After my European adventure came to a close, it was time to book a flight home. I had flown to Europe with Norwegian after finding a great deal on fares so it only seemed appropriate that I fly home with Norwegian. I was sitting in my Barcelona hotel when I was getting ready to book my flight. I couldn’t believe the search results. With only a week until departure date, somehow the airplane gods had sent me the most amazing deal. For only about $100 more, I could fly home from Barcelona to Los Angeles with a stopover in Copenhagen. Done!
I arrived at the airport in Barcelona bright and early and read for the long haul home. I was excited to fly in the premium cabin to do a comparison to the economy class. Is the upgrade from economy to premium really worth the additional cost?
As far as I know premium cabin is not available on the short-haul flights so my connection flight from Barcelona to Copenhagen was in economy class. After arriving in Copenhagen, I had just two hours before my flight to LAX on the Dreamliner 787. Only some airports have a lounge for premium passengers and Copenhagen is not one of them, although I’ve heard rumors that there will be but don’t hold me on that!
As far as the check-in process goes, there really isn’t much difference between premium and economy besides the fact that you get to board first for your premium class flight. I actually got detained and had to pull out all my electronics. When I asked the TSA agent searching me what that was all about she laughed and said “it’s not us, it’s your country who has us do this.” At the end of the day, I appreciate the extra precautions.
Ready for take off!
Hello, big seats and big windows!
The first thing that I noticed when I entered the premium cabin was the difference in seat size and window size. In the economy class, there’s a seat pitch of 31-32” and a seat width of 17.2” with a 3:3:3 configuration. In the premium cabin, there is a quite generous seat width of 19″ and a seat pitch of 46″ with a 2:3:2 configuration. I was sitting on the far right in bulkhead – so I had quite a lot of legroom. The cabin wasn’t very full and the seat next to me was empty. The windows are apparently 65% larger than standard airlines and they are dimmed electronically with a button. Cool!
And lots of leg room!
In-flight Entertainment
Considering I was flying in the middle of the day and my struggle to sleep on planes, I was excited for some top-notch in-flight entertainment. The other great thing was that I was completely connected. I had outlets to keep my computer and iPhone charged.
With regard to electronics, Norwegian delivers. A great selection of movies, some new but mostly old in my opinion. The entertainment system is stored in the center console between the seats. Great design, easy to use. Loved it.[/vc_column_text]
Mile-High Grub
Oh how much we all love airplane food! Just kidding. But to be completely honest, Norwegian’s is pretty decent – at least with regard to the vegetarian meals. Meals are complimentary in the premium cabin where two meals are served and, in my case, I had a lunch and a dinner. Seeing as I specified that I was a vegetarian, for lunch I was served a veggie pasta with a side salad and then for dinner was quinoa and salad. Right up my alley and fairly healthy. Wellist approved!
So fresh and so clean clean
I don’t know about you but when I fly my eyes get really irritated. I don’t wear contacts and I don’t have any type of eye problems. I never really knew why this happened and then when I flew Norwegian and didn’t have any eye irritation, it got me wondering why that is. According to Norwegian’s website:
Welcome Home!
It was a rather quick flight considering the fact that I kept checking the clock ever few minutes. I was so excited to be going home and see my family and I kept getting that feeling as if the plane just couldn’t go fast enough. Now for the real frustrating part. Landing was smooth, our gate was ready but they wouldn’t open the door. We sat there for nearly 45 minutes. Never really got an answer. The pilot came out and I asked him what was going on and he wasn’t even really sure but it has something to do with being on an international flight and TSA was screening the passenger list?!? Weird.
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
So my final thoughts on whether it is worth it to upgrade to the premium cabin – absolutely! I have been recommending Norwegian wholeheartedly to friends, family and readers. If you wanted to fly business class (forget about first) for under a couple thousand to Europe, Norwegian is the best way to go.
Cool post and the plane looks pretty nice.
I’ve never flown Norwegian, will have to check them out 😀
Jake.
http://www.travelfoodfilm.com
Thanks Jake! Plane was very nice and I can highly recommend flying Norwegian! Great value airline.
I’m looking to book possibly the same journey as you but from LAX to Copenhagen.. potentially Oakland to Stockholm though depending on where I am at Christmas. Anyway, I noticed it’s only $500 more to upgrade to premium and after my last trip to New York, I just don’t want to sit crammed on an airplane for 10 hours! Thanks for your awesomely detailed post and all the pictures, if I have the money to do it, I’m definitely going to upgrade my flight when I purchase in a few months. 🙂
I think that it is absolutely worth the upgrade! I just sent some of my travel planning clients (who usually fly first class on other airlines) on Norwegian from LAX to London and they were thrilled! In my opinion, that says a lot about how great amazing the premiere cabin is! Happy travels! 🙂
Thanks for your detailed post! I’m looking to fly with Norwegian from London to LAX and while the economy seats are temptingly cheap, the premium cabin is around what I was expecting to spend on economy with other airlines so I may just go for it!
Definitely go for it, Heidi! It is SO worth it! I’m planning this year’s European escape and will definitely be flying Norwegian! Happy travels! 🙂
I’m flying Norwegian to Gatwick from JFK in July. It’s a relatively short flight (6 hrs). Would you recommend upgrading to Premium cabin for this flight?
Hey Desiree! If it isn’t a drastic price difference, then I’d definitely recommend the upgrade. While Norwegian’s economy cabin is nice, the premium cabin is a major step up. Especially if you are hoping to get some sleep. Happy travels! 🙂
How far back do the premium seats recline? I’m flying from LAX to Stockholm and am hoping to get some sleep.
Hey Daniel! While the seats don’t lie completely flat, they do recline significantly. The premium cabin has a seat pitch of 46″ but I’m not sure what the incline degree is. I can never sleep on planes and I passed out on my Norwegian flight from Copenhagen to LAX. I’d definitely recommend flying the premium cabin for a long-haul flight like LAX to Stockholm!
Hello! I am a student going to study abroad in Nicosia, Cyprus! (so excited!!!!). The flight is 11 hours in air with a 3 hour layover included… Which is necessary because I can never fly longer than 5 hours unless it’s on a red eye! Do you think the upgrade to business class is necessary or worth it? Its only $200 more and it’s a red eye which means I’ll be sleeping majority of the time.
That’s so exciting, Latrice!!! I hear Cyprus is amazing and it’s definitely a destination on my ever growing list. If it’s only $200 more then ABSOLUTELY! I personally cannot sleep in economy on planes (I have to lie down) and the premium cabin was so comfy, I was able to sleep. Happy travels and have a safe flight 🙂
Hi,
Loved reading this article…
I was wondering what you thought of the economy seats In Norwegian air compared to other airlines?
I’m looking to fly with them soon on a 8 hour trip.
Thank you
Hey Heidi, if comparing the standard economy cabin on Norwegian to other economy cabins, I can’t say there is much of a difference. The one thing that I do like about Norwegian just in general is that the plane as a whole is very nice – somewhat similar to Virgin America/Virgin Atlantic, in my opinion, but for a much lower cost. Personally, I feel that Norwegian is a great deal overall for the money. Happy travels!
Thanks for the great review. I am flying CPH-MCO soon and I wondered if there is a separate line for check-in at Copenhagen airport for premium passengers? Just trying to decide how early I need to get to the airport and a dedicated check-in for premium passengers would make a difference. I’m checking in a suitcase in case that matters. Cheers!
I think in Copenhagen there is but I’m not sure because I didn’t check-in at CPH airport…I was connecting from Barcelona. I would imagine that there is though! Happy travels!
Hi Krista!
I love your review of the premium cabin on Norwegian! I was having doubts about getting seats upgraded but now I know it’s worth it!
Have you heard of anyone purchasing their Norwegian tickets in a different currency (like Euros or Krones) to get a better deal? I have been doing a ton of research and the prices are MUCH cheaper if you change the currency even after exchange fees!
Hey Karissa! So glad you found the review helpful! Thanks so much for sharing about the price difference in another currency. I did look into this and you are in fact correct! What a great tip! Happy travels and hope you enjoy the premium cabin like I did!
Hi Krista,
Thanks for your detailed write-up! Quick question for you…
How is the premium economy seat facing the bulkhead? It looks like you’ve found it to be plenty of room, but I’m a bit taller ;), around 5’11”, and was a bit concerned that the ‘straight’ wall (without the cut out for the feet) would be restricting. Do you think it would be enough room for someone of average/above-average height?
Thank you
Jason
I was in bulkhead. I’m 5’7″ and while you still have a few inches on me, I remember that I couldn’t even touch the bulkhead with my feet so pretty sure you will have plenty of room. One thing is for sure, you are much better off in premium than regular economy. Happy travels! 🙂
Hi Krista – loved your review!
Do you remember how soon/late your meals were served during your flight? (I’m trying to plan ahead and maybe bring a snack depending on when first and second meals are served)
Also, I know wine is served free on-board, but do you know if they serve any hard liquor for free?
Thank you 🙂
Hey Amy,
Glad you loved the review! If memory serves correct, it was fairly prompt! I always carry a snack in my bag just in case. Their food is excellent and I was thoroughly impressed. I only recall wine but that was also all that I had requested. Hope you enjoy your trip and that you are flying somewhere amazing! Happy travels!
Krista, based on your review and another , I booked a premium seat for my son, nephew, brother and myself. What a deal out of Boston to Oslo. The price was a pleasant shocker. Why not spend a little bit more and get a whole lot more. Heck the price in premium was about the price in coach on all other airlines. Very much looking forward to my first trip to Norway. Thank you, Greg
Hi Greg! That is so wonderful to hear! Norwegian does have just incredible deals and they don’t skimp on service. Everyone from the desk agents to the on board staff is so friendly and accommodating. And upgrading to the premium cabin is so worth it! Hope you have an amazing time in Oslo! Happy travels 🙂
Hi Krista! Thanks for the great article. I will be studying abroad in Rome this coming fall and am looking to book a Norweigan air flight, leaving in August and returning in December. However, hey have not yet posted any flights for December. Having flown with them, do you have any idea when they will be posting their winter flights? Thanks so much!
Hey Tori! I would suggest just booking your outbound flight and then booking your return when you are there. I’m really not sure what their system is for posting flight tickets/schedules. Have so much fun in Rome! It is a beautiful city!
I love this article and wholeheartedly agree with you on Norwegian. I have flown them economy and even though the seats are not much different than seats on other economy airlines, the plane itself I found to be cleaner and the entertainment better (I recently flew united home from Amsterdam and it was a nightmare, no entertainment in the seats). I am flying back to Amsterdam in June on Norwegian and booked a premium ticket through the Norwegian site and the price difference was shocking compared to the American site (700 dollar difference in my case). So as long as you do not mind booking your flight in another language it is a good trick. You put my nerves at ease for flying premium on Norwegian because I was worried it was not worth it but I am glad to hear that it is.
Absolutely! Norwegian is a great airline and I loved flying with them. Safe travels! I LOVE Amsterdam!!
Hi Krista! Thanks for a great article with very helpful pictures. In November my partner and I are flying LAX-CDG and then back from LGW-LAX. I booked us in Premium Economy since it seems worth it and we’re used to flying in Bus/First. I mean, c’mon, we even have access to the OneWorld Lounge at LAX and the No.1 Lounge at Gatwick! SO worth it. My question to you is about the bulkhead seats. We are sitting on the opposite side of where you were sitting in seats 1A and 1C. I’m 5’9″ and my travel mate is 6’2″. I don’t know how tall you are but judging by your pic of your legs extended but do you think we would be bothered by the bulkhead wall? I still would rather not have someone recline into my space so the bulkhead is always preferable for me – but this is an 11 hour flight. Quite a good amount of time to be crammed up against a tight bulkhead! Thoughts? =)
Hey Rudy! Yes, bulkhead for sure. I find there to be more room in bulkhead. I’m 5’7″ so you both have some height on me but there always seems to be more room in bulkhead on any flight and, like you said, you avoid having someone recline into your lap. If you snagged bulkhead seats, you are good to go! Enjoy your trip and safe travels 🙂
It all works well with Norwegian until it goes wrong – ie. mechanical problems or flight cancelled. Then you get stranded for days because they have no codeshare agreement or extra planes. You have to bear this in mind. Happened to me on my second try with them. I was stranded for 3 days in Copenhagen.
Oh no! That sounds awful! Something similar actually happened to me just this past June when I got stuck in the Portland airport for about 10 hours while another blogger I was with who was on a different airline departed on time. No extra planes and everything was booked solid. These are just some of the pitfalls of traveling. At least you were stuck in Copenhagen!! I love that city. I can definitely think of worse places to be stuck 🙂