Norwegian is a low-cost airline focusing on European routes, operating as Scandinavia’s second largest carrier. Launched decades ago, it’s now the largest airline in Norway and the fourth biggest low-cost airline in Europe. The airline previously ran long-haul subsidiaries connecting Europe with the US, but these went into liquidation recently.
Today’s route network spans the Nordics and Europe, reaching everywhere from popular destinations to the most remote corners of Scandinavia. You’ll find Norwegian flying to Evenes in Norway (the gateway to the stunning Lofoten Islands) and Rovaniemi in Finland, home to Santa Claus himself.
Why should you consider Norwegian?
Norwegian’s large network of routes across the Nordics and Europe makes it a go-to low-cost carrier for winter and summer holidays alike. The airline is famed for reaching the most remote corners of Scandinavia whilst also serving popular destinations across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.
You’ll find Norwegian flying to year-round sun destinations in Greece, including Athens, Corfu and Crete, and truly unique landscapes like Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. If you haven’t heard of Svalbard, look it up when you get a chance (it is high up on my travel bucket list).
Fares and baggage allowances
Norwegian offers three fare options (LowFare, LowFare+ and Flex), each with different baggage allowances. Whilst many European low-cost carriers offer budget fares with underseat luggage, size restrictions vary by airline.
LowFare is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who pack light. This fare includes one small underseat cabin bag and one overhead cabin bag, with the underseat bag measuring no bigger than 30x40x20cm and weighing a maximum of 10kg. Seat reservation is available for an extra fee.
LowFare and LowFare+
LowFare+ includes seat reservation, an underseat bag and an overhead cabin bag measuring 55x23x40cm. The total weight of these two items mustn’t go over 10kg, which can be tricky even for the most elite packers amongst us. Luckily, this fare comes with one 23kg checked bag too.
Name changes and rebooking cost a fee (around £60 or equivalent in local currency) plus any fare difference for both LowFare and LowFare+. Neither option is refundable after the initial cooling-off period, so be sure your plans are concrete before booking or you risk losing your flight cost (though unused government taxes and charges may still be refundable).
Flex fares
The clue’s in the name. Norwegian’s Flex fare is all about flexibility. You get the same cabin bag allowance but with a more generous 15kg weight limit, plus two 23kg checked bags. It’s a great choice if your plans might shift, or if you’re one of those travellers who packs for every possible weather scenario.
With Flex, tickets are fully refundable (though some add-on services are non-refundable), and it’s free to change the flight or the name on the booking (you just cover any fare difference). Both LowFare+ and Flex tickets get you fast track and priority boarding at selected airports. So, if you’re the type who likes to get settled on the plane before the rush, these options are for you.
Seats and legroom with Norwegian
As a low-cost carrier, Norwegian doesn’t offer first class or premium economy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have a budget experience. The seats are comfortable with enough legroom for my 5ft 11in frame to sit without my knees touching the seat in front.
Extra legroom seats are available, with most located in exit rows. There are usually around 15 of these per flight (three at the front and 12 in the centre of the aircraft), so book early if this is a non-negotiable for you.
And if you’re keen to choose where you sit (or, like me, you’ll do anything to avoid the middle seat), you can select your seat when you book. It costs extra on a LowFare ticket, but it’s included for LowFare+ travellers. If you’ve booked a Flex ticket, you can pick any seat you like, including those with extra legroom.
Food and drink on board
Norwegian offers buy-on-board meals, snacks and drinks. Travellers can also pre-order meals on most flights longer than two hours and 15 minutes. A meal consists of hot food and a sweet dessert, with beverages available to buy separately. As someone who’s a bit of a sceptic when it comes to plane food, I’ve been impressed with Norwegian’s options.
I can vouch for the pasta bolognese, which comes with a mini chocolate doughnut for dessert. Whilst I’d usually eat before a flight, this was a great option when I didn’t have time for my usual pre-flight routine. There’s also a great range of snacks (crisps, pastries, and sweets) and light meals like paninis and wraps.
Wi-fi connection
Norwegian doesn’t offer in-seat screens on its European routes. However, Wi-Fi is available on Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft, which is rare for a European low-cost airline. I’ve found it’s a great option to squeeze in extra holiday planning en route.
All passengers can access Surf (15 minutes free with limited speed on 737-800 aircraft). This works for emails or quick messages but isn’t quite good enough for social media scrolling or YouTube videos. Stream Limited offers 30 or 60 minutes at premium speed depending on your flight length, whilst Stream Unlimited gives you premium speed for your whole flight. Both paid options are available for a fee.
To connect, find the network called “Norwegian Internet Access”. Your browser should load the portal automatically, but if it doesn’t, search for norwegianwifi.com (on 737-800 aircraft). Select your package and you’ll be browsing in no time. Wi-Fi isn’t yet available on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, though.
Norwegian reward scheme
Norwegian Reward is the airline’s free loyalty programme. Passengers earn CashPoints on bookings, which can be used against future Norwegian purchases and unlock benefits like free standard seat reservation, free checked baggage, and fast track. One CashPoint equals one Norwegian Krone (10 CashPoints is about £0.75).
You earn 1% CashPoints on LowFare tickets, 2% on LowFare+, and 5% on Flex tickets (members residing in Nordic countries earn ‘Spenn’ instead). These can be used against flights, seat reservations, extra baggage, booking changes, cancellation insurance, pre-ordered meals and more. Whilst this may not sound like a lot, they soon add up. As it’s free to join, it makes sense for every passenger to sign up.
To claim CashPoints, insert your reward number (found on your Norwegian profile) when booking. CashPoints are valid for the year in which they’re earned, plus two extra years (expiring on December 31 of that final year). Frequent flyers who take more than 32 flights within a 12-month period can even qualify for a benefit that removes the expiry date entirely.
My flights with Norwegian
I’ve flown with Norwegian many times over the last decade, and I’ll keep coming back because the experience is just so consistently easy. I was a big fan of their old long-haul routes from the UK to New York and Los Angeles. These days, they’re my go-to for any trip to Scandinavia, and I always check their fares for holidays in southern Europe, too.
Recently, I’ve flown with them from London Gatwick to both Stockholm and Copenhagen (route availability can be seasonal, so check the latest schedules). Both trips were comfortable, no-drama journeys with friendly crew and great fares. Next on my list? A trip with Norwegian to Tromsø, a city high above the Arctic Circle that’s one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up to date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
