Is Norwegian Airlines Premium Class Worth the Upgrade? Let’s find out

On my last trip across the pond, I chose to fly Norwegian Airlines for the simple fact that it was the cheapest option. I was in LA acting like a kid at Disneyland and I took an awesome detour to Porto and Copenhagen on my way home partially because it was only $250 (Canadian!) to London from LAX. This cheap trip quickly turned pricey after, for lack of a better term, being scared into upgrading to Norwegian Airlines Premium Class.

After my impulse purchase, I began reading reviews of Norwegian Airlines and that route in particular. In short, they weren’t that glowing. 10-hours of cramped legroom, no (included) meals and no water…although the last one I am sure is illegal.

To be safe I decided to pay an extra to be able to select an aisle seat (due to a bad back I get up a lot, especially on long flights) and check a bag…then I got an email asking if I was interested in upgrading.

To Upgrade or Not

Bidding on upgrades seems to be common practice these days. I have seen this on Air Canada and TAP but I’ve only ever paid for upgrades last minute at check-in. That is when/where you get the best value. With my mix of economy fear (who have I become??), wanting to arrive fresh, and it being my birthday, I decided to toss a bid in. Five dollars above the bare minimum. Click.

Three days later my upgrade was confirmed. With that came my new bill of $600 dollars.

Eeep.

That is significantly more than my cheap trip across the pond. This made me question if upgrading to Norwegians Premium Class is worth it. Let’s find out.

What Are the Seats Like in Norwegian Airlines Premium Class?

As the name suggests, Norwegian Airlines Premium Class is not Business or First Class. The biggest indication of this is the seats are not pods and they do not lay flat. The other major thing to note with Norwegian Airlines Premium Class is the seats are in a 2-3-2 configuration. When I found this out I was worried I was going to end up with a middle seat. It wasn’t until 24 hours to check-in time was I allowed to verify this uneasiness and, of course, I had given up an aisle seat I paid extra for in economy for a middle seat in Premium Class.

Shit.

Thankfully there was one aisle seat left and I was able to change to it. Had I not it would’ve not only been a long and expensive flight but this blunder would have earned a spot on my next travel fail list.

The seats themselves are roomie enough with decent recline. It wasn’t until late in the flight did I notice the footrest flips out giving you a little extra rest on the feet…although it does feel a bit medical in a way…

What Is the Food Like in Norwegian Airlines Premium Class?

Service in Norwegian Airlines Premium Class is minimal but maximum in comparison to Economy Class. There were two meal services on this route, a hot dinner shortly after take-off and a cold breakfast shortly before landing. The meals were pleasantly good, minus the presentation, and ranks among other business class flights I have taken.

 READ MORE:    Turkish Air Business Class Review

Beyond that, interaction is minimal with flight attendants. Everything else is à la cart, ordered and paid for through the entertainment system. This is a great feature and was easy to order complimentary Gin and Tonics and Bloody Mary’s without the bother of flagging someone down.

Yes, the future has arrived when it comes to drink service on aeroplanes.

What Is the In-Flight Entertainment Like?

Aside from ordering bottomless G&T’s, the entertainment system is loaded with features like TV shows, movies, games, and maps. I found the new releases a bit lacking in the movie section but there is plenty there to keep you entertained. The screen is large and the design is unique in that it pops out of the armrest. One pitfall to this is it has to be stored for taking off and landing.

Overall

So, is Norwegian Airlines Premium Class worth the upgrade? It really depends on you. Even though it was by no means cheap, it did come well under what you would pay for premium service on other airlines for the same route. If you are OK with à la cart everything and can sleep in a cramped chair then the upgrade is not for you. If you are like me and can’t sleep on an aeroplane in general, need to arrive alert, and it’s your birthday then I definitely suggest you upgrade.

In short from this Norwegian Airlines Premium Class review, I would consider upgrading again.

What say you?
Is Norwegian Airlines Premium Class Worth the Upgrade to you?
Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE.

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