So, I’d been meaning to share this for a while. Flew Norwegian a while back, and I decided to splash out a bit – well, sort of – and try their “Premium” cabin. It’s not exactly your typical full-blown business class like you get on the legacy carriers, but I was curious to see what it was all about, especially on a long-haul flight.
Getting a Seat
Booking it was pretty straightforward. Went on their website, picked my dates, and saw the Premium option. It was a noticeable jump from economy, no doubt, but not astronomical. I figured for a transatlantic flight, the extra comfort might be worth it. I’d heard mixed things, you know? Some folks said it was great value, others were a bit meh. Only one way to find out, I guess. So, I clicked confirm and that was that.
At the Airport – A Bit Smoother
Come travel day, I got to the airport. The check-in process for Premium was definitely a perk. Separate line, much shorter. That was a good start. Saved me a fair bit of standing around. Boarding was also a bit more civilized. They called Premium passengers first after families, so you could get on, stow your bag, and settle in without the big rush. No fancy lounge access came with my ticket, at least not at the airport I was flying from. Or if there was, it wasn’t anything memorable. So, don’t expect that unless you’ve checked specifically for your airport.
The Cabin and The Seat – What You’re Paying For
Once onboard, the Premium cabin is at the front, as you’d expect. It’s smaller, quieter. The seat itself? Definitely more spacious than economy. Noticeably more legroom – I could actually stretch my legs out without banging my knees. The seat was wider too, which makes a big difference on a long flight. It reclined a good bit, more than standard economy seats for sure. I think they called it a “deep recline” or something. It wasn’t a fully lie-flat bed, let’s be clear. Don’t go expecting that. But it was comfortable enough to get some decent sleep, which was my main goal.
They gave you a blanket and a pillow. The blanket was actually okay, a bit thicker than the usual flimsy things. The little amenity kit was basic: eye mask, earplugs, that sort of stuff. Nothing fancy, but functional.
Food and Drinks
Now, the food. This is always a gamble on planes, right? In Premium, the meals were included, unlike economy where you often have to pre-order or buy everything. They served a hot meal after takeoff and then a lighter meal or snack before landing. Was it gourmet? No, it was airline food. But it was a step up from what I’ve had in economy. Better presentation, slightly better quality ingredients. And drinks, including alcoholic ones like beer and wine, were complimentary throughout the flight. That was a nice touch, not having to constantly flag someone down or pay extra every time you wanted something.
- Included hot meals
- Complimentary drinks (soft and alcoholic)
- Decent portions
Service Onboard
The crew in the Premium cabin were pretty good. They were attentive enough, came around with water, and responded quickly if you needed anything. They weren’t overly chatty, but professional and got the job done efficiently. No complaints there. It felt like they had a bit more time for passengers in the smaller Premium cabin.
So, Was It Worth It?
Look, Norwegian’s Premium isn’t trying to be Emirates First Class. It’s a budget airline offering a more comfortable way to fly long distances. And for what it is, I thought it was decent value. The extra space, the recline, the included food and drinks – it all added up to a much more pleasant journey than being crammed in the back. I arrived feeling a lot more rested than I usually do after a long economy flight.
If you’re expecting ultra-luxury, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a significant step up from economy without completely breaking the bank, especially on an overnight flight where sleep is key, then yeah, I’d say give Norwegian Premium a thought. I’d probably do it again if the price was right. It made the whole travel experience a lot less of an ordeal.
