My recent trans-Atlantic journey on Norwegian’s non-stop, overnight service from New York (JFK) to Oslo (OSL) began with a light buffet in the Korean Air lounge, where several international carriers lease space for their departing business-class passengers. The lounge, close to Norwegian’s Gate 4 at JFK’s Terminal 1, has several food stations, bar service, complimentary WiFi, computers, printers and private shower rooms.

After tracking boarding times on the departure screen and reading the latest copy of Global Traveler found on the lounge magazine rack, I made my way to the gate and boarded the aircraft through Norwegian’s dedicated premium-class lane. The 32 gray leather seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, looked and felt brand new. The average age of a Norwegian aircraft is only 4 years, one of the youngest in the industry. The windows were devoid of the traditional pull-down shades — little buttons under each window control shading — and Norwegian’s ambient cabin lighting, called Sky Interior, is a relaxing blue and purple. Even the bathrooms on the aircraft had a calming atmosphere, with blue ambient lighting, little colored lights on the sink faucet and an extremely quiet toilet flush.

The onboard dinner that evening was cold pasta and olive salad, baked chicken with spinach and eggplant, dinner rolls and chocolate cake, along with a selection of wines and spirits. Before landing, a breakfast was served consisting of a warm bagel with cream cheese and smoked Norwegian salmon, fruit, juice and coffee. All meals are served in efficient boxes made of recycled cardboard, with meals and cutlery neatly placed inside. It may have been initially disappointing to not have a starched tablecloth and assorted chinaware placed on the tray table, but with the low fares Norwegian charges for its premium-class, non-stop service to Bergen or Oslo (the only non-stop service to Norway from the United States), it was understandable there had to be some sacrifice.

The entertainment system in Norwegian’s long-haul premium class is viewed on a large touchscreen that folds out of the armrest and, with a 46-inch pitch, 19-inch-wide seat and almost full recline, it was quite easy to get a few hours’ sleep during the night. The thick, blue duvet provided by the flight attendant didn’t hurt either.

Norwegian Airlines

Premium Class
New York (JFK) to Oslo (OSL)