Norwegian: A Trailblazer With Serious Fees
The promise: A comprehensive network of routes that start at just $65 between New York and Dublin or Edinburgh. The latest addition: $199 from Seattle to London Gatwick.
The perks: Service out of 13 U.S. airports and into 123 European cities gives Norwegian the broadest route coverage of any trans-Atlantic low-cost carrier. And a fleet made up mostly of Boeing 787 Dreamliners means you’re likely to get free video on demand and built-in power outlets.
Sticker shock: The lowest economy fares don’t include checked bags ($65), seat selection ($45 each way), drinks ($4-$15), blankets ($5), snacks ($4-$11), or meals ($45). You can, however, buy those extras as bundles to save money overall.
What it really costs: We successfully tracked down $199 fares from Seattle to London, but return legs started at $279 on most days from September to November. Tally up the extra costs, and you’re looking at $660 round-trip, minimum.
How much you save: Not much. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate on this route, and their lowest average airfares in the same time frame come in at … $628. Seat selection is extra on both airlines (up to $75)—a small price to pay to earn more valuable frequent-flier miles on a bigger carrier.
The promise: A comprehensive network of routes that start at just $65 between New York and Dublin or Edinburgh. The latest addition: $199 from Seattle to London Gatwick.
The perks: Service out of 13 U.S. airports and into 123 European cities gives Norwegian the broadest route coverage of any trans-Atlantic low-cost carrier. And a fleet made up mostly of Boeing 787 Dreamliners means you’re likely to get free video on demand and built-in power outlets.
Sticker shock: The lowest economy fares don’t include checked bags ($65), seat selection ($45 each way), drinks ($4-$15), blankets ($5), snacks ($4-$11), or meals ($45). You can, however, buy those extras as bundles to save money overall.
What it really costs: We successfully tracked down $199 fares from Seattle to London, but return legs started at $279 on most days from September to November. Tally up the extra costs, and you’re looking at $660 round-trip, minimum.
How much you save: Not much. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate on this route, and their lowest average airfares in the same time frame come in at … $628. Seat selection is extra on both airlines (up to $75)—a small price to pay to earn more valuable frequent-flier miles on a bigger carrier.
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