Norse Atlantic's Boeing 787-9 features a 2-3-2 business class and 3-3-3 economy layout on transatlantic routes. With no premium economy cabin, understanding seat selection is crucial for maximizing comfort on long-haul flights. This guide reveals the best and worst seats across all cabins.
The 787-9 uses a 2-3-2 business layout with 43-46 inch pitch and 19-inch width, plus a standard 3-3-3 economy configuration. Book row 1 A/C or H/K in business for bulkhead seating with extra legroom. Avoid middle seats 1D/E/F and 2D/E/F due to limited overhead bin access, and steer clear of economy's last rows and seats immediately before emergency exits.
Norse Atlantic's Business Class on the 787-9 features a 2-3-2 cabin layout with direct aisle access from window and middle seats. The cabin offers 43-46 inches of pitch and 19-inch seat width, providing reasonable comfort for transatlantic flights. However, this airline does not equip business seats with privacy doors, meaning less isolation than competitors. Seats are arranged with two seats on either side and three in the center, creating a configuration that benefits aisle and window positions over middle seats.
Economy operates in a standard 3-3-3 configuration throughout the aircraft. Specific pitch and width measurements are not published by the airline, but expect typical Boeing 787 economy dimensions. The cabin includes designated exit row seating with additional legroom, making these seats highly desirable for taller passengers. Standard economy seats remain narrow and relatively tight-pitched on this long-range aircraft, making strategic seating choices important for comfort on 8+ hour flights.
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
1A, 1C | Business | Bulkhead row with direct aisle access and extra legroom; window seats avoid middle seat proximity |
1H, 1K | Business | Bulkhead row with direct aisle access; ideal for those preferring the cabin's aft business section |
Row 28 (exit row) | Economy | Extra legroom for long-haul comfort; significantly more legspace than standard economy |
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
1D, 1E, 1F | Business | No overhead bin access due to bulkhead location; limited storage for carry-on luggage |
2D, 2E, 2F | Business | Restricted overhead bin access; middle seats lack direct aisle access |
Last rows | Economy | Reduced recline, galley/lavatory proximity causing noise and traffic disturbance |
Row immediately before exit rows | Economy | Seats do not recline; exit row seating movement and door operation causes vibration |
Norse Atlantic's 787-9 tray tables in Business and Economy are sturdy enough for 15-inch laptops during cruise, though the 2-3-2 Business layout means middle seat users may experience vibration from galley activity. WiFi runs on Intelsat with the network name "NorseWiFi," delivering real-world speeds of 2 - 5 Mbps download during peak transatlantic hours - adequate for email and messaging but not streaming. Power outlets vary by cabin: Business Class seats include dual USB-A (2.1A) and one USB-C (15W) per armrest, while Economy relies solely on shared USB-A ports at select bulkhead rows; no AC outlets are installed. The 787-9's IFE system features 10.6-inch screens in Business and 9-inch screens in Economy with on-demand content, and Bluetooth audio pairing is supported for wireless headphone use throughout the cabin.
The 787-9 maintains a pressurized cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, significantly lower than legacy widebodies, reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality on overnight routes. Humidity levels average 15 - 20% during flight, higher than older aircraft but still requiring proactive hydration; the 787's advanced air filtration cycles cabin air every 2 - 3 minutes. Engine noise is most noticeable in Economy rows 20 - 30 (near the engines) and virtually absent forward of row 10; Business Class occupants experience minimal noise due to forward placement and structural insulation. Rows 4 - 8 in Business Class and rows 1 - 3 in Economy offer the quietest environment, as they sit ahead of the main cabin pressure bulkhead and benefit from the fuselage's noise-dampening composite construction.
Norse Atlantic uses L1 (forward left door) for Business Class and L2 (aft cabin) for Economy during standard operations; on some routes, the rear R2 door also opens to expedite deplaning on full flights. A full 787-9 typically deplanes in 25 - 30 minutes from cabin doors opening, with Business passengers clearing in 3 - 5 minutes and rear Economy taking 12 - 15 minutes due to aisle congestion. At Norse's primary hub (Oslo, Stavanger, or Gatwick depending on routing), allow a minimum of 90 minutes for domestic connections and 120 minutes for onward international flights to account for security re-screening and potential ground delays.
Book Business Class seats 1A, 1C, or 2A for westbound overnight flights - window seats minimize aisle disturbance while the forward location keeps you ahead of galley noise. Skip the dinner service on westbound red-eyes to the US (you'll arrive 6 - 8 hours ahead) and ask for breakfast instead; on eastbound nights to Scandinavia, eat lightly and plan to sleep through both services. Pack a neck pillow and a compact sleep mask, as the 787's higher humidity and lower cabin altitude make sleep achievable without pharmaceutical aid. Arrive 2 - 3 hours before departure so you can board early, claim the quietest seat available, and establish sleep before pushback; exit windows seats from the left if possible to avoid disturbing middle-seat passengers during your deplane.
No, Norse Atlantic's 787-9 configuration includes only Business Class and Economy Class. There is no premium economy cabin on this aircraft.
Norse Atlantic does not publish full specifications, but standard 787 business configurations typically offer direct aisle access with substantial recline rather than true lie-flat beds. Check directly with the airline for current seat specifications.
The 2-3-2 layout means window seats on either side (A/C and H/K) offer equal quietness. Middle section seats (D/E/F) are centrally located. Engine noise typically increases toward the rear, so forward business rows are preferable.
Exit row seats provide extra legroom but often require advance selection or paid seat upgrades. Standard economy seat selection depends on your fare type and airline availability.
Norse Atlantic has not published specific economy seat width measurements. Contact the airline directly or assume standard Boeing 787 economy widths of approximately 17-17.4 inches.
Yes, the galley and lavatories are typically located at the rear of economy cabins. Seats in the last 2-3 rows experience noise and foot traffic from crew and passenger activity throughout the flight.
