• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home » Trip Reports » Review: Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class London Gatwick To Los Angeles
Flight ReviewsNorwegian Air

Review: Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class London Gatwick To Los Angeles

Matthew Klint Posted onOctober 1, 2018November 14, 2023 10 Comments

Norwegian offers a compelling premium product for the price point. My flight from London Gatwick to Los Angeles in Premium Class represented a good first experience with Norwegian Air.

After taking the Gatwick Express from London Victoria Station to Gatwick Airport, I quickly found a deserted check-in area for my flight to the USA. Norwegian does not offer online check-in for flights to the USA.

a red sign in a airport

Boarding pass in hand, a silver stick on it granted me access to the priority security lane. It took just two minutes and none of my bags were flagged (I know better now – all liquids must be taken out of the bag).

a close up of a boarding pass

people in an airport with people walking

After spending some time at the No1 Lounge (South), I headed to the gate early so that I could be among the first to board. Boarding commenced 40 minutes prior to takeoff.

a screen with a number of flights

people sitting in a waiting area

Norwegian Air Shuttle 7095
London (LGW) – Los Angeles (LAX)
Friday, September 21
Depart: 02:10PM
Arrive: 05:30PM
Duration: 11hr,20min
Distance: 5,480 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Seat: 5D (Premium Class)

a red airplane on a tarmac

I was first onboard and directed to left to the Premium Cabin.

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class Seating

The Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class cabin features 56 recliner seats in a 2-3-2 format (eight rows of seven across seating). That’s a fairly high density for the aft cabin of a Dreamliner, but legroom is quite generous at 46 inches. Seats adjustments are controlled by a pair of buttons: one to recline the seat and one to raise the legrest. The footrest can be extended manually by your foot or hand.

an airplane with many seats

an airplane with seats and a sign on the wall

a row of seats in an airplane

a row of grey seats with red accents

a seat with a red label on it

a row of seats on an airplane

the seats in an airplane

the seats in an airplane

a seat in an airplane

a seat in an airplane

a close up of a switch

a close up of a seat

a seat with grey seat and grey seat and grey seat with grey seat and grey seat and grey seat with red and white seat and grey seat with red and white seat and grey seat with grey seat

a seat on an airplane

I only have Lufthansa compare it to, but found this seat much more comfortable. In particular, I appreciated the legrest as opposed to a footrest that lowers from the seat in front. I also appreciated the excellent blanket on the seat, which was business class quality. No pillows were offered.

a seat in a plane

a blanket in a plastic bag

a red and white jacket with a red and white label

This is not a seat for sleeping. I tried to take a little nap, but failed. Thankfully, this was a day flight for me and the seat was comfortable for working. Flying the other way, however, I think this seat is much closer to an economy class experience than a business class experience.

An in-flight-entertainment (IFE) monitor flips up from the center console while a power port is available in the console near the floor.

a close up of a power outlet

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class IFE + Wi-Fi

Prior to takeoff, FAs offered complimentary headsets to each Premium Class passenger.

a blue case with white text on it

a blue earphones in a case

The IFE system is quite easy to use and exclusively touch-screen. I found a number of recent Hollywood movies available as well as some beloved (and not so beloved classics). All told, there were over 50 movies available. TV shows and games were also available, along with a moving flight map and duty free shopping.

a screen shot of a man and woman

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a computer

a screen shot of a computer

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a video game

a screen shot of a computer

Most intuitive, however was the ability to order food and drink from your IFE monitor, which I will discuss below.

Norwegian does not offer wi-fi onboard its intercontinental flights, which is a big drawback to flying Norwegian in my book. But I know it is a non-issue for many of you.

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class Dining

Meal service is buy-on-board on Norwegian Airlines, but Premium Class passengers receive two meals onboard. Shortly after takeoff, a hot meal was offered. Choices included beef, turkey, or risotto. No menus or further description were provided. Norwegian could have at least included a description of the three meal choices on the IFE. 

I chose beef and received a box that looked like a business class meal on longer SAS flights within Europe. Inside was a main course consisting of beef sirloin, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, and cooked tomato. Also in the box was a very tasty salad with bleu cheese, pumpkin seeds, onions, and arugula as well as cheesecake drizzled in strawberry sauce. Hot bread was also offered. 

a group of bottles and glasses on a shelf

a food in a box on a plane

a sign on a table

a close up of a bag

food in a tray on a plane

a tray of food on a plane

a plate of meat and vegetables

a salad in a clear container

a square white and red food in a plastic container

In all honesty, this was a very nice meal. Had it been nicely plated, it could have passed for a business class meal. It wasn’t enough though…I was still hungry afterwards.

I was under the impression that Premium Class passengers could order as many snacks as they wanted during the flight, but I can see where that might get out of hand and the snacks were all for purchase only. While I held off, I was quite hungry by the time the second meal was served 90 minutes before landing.

That meal included slicked chicken (or maybe turkey?) on a bed of salad with Cesar dressing. Also in the box was some butter, cheese, and a chocolate bar. Another bread roll was offered, though this one was not as good as the one served with the earlier meal service.

a food in a box on a plane

a tray of food in a box

a tray of food on a table

Stay Hydrated

Pre-departure beverages included orange juice, apple juice, or water. My seat mate across the aisle asked for alcohol and was denied.

a tray of drinks and napkins

If you get hungry between meal services, you can order snacks off your IFE screen:

a screenshot of a menu

Cocktails and soft drinks are complimentary throughout the flight. Other than occasional water runs, the FAs will not patrol the cabin. Instead, anytime you need something you order it off your screen and it will be brought 1-5 minutes later. I think it was a great system and reminded me of the good old Virgin America days.

a screenshot of a computer

a screenshot of a computer

a screen shot of a computer

By the way, passengers in economy class can pre-order this food for a fee.

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class Service

The FAs were well-intentioned and somewhat friendly. One FA working my side of the aisle was a bit surly while the other, pictured below, was quite friendly. Another male FA seemed to handle much of the beverage service between meals and was also friendly. 

a woman standing in an airplane

Don’t expect to be called by surname or anything like that, but it is definitely a step above economy class.

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class Lavatories

Lavatories are quite pedestrian, but remained clean throughout the flight. I stayed hydrated and had an aisle seat, so visited the lavatory at three different points throughout the flight.

a toilet and sink in an airplane

a sink with a bottle and a sign on it

a soap dispenser on a counter

Norwegian Air 787-9 Premium Class Drunks

A pair of Dutch guys traveling together across the aisle from me quickly became boisterous after downing several bottles of hard liquor. I was happy to see FAs cut them off and they fell asleep.

a group of people sitting in an airplane

CONCLUSION

We left on time, landed on time, and I could tell that the passengers around me were quite happy with the overall product. I guess I was too for the ~$750 price point, though quite honestly I was absolutely restless by the time we landed in LA (just in time for rush hour traffic). I do recommend Norwegian Air, but also note that it is an excellent daytime product and a less comfortable nighttime one.

Get Daily Updates

Join our mailing list for a daily summary of posts! We never sell your info.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Previous Article Lufthansa: From Incredible To Outrageous
Next Article Air Canada + United Airlines Eye Closer Relationship

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • global airlines

    Global Airlines Defies Some Critics, Justifies Others

    May 18, 2025
  • Disney

    Disney World Starting To See Demand Drop, Economic Pressure

    April 27, 2025
  • global entry renewal passport customs

    Wrong: Foreign Visitors To US Must Check-In For 30-Day Stays

    April 13, 2025

10 Comments

  1. Aaron Reply
    October 1, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    “Flying the other way, however, I think this seat is much closer to an economy class experience than a business class experience.”

    I’d say it’s much closer to a premium economy experience…which is how I would describe the product overall. Comparing it to a real business class isn’t probably the best comparison to make.

    For what it is, though, it does seem like a good product.

  2. Christian Reply
    October 1, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    Good review. With legacy carriers moving in a mostly negative direction, it’s great to know about alternatives. Were the liquor drinks served with mini bottles?

  3. MeanMeosh Reply
    October 2, 2018 at 10:07 am

    Your experience pretty well mirrored mine – on-time, comfortable seat for a daytime flight, good service. The meals on my flight, though, were dreadful, so good for Norwegian if they’ve improved in that department. Overall, I really couldn’t complain for ~$700 to fly across the pond in premium economy.

  4. Khm Reply
    October 2, 2018 at 10:42 pm

    On my flight they didn’t offer drinks between the meals, like it is on all other long haul flights experienced. During 10h flight some water is a must. Was not prepared for that.

  5. John Reply
    October 4, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Did you ask for FA’s permission to publish her photo here or just assumed it’s fine since she’s in the distance? Not trying to imply anything, just curious.

  6. Zelig Reply
    June 8, 2019 at 11:18 pm

    If I want to fly from Luxembourg,or any Airport near the border to Germany,Belgium or France,I can’t find any possibility to get away with your AL to Hawai in 1.class!
    So that’s true?

  7. Joe Reply
    June 14, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    FYI, aft means rear. The opposite of fore.

  8. Wolfgang Reply
    July 9, 2019 at 10:54 pm

    I was pleased enough with my Premium Class experience that I book my upcoming flight to the UK on Norwegian. It is difficult to make a comparison with the business class of legacy carriers, but believe that the Premium Class does comes close. Premium Economy on any legacy carrier cannot compete with what Norwegian offers, both in comfort and price.

    I would not rate the Premium Class service as attentive as in a business or first class experience, although the integrated entertainment – service screen makes up for some of this by providing the means to directly order food ad drink. Although not particularly gushing with enthusiasm, or offering a higher level of service, the FAs were competent and polite. Expectations within the class of service.

  9. Alynn Reply
    July 30, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    I just took the Norwegian flight from Paris to New York and it was awful. The flight was two hours delayed, The boarding process (I bought a premium seat) made me feel like cattle. The seat was stiff and uncomfortable. I bought a fruit cup and the fruit was so old that it had started to ferment. They were supposed to take the charge off my credit card but didn’t. Perhaps this is acceptable if you’re traveling for fun and are willing to put up with a little discomfort for the great price. However, if you’re traveling for business and need to sleep and/or work, I would not recommend this airline. Not having wifi for 9 hours seriously impaired my ability to work and losing the ability to sleep impacted my productivity the following day.

  10. DIANA Reply
    February 14, 2022 at 7:49 pm

    I flew Norwegian back in 2019 from London to Buenos Aires in the 787 Dreamliner and my flight had wifi onboard and it was free of charge. I was on Premiun Economy as well

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for May

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Capital One Venture X Business Card
Earn 150,000 Miles Sign Up Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 100,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • Influencer Dog United Airlines
    Unreal: Influencer Brings Her Massive Great Dane “Service Dog” On United Airlines Flight May 21, 2025
  • Hawaiian Airlines Bomb Threat
    “The Guy Next To Me Has A Bomb!” Hawaiian Airlines Passenger’s Lie Sparks Tarmac Chaos May 21, 2025
  • Newark Airport Flight Caps
    How the FAA Is Determining Which Carriers Must Reduce Service At Newark May 21, 2025
  • Delta CrowdStrike Lawsuit
    Delta’s $500M Lawsuit Against CrowdStrike Moves Ahead—But Passengers Are Suing Too May 21, 2025

Categories

Popular Posts

  • a room with a table and benches
    Where To Smoke At Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) April 26, 2025
  • United Airlines Polaris Lounge Chicago Review
    Review: United Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD) May 1, 2025
  • United Airlines Refresh Polaris Lounge Chicago
    First Look: United Airlines Reopens Renovated Polaris Lounge In Chicago (ORD) April 29, 2025
  • a hand holding a blue card
    Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K Bonus Offer Ending Soon May 2, 2025

Archives

May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Apr    

As seen on:

facebook twitter instagram rss
Privacy Policy © Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.