Originally Posted by
Goldorak
With such a low difference it's a no brainer, take AF. You won't have to pay for all the basic services including a blanket. In case of irrops, good luck with Norwegian.
But there is something I don't understand in your post : you say it is Paris to SFO and D8 arrives at night and AF the following day ?? This is not possible. In that direction, both flights are day flights. And D8 doesn't fly to SFO but to OAK.
Agreed here. Having flown Norwegian short-haul from New York to Edinburgh I can assure you that they charge for everything and weigh everything. I ended up paying $60 USD at the airport when I realized that they weigh both the underseat bag and overhead bin bag together. Meals were extra and were $40 for a proper meal on board. Drinks were only provided if you opened your wallet, even basic stuff like water was a surcharge. Fortunately, I ate at the Quiznos before boarding. Seating assignment cost extra even at check-in I told them give me whatever seat works which fortunately worked out to an entire row to myself. Onboard entertainment was extra (iPad could be rented). Flying with AF or KL all of these things would be included. Sure the AF basic economy allowance is also carry on only, but even there the allowance is more generous at 12 kg vs 10 kg with Norwegian.
In addition, if weather or more likely labour disruptions that France is world renowned for, you'll have a recovery option with AF/KL. They can book you on partner airlines and if things are really bad may even book you on their competitors just to get you there on time (i.e. booking on British Airways or Lufthansa). That's in addition to the EU compensation you would expect to receive from either AF/KL or Norwegian in the event of a controllable delay (i.e. mechanical issue).
Finally, San Francisco is a better airport to arrive into than Oakland - way better facilities (immigration, food, etc.) and easy connections to both BART and Caltrain (from nearby Millbrae station). The take offs and landings are also miles better than Oakland IMHO.
Safe Travels,
James