The World's Least Desirable 'Nonstop' Flight to London
Norwegian and WOW Air are perhaps the best-known low-cost-carriers operating between the US and Europe, but there's a newcomer rapidly gaining ground, despite some major (and ongoing) growing pains at launch.
Primera Air has five Airbus A321neos in its fleet, with a couple more long-range models on the way. But the airline also has a handful of Boeing 737s, used primarily for flights within Europe. These planes aren't intended to fly across the Atlantic — in fact, with a range of roughly 3,500 miles, they really can't, without seriously compromising capacity and fuel reserves. So it's a bit surprising to see a Boeing 737-800 listed for several upcoming Newark (EWR)-London (STN) flights.
As Airlineroute points out, Primera is flying a 737-800 between Newark and London next week, from Sunday, September 2, through Friday, September 7. These are advertised as "nonstop" flights, however the flight times certainly suggest otherwise.
For example, on September 1, when an Airbus A321neo is flying, the flight time from NYC to London clocks in at 7 hours and 10 minutes:
The next day's "nonstop," operated by the Boeing 737, jumps up by a whole 2 hours and 5 minutes:
And the same thing's happening on the return. London to Newark on the A321? 8 hours and 25 minutes.
The 737, meanwhile, will get you there in just under 10:
Both planes have nearly identical cruise speeds — clocking in at around Mach 0.78 — so what accounts for the discrepancy? Well, as it turns out, these "nonstop" flights aren't nonstops at all — the flight back from London will need to land to refuel, likely at Iceland's Keflavik International Airport (KEF), as confirmed by The Independent. It's unclear why the Europe-bound leg is so much longer, but it's possible that Primera's considering making a stop on the eastbound trip as well. Customers should be prepared for a longer journey time just in case, and a downgrade if they're booking in the carrier's Premium class.
This isn't the first time an airline has operated a 737 across the Atlantic — SAS once operated a 737-700 between Stavanger, Norway (SVG) and Houston (IAH), but that was a specially configured aircraft with extra fuel tanks. Norwegian also flew an unmodified 737-800 between New York's Stewart International (SWF) and Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), but that was on a shorter route.
Of course, given that Primera's Boeing 737s aren't typically used for flights to the US, it's possible that other issues could arise. Be sure to do your homework before and after a flight — you may be entitled to significant cash compensation if you encounter any cancellations or lengthy delays.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.