections. Both cabins will offer three different price and service options: "Light," "Classic" and "Plus."
The most basic Economy Light ticket allows just one small underseat bag and charges fees for carry-on bags, flight changes and meals. Economy Classic allows a free carry-on and one meal, while Economy Plus adds in free seat selection, one checked bag, changeable tickets and priority boarding.
The Premium cabin provides wider seats, 35% more legroom, two meals and free cabin baggage for its passengers. Premium Light customers must pay for checked bags and change fees, Premium Classic customers get one free checked bag and Premium Plus passengers are allowed two checked bags and no change fees.
Unlike its discount predecessor Norwegian Air, which faced labor issues, Norse has made a unionization agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants in the U.S.
Related: Norse Atlantic gets cleared for operations
Norse announces introductory deals
Norse is currently featuring limited-availability flight deals with rock-bottom one-way prices to Oslo from New York at $129, from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando for $149 and from Los Angeles at $169.
TPG looked at available round-trip itineraries on Norse's website and found a sample itinerary from JFK to OSL and back from June 14-21 in Economy Light with no extras for $241 or for $1,228 when booking a Premium Plus ticket.
Flights to and from LAX, FLL and MCO are scheduled to begin June 20, with the lowest Economy Light pricing option beginning at $320 for a round-trip ticket.
Keep in mind that the Economy Light pricing includes pretty much nothing, so you'll be paying more for even the basics, which can add up. A carry-on bag costs $25 each way, a "standard" checked bag will set you back $70 each way (or $170 if your bag weighs more than 70 pounds), selecting a seat costs between $45 and $120 (depending on which seat you choose), ordering a meal will incur a $20 to $30 charge and checking in at the airport will cost $10.
