Thinking about upgrading to Norse Atlantic Premium for your trip to Orlando? I’ve just flown the London Gatwick to Orlando route in Premium, and I also had a proper look around and sit in Economy before takeoff so I could give you an honest comparison. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
“Making transatlantic fares affordable for all”
If you’re looking at flights from London Gatwick to Orlando and you’ve spotted Norse Atlantic Airways, you’ve probably noticed two things: the prices are significantly cheaper than the usual airlines, and there’s an option to upgrade to Premium that’s left you wondering whether it’s worth paying the extra.
You can watch the full video review here:
About Norse Atlantic Airways
Before we get into the cabins, a quick bit of context on the airline itself, because understanding how Norse works is really helpful when you’re deciding what to book.
Norse Atlantic is a Norwegian low-cost long-haul airline that launched in 2022. They fly Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which are one of the most modern, comfortable aircraft types you can fly on today. From London Gatwick they currently fly to Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, Cape Town, and Bangkok.
The key thing to understand is that Norse operates on an unbundled model. That means base fares are cheap (we’re talking from around 181 pounds to Orlando, which is wild), but extras like baggage, meals, and seat selection are added on top. Premium bundles more of those extras in, which is where the value conversation gets interesting.
They fly to some brilliant destinations too. I mentioned in the video that they go to places like Cape Town, Thailand, and Orlando, and I’d actually be really keen to look at the South Africa prices next.
Check-in and the airport experience at Gatwick
My flight was Z0783 from London Gatwick on 12 March 2026, departing at 14:00. One of the first things I noticed flying Premium was the check-in experience. There’s a dedicated Premium check-in area at Gatwick, which meant shorter queues and a much quicker start to the journey.
You also get priority boarding, which on a 787 Dreamliner with 338 seats makes more of a difference than you might expect. Being on board early means you’re not fighting for overhead bin space, you can get your carry-on stowed easily, and you can settle in properly before the cabin fills up.
After 24 years of travelling, these are the parts of the journey I’ve come to really value. Less stress, less rushing, a smoother start. It sets the tone for the whole flight.
The Economy cabin: what it’s actually like…
Before heading to my Premium seat, I had a proper walk around the Economy cabin and sat in seat 39F to give it a fair test.
The layout in Economy is 3-3-3, which is standard for a 787. The legroom is actually pretty decent for an economy seat. I felt comfortable, the tray table extends properly, and there’s a good amount of space. Each seat comes with its own seatback screen with on-demand entertainment, and I noticed loads of up-to-date films available.
If you’re flying as a family, the 3-3-3 setup works well because you can fit three people together. As I said in the video, if you’re a family of four then one lucky parent gets to sit without the kids 😉
The recline is fine for a standard economy seat. Nothing remarkable, but perfectly functional. I’ll be straight with you: it’s a budget airline economy seat. It does the job and it does it well, especially at those prices.
The big thing to know about Economy food
This is really important and I wanted to flag it clearly. If you’re flying Economy with Norse, I’m pretty sure you need to pre-order your food and pay for it separately. If you don’t do that, you could end up on a very long flight to Orlando with nothing to eat. Either pre-order through the Norse website when you book, or bring food on board with you. Don’t leave it to chance.
In Economy you’ll also need to pay for extras like headphones (around £4) and blankets (around 7 pounds). These are all included free in Premium, which is worth factoring into the real cost comparison.
The Premium cabin: my honest experience
Stepping into the Premium cabin, the difference is immediately obvious. The seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration instead of 3-3-3, so the cabin already feels more spacious and less crowded. My first reaction when I sat down was that the seats are genuinely enormous.
The seat
The seat width is around 19 to 19.5 inches, noticeably wider than Economy. The seat pitch is approximately 43 inches of legroom, which is a huge step up from the 31 inches you get in Economy. The difference is not subtle.
The seats aren’t lie-flat, and I want to be really clear about that. This is not business class. But they have a proper deep recline with an adjustable headrest and footrest, and they feel much more like a comfortable armchair than a standard airline seat. I spent the flight trying different positions and I was genuinely comfortable throughout, which on a 9-hour flight when I can never sit still, is saying something.
The cabin is smaller and quieter overall, which makes a real difference to how the experience feels. The lighting was lovely and cosy, and once people settled in for the flight it felt really calm and relaxed.
I also got lucky and had the seat next to me empty, which was a bonus. But even without that, the amount of space in Premium is more than enough.
Entertainment and tech
Each Premium seat has its own screen with on-demand entertainment. I watched a really lovely nature documentary about national parks (David Attenborough-style, stunning scenery) and had plenty of films to choose from.
One practical tip: the screen pops up from the armrest on a mechanism that’s a bit fiddly. It’s a sort of two-handed thing where you lift one bit and then it springs out. I’ll admit I struggled with it at first, but once you figure it out it’s fine.
There are charging points at every seat. The windows are the modern electronic dimming type rather than traditional blinds, which is a nice touch on a daytime flight.
The one accessory I’d really recommend bringing is a headphone adapter, the little one that lets you plug your own wireless earbuds into the seatback system. It means you don’t have to buy the onboard headphones or use ones that don’t fit your ears properly. Such a small thing but it makes a big difference to comfort. In fact you can shop all of my travel essentials on my storefront.
The food in Premium
You get two meals included with Premium, plus complimentary drinks throughout the flight including alcohol.
The first meal came about an hour into the flight after the welcome drink. Mine was a main meal (we departed at 2pm, so it was like a late lunch or tea). It came in biodegradable packaging, which is a nice touch. I had a little salad with mozzarella, a main, and a cheesecake for pudding. The cutlery is wooden, which is sustainable but I did joke about trying not to get a splinter.
I want to be honest here: the food is perfectly fine but it’s not showstopping. It’s roughly what you’d expect from a standard airline economy meal on a full-service carrier. It filled a hole and it was tasty enough. But you’re not getting silver service, and I think that’s fine given what you’re paying for the ticket overall.
The second meal came about an hour and a half before landing, a lighter afternoon tea situation. Mine was a sandwich (I swapped out the egg one due to an intolerance), a little scone with jam, and coffee. Simple and perfectly nice but again nothing like premium dining on other airlines, which is to be expected.
I had drinks throughout, including wine and plenty of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated. The drinks trolley came round regularly and the service was good.
Blankets, pillows and comfort items
All included in Premium. Blankets, pillows, and headphones are waiting at your seat when you board. In Economy these are all paid extras, so it’s another thing to factor into the real price comparison.
I’d also recommend bringing compression socks for any long-haul flight. I bought a pair specifically for this trip for about 9 pounds, and they were really comfortable and silky, much better than the hospital ones.
Premium vs Economy at a glance
Here’s the side-by-side so you can compare quickly.
Seat layout: Premium is 2-3-2. Economy is 3-3-3.
Legroom: Premium has approximately 43 inches of seat pitch. Economy has approximately 31 inches.
Seat width: Premium is around 19 to 19.5 inches and wider overall. Economy is standard width.
Recline: Premium has a deep recline with footrest and adjustable headrest. Economy has standard recline.
Baggage (Premium Classic): Personal item, carry-on up to 15kg, and one checked bag up to 23kg included. Premium Flextra adds a second checked bag.
Baggage (Economy Light): Personal item only. Carry-on and checked bag are paid extras.
Baggage (Economy Classic): Carry-on and one 23kg checked bag included.
Food and drink: Premium includes two meals and complimentary drinks including alcohol. Economy food and drinks are pay-to-order, and you should pre-order before the flight.
Airport experience: Premium gets dedicated check-in and priority boarding. Economy is standard.
Comfort extras: Premium includes blanket, pillow, and headphones. Economy charges for these onboard.
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for both cabins.
Flight time: Approximately 9 hours westbound from LGW to MCO.
Norse Premium baggage: know your fare tier
This catches people out so I want to be really clear. Norse Premium has three fare tiers, and baggage differs between them.
Premium Light includes a personal item and a carry-on bag up to 15kg. No checked bag is included. You’d need to add one at extra cost.
Premium Classic includes the personal item, the 15kg carry-on, and one checked bag up to 23kg.
Premium Flextra includes everything in Classic plus a second checked bag, giving you two checked bags of 23kg each. (not the 25kgs as I thought, whoops!)
The carry-on dimensions are 56 x 45 x 25 cm, and the Premium personal item can be up to 45 x 36 x 22 cm with no weight limit, which is generous.
One crucial update for 2026: Norse no longer allows baggage or cabin upgrades after booking. If you book Premium Light and later realise you need a checked bag, you can’t add one. Choose your fare carefully at checkout.
My honest verdict: is Norse Premium worth it?
Would I fly with them again? Absolutely yes.
The price you pay for Premium on Norse is genuinely great value for a long-haul flight. This is not luxury, and it’s not trying to be. It’s a low-cost airline that has created a Premium product which is comfortable, spacious, and includes everything you actually need for a 9-hour flight.
The seat is massive. The legroom is generous. The meals are included and perfectly fine. The cabin is quiet and calm. And the overall experience from check-in to landing just feels smoother and less stressful than Economy.
For me, Premium is worth the upgrade when you’re on a long-haul flight like this, when you want to actually relax or get some sleep, when you’re travelling with baggage anyway (so the included allowance closes the price gap), and when you value a calmer airport experience.
Economy might be the better choice if you travel really light, you really don’t care about the flight and just want to get there, if the price difference is particularly steep on your dates, or if you’re on a tight budget and the 181 pound base fare is what makes the trip possible in the first place. Having walked through Economy myself, it’s a perfectly decent cabin. If you can handle the comfort level for 9 hours and you’re saving hundreds of pounds, it absolutely gets the job done.
But if you’ve got a bit more budget to spare and you want a much bigger seat to relax in for a long flight? Premium is well worth it.
Is Norse Premium worth it for Disney and Orlando trips?
This is the question I think most of you reading this will be asking, so let me answer it directly.
If you’re flying from London to Orlando for a Disney World or Universal holiday, you’re already spending a significant amount on the trip overall, and you’re going to want to hit the ground running when you arrive. Landing at MCO after 9 hours in a spacious, comfortable seat with meals included, rather than cramped and hungry, genuinely does set up the rest of the holiday better.
For families the upgrade adds up quickly per person, so it’s a bigger decision. But for couples or solo travellers on a milestone trip, I think Premium is one of the smarter comfort upgrades you can make. Especially at Norse’s prices, which are often hundreds of pounds cheaper than equivalent seats on full-service airlines.
Practical tips from my flight
A few things I picked up during the journey that might help you.
Bring a headphone adapter. The little one that lets you use your own wireless earbuds with the seatback entertainment. Game-changer for comfort.
Pack compression socks. About 9 pounds, really comfortable, and worth it for any flight over 5 or 6 hours. The silky ones are much better than the scratchy hospital type.
Pre-order Economy food. If you’re flying Economy, do not assume you can buy food on the day. Pre-order through Norse or bring your own. A 9-hour flight without food is miserable.
Bring electrolytes. I drank loads of water and electrolytes throughout the flight and felt much better for it on arrival.
Choose your fare carefully at checkout. You can’t upgrade your baggage or cabin after booking. Know what you need before you pay.
Download the Norse app. They send you an email suggesting this before the flight and it makes the whole journey easier to manage.
Where else does Norse fly?
If Orlando goes well (and it will), Norse also fly direct from London Gatwick to New York, Los Angeles, Cape Town, and Bangkok. From Manchester they fly to Bangkok too. The Cape Town and Bangkok routes are seasonal over winter, which is perfect timing if you’re looking to escape the British weather.
I’m genuinely curious about the Cape Town route and the pricing there. That might need to be my next review.
Final thoughts
Norse Atlantic Premium on the London Gatwick to Orlando route is one of the better value premium economy products on the transatlantic market right now, especially when you consider that base fares are often hundreds of pounds cheaper than the full-service airlines.
It’s not luxury and it’s not pretending to be. It’s a genuinely more comfortable way to fly long-haul without paying business class prices, and for a 9-hour flight to Orlando it’s absolutely worth considering.
If you found this useful, the full video review is embedded at the top of this post and below with lots more visual detail on the cabin, the seats, and the overall experience. I’d love to know if you’ve flown Norse before, or if you’re thinking about it for an upcoming Orlando trip. Drop me a comment or find me on Instagram at @larajoannajarvis. and keep your eye out for a full travel day vlog on my YouTube channel.
Safe travels.
Lara x
Don’t forget you can watch the full review here 🙂
FAQ’S
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London Gatwick to Orlando?
Around 9 hours westbound. Slightly longer eastbound due to headwinds.
Does Norse Atlantic fly to Orlando all year round?
Yes. LGW to Orlando is one of Norse’s main year-round transatlantic routes.
Is Norse Atlantic Premium the same as business class?
No. Norse doesn’t offer business class. Premium sits between Economy and Business, with wider seats and more legroom, but the seats don’t lie flat.
Do you get lounge access with Norse Premium?
Lounge access is not automatically included with Premium. You can purchase it separately through Gatwick.
What aircraft does Norse fly to Orlando?
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which seats 338 passengers across Premium and Economy cabins. It’s a modern, quiet aircraft with electronic dimming windows.
Can you upgrade from Economy to Premium after booking?
As of 2025, Norse no longer allows baggage or cabin upgrades after booking. Choose your fare carefully at checkout.
What is the baggage allowance for Norse Premium?
Depends on the fare tier. Premium Classic includes a 15kg carry-on, a personal item with no weight limit, and one 23kg checked bag. Premium Flextra adds a second 23kg checked bag. Premium Light does not include a checked bag.
Is Norse Premium worth it for families?
For long-haul with kids, the extra space, included meals, and priority boarding make a noticeable difference. But the price difference per person adds up quickly for larger families, so do the maths based on your specific dates.
What’s the food like in Norse Premium?
You get two meals included. The food is perfectly fine but not gourmet. Think standard airline food, decent quality, served in biodegradable packaging with wooden cutlery. All drinks including alcohol are complimentary.
Do I need to pre-order food in Economy?
Yes. Economy food is not included and I believe you need to pre-order and pay for it in advance. If you don’t, bring your own food for the flight.
What do you think?