TRAVEL TEST
WHAT: Norse Atlantic Airways Premium cabin on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
WHERE: Flight No 701 from Gatwick to New York JFK: from £611 return. flynorse.com EXPERIENCE: After a slice of Victoria sponge, a ribbon cutting ceremony and some selfies with Gatwick Gary the bear at the gate, we set off on Norse Atlantic’s first Gatwick flight to the Big Apple.
As one of the first passengers aboard the spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner, thanks to the priority boarding, I was greeted with smiles by the cheery cabin crew – friendly smiles which didn’t disappear once we were up in the air either!
Flying in Norse’s Premium cabin is roomy and extremely comfortable, thanks to reclinable seats with neck support and a foot rest. Items that you typically pay for in economy are included, so blankets, headphones and meals are at your disposal.
The hi-tech entertainment system was impressive – I was thrilled to see Jlo’s new film Marry Me on offer, despite it only being released a few months ago. It was the perfect plane movie to watch on a day flight.
For lunch, I opted for the salmon fillet with spinach and horseradish potato mash, followed by a Gu chocolate ganache dessert.
I don’t usually eat plane food, and I’d bought a box of sushi at the airport, but I’m happy to say this was not even touched during the flight. I very much enjoyed the warm bread rolls that were served alongside our meal.
Dinner was followed by a small box of macaroons and a drink a few hours later, then just before landing at JFK you’re offered a warm pizza baguette.
Due to land at John F Kennedy airport in the afternoon, light headwinds meant we arrived early and we were able to breeze through immigration, making the whole flight experience very easy. QUIBBLES: If you’re planning to catch up on emails you’ll have to wait until you’ve crossed the pond as there’s no wi-fi on board just yet. The seats are also quite fiddly and you’ll possibly need a steward to explain how to adjust the footrest and seats.
VERDICT: A comfortable flight for the price paid, with an extremely friendly crew who made a transatlantic flight seem like a short journey to the pub!