Las Vegas has secured a new low-cost, long-haul transatlantic link with a new service that will connect the Nevada city with London starting on September 12. Operated by Norse Atlantic Airways, the European carrier operates an a la carte fare model, with economy passengers paying for extras such as checked bags and inflight meals. With journey times of around 10 hours, this new service will push the boundaries of the low-cost airline model.
Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport is already home to budget airlines such as Spirit, Allegiant, and Volaris. However, Norse’s arrival will make it the only low-fares carrier flying such a long route from Nevada. The development will put extra pressure on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, who currently fly nonstop between London Heathrow and Las Vegas. Norse’s three times weekly service will add more than 1,000 extra inbound seats each week, offering one-way basic fares between London and Las Vegas for as little as $205.
Norse Atlantic Airways is following in the footsteps of Norwegian Air, which served Las Vegas until 2019 before ending all of its long-haul operations in 2021. The airline will fly Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and serve Las Vegas on a seasonal basis. With a premium cabin available for $805 one-way including taxes and fees, the airline’s low-cost business model aims to make travel between London and Las Vegas more accessible.
While Las Vegas has traditionally been known for its casinos and nightlife, the city has been adapting to changing trends and demands. Last month, Las Vegas hosted the Super Bowl for the first time, seeing the highest average room rates in continental U.S. history. Norse Atlantic Airways is giving the new flights a special number, Z0777, in a tribute to the “lucky number seven” found on Las Vegas slot machines. The airline also serves major cities across the United States, as well as a smaller range of leisure-focused routes from Europe to the Caribbean and Thailand.
With journey times between Las Vegas and London expected to be between 10 and 11 hours, Norse Atlantic Airways’ new service will provide a new low-cost option for travelers. The airline’s a la carte fare model allows economy passengers to pay for extras such as checked bags and inflight meals, while the premium cabin offers reclining seats and other perks for a higher fare. As the only low-fares carrier flying such a long route from Nevada, Norse’s arrival will put extra pressure on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, who currently fly nonstop between London and Las Vegas.
By offering affordable one-way basic fares as low as $205, Norse Atlantic Airways aims to make travel between London and Las Vegas more accessible to a wider range of travelers. With the city seeing success in hosting events like the Super Bowl for the first time and adapting to changing trends, the new low-cost, long-haul transatlantic link between Las Vegas and London will offer travelers more options and may further increase the city’s appeal as a destination.
