To mark the start of a new daily service from London Gatwick to New York City, low-cost airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle is challenging European travellers to explore the Big Apple in just one day. If you should take the airline up on the challenge, you’ll be left with 14 hours to explore all the major sights in this famous East Coast city.
The new service departs London Gatwick in the early morning, arriving into New York JFK between 8.50am to 10 am. Your return red-eye flight takes off at 11 pm, landing back into Gatwick at 11 am the following day. Norwegian describes their new schedule as being “perfect for a weekend break.”
Admittedly, Norwegian isn’t the first airline in London to offer such a service but it may well be the cheapest. One way fares from London to New York start at £149, with return tickets from £259. Flying in Norwegian’s premium economy cabin will set you back £419 one way or £759 for a return ticket.
Commenting on the new service, Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s chief commercial officer said: “As Norwegian’s rapid growth in the UK continues we are excited to offer passengers the chance to experience New York City in just one day, with the launch of our second daily flight to New York.”
Randahl continued: “The new service is perfect for leisure travellers looking to tick off those bucket list experiences in 24 hours or for business travellers heading to the city for the day.”
But New York City isn’t the only destination in the USA that Norwegian is boosting services to. This summer alone, the airline has increased its schedule to the U.S. by a massive 55% – now at 34 flights per week from Gatwick alone. This includes Los Angeles, an expanded service to Oakland-San Francisco, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Morning departures from London Gatwick to New York JFK:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday – Departs 5.50am lands 8.50am
Thursday – Departs 6.45am lands 9.45am
Saturday – Departs 5.35am lands 8.35am
Sunday – Departs 7 am lands 10 am
Evening departures from London Gatwick to New York JFK:
Daily – Departs 5.05pm lands 8.05pm
Morning departures from New York JFK to London Gatwick
Daily – Departs 11.15am lands 11.15pm
Evening departures from New York JFK to London Gatwick
Daily – Departs 11.00pm lands 11.00am
The president of New York City’s tourism body, NYC & Company has welcomed Norwegian’s expansion at JFK. Fred Dixon explained: “We know that the city break is already the favourite holiday type for travellers from the UK – New York City’s number one international visitor market, and we’re delighted that the trend for New York City as a long-haul city break is set to continue to rise further.”
“Thanks to the introduction of new aircraft like Norwegian’s having made longer journeys more attractive and the new flight allows visitors to arrive earlier in the day.”
Earlier this year, Norwegian was named the ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Long Haul Airline’ by industry body, Skytrax – the third year in a row the airline has scooped the accolade. In fact, Norwegian even beat many full-service carriers in the Top 100 list of global airlines. Norwegian ranked in 28th place, ahead of North Atlantic competitors like Delta Air Lines (#32), Virgin Atlantic (#33) and British Airways (#40).
Norwegian uses its brand new Boeing 787 aircraft on all North Atlantic services from London Gatwick. The aircraft feature mood lighting, in-seat television screens and wi-fi. Although, remember, as a low-cost airline you’ll be expected to pay extra for any luggage, food and drink. A few days ago, Norwegian claimed that 68.8% of its flights departed on time – so if you’re unlucky, you might end up with slightly less than 14 hours to explore New York.
