by Norse Atlantic Airways continues its all-out assault on the low-cost transatlantic market with four new US routes from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
The deal starts with six weekly flights between Gatwick and Dulles International Airport (IAD) from June 1, and TPG found cheap return tickets for 425 British pounds (about $514). The airline will also add daily service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on June 30, with return tickets starting at 433 pounds ($523).
On distance alone, the much better offer is naturally to LAX. TPG found one-way fares from £160 ($195).
This is a veritable long-haul bargain. For example, there are direct flights in July from London to LA with Virgin Atlantic for 603 pounds ($728), and while you may decide that Economy Lite on Virgin is worth the price, the flights are not at the best times. If you choose a Nordic flight instead, the savings can be better spent on car hire or hotel rooms.
If you’re looking to explore the West Coast, there’s more good news: Starting July 1, Norse is launching staggered service to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) three times a week.
Round-trip economy tickets start at 415 pounds ($501), giving travelers who want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz or drive the Pacific Coast Highway more options.
This is a doubly mouth-watering prospect when you learn that British Airways’ direct fares in July start at more than £600 ($725) one way. We struggled to find return deals with BA for less than £800 ($966) throughout the month.
If that wasn’t enough, Norse is also adding Boston to its list of routes, offering service five times a week from September 2. TPG found same-week return fares from £365 ($441).
That’s a good deal cheaper than BA’s cheapest economy offering, which starts at around £485 ($586) for flights between Heathrow Airport (LHR) and BOS in September.
These new routes will increase connectivity between the US and the UK for a fraction of the price you would normally pay.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are also accessible from Gatwick, where half of Norse’s fleet will be based this summer.
Related: First look: Norse Atlantic Airways’ first flight from New York on the Boeing 787
“The addition of direct flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC and Boston to our already popular services in New York, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale/Miami will provide greater choice and value for consumers,” Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse. said of the final lineup.
“We are delighted to welcome six new Norwegian Atlantic routes this summer, providing passengers with a fantastic choice of US destinations at excellent value, whether for holidays, business or to visit family and friends,” said Stewart Wingate, CEO at Gatwick.
