I'm writing this post while waiting for my flight at Zagreb airport. Fortunately, my travels this round has been pretty smooth thus far, including my experience with the Croatian ferry and train trips. I shall leave them to a subsequent post.
Yup, in conclusion, Norwegian Air is definitely a budget carrier I will fly with long haul. It's free PTVs and usb port is clearly an advantage compared to other LCCs. Scoot is also starting a route to Berlin soon, but without any free entertainment or power socket. For now, I will stick with Norwegian when heading to the UK and Europe.
On this trip, I have gained valuable experiences and insights. So instead of waiting for my travels to complete then I start reviewing the trip, I decided to start reviewing on the go, so that I can still remember the experiences. Haha!
My Europe adventures started with my Norwegian Air long haul flight from Singapore to London Gatwick, one of their longest flights to date. I believe they only started this route for about a year. I booked this flight at a time when they were having promotions. Costing only S$215 one way for a ~13 hours direct flight, it is considered a bargain to me. Other carriers were available at least double this price.
Norwegian Air is a budget airline, so the cheapest fare comes with only the seat. I booked this fare without any extras, no food, seat selection, etc.
This is my first time travelling with Norwegian long haul on their B787 dreamliner.
As a budget carrier, Norwegian Air, I believe is one of the few, if not the only budget carriere, to install PTV for free entertainment for all its passengers, including the lowest paying fares.
It even comes with a usb port at every seat free for use. Unlike Scoot which actually charges for the power socket.
The large dreamliner window and automatic shades is always a pleasing feature.
After take-off, fly past Singapore's south. On a clear day like this, it is possible to spot the Singapore flyer and the MBS. Of course, the high rise flats in the background and the many ships in the foreground is always a distinctive feature when flying to or from Singapore changi airport.
This flight experiences light to moderate turbulence over the bay of bengal, a turbulence hot spot for flights. See the uneven flight path as the plane skirts around the thunderstorms in that area. Definitely one of the bumpier flights I have been on in recent memory. Just not sure whether is it light or moderate turbulence. There wasn't any spillage of drinks though.
On this long flight, I alternated between movies, tv shows and a shut-eye. I hardly sleep on planes, even in business or first class (on those rare occasions). I actually survived this long, daytime flight without ordering any food or drinks.
Economy class was in a standard 3-3-3 layout, similar to other full service airlines on the dreamliner. Fortunately, this flight wasn't full at all. I had the window seat while another passenger occupy the aisle seat, leaving the middle seat empty. In fact, I believe he moves one row back, otherwise, I could have the whole row to myself. Oh well, I can't have my cake and eat it too!
China Airlines actually serves London gatwick. Most premium airlines usually serve London Heathrow. Some serve both.
While walking towards arrival, I spotted this rare Aurigny turboprop flying the London Gatwick to Guernsey route. Guernsey is on an island in the English Channel, between England and Europe. I probably won't visit this island.
Yup, in conclusion, Norwegian Air is definitely a budget carrier I will fly with long haul. It's free PTVs and usb port is clearly an advantage compared to other LCCs. Scoot is also starting a route to Berlin soon, but without any free entertainment or power socket. For now, I will stick with Norwegian when heading to the UK and Europe.
