True but that can be mitigated by getting a co-branded credit card. All the US carriers’ entry level cards offer a free checked bag. So for a couple each with a checked bag on one round trip the baggage fees ($120, 2x $30 each way) can be mitigated by a $95 credit card, fee usually waived for the first year.

And that benefit is now even better as it extends to transatlantic Basic Economy (set up to compete with Norwegian’s lowfare) where the baggage fee is $60 each way (or $240 for a couple round trip).

Stick to one airline, and flying on that airline operated flights, with an entry level co-branded CC and you get most “silver” frequent flier benefits.

I’m pretty sure Norwegian doesn’t have that. If/when they get into financial shape, getting a credit card and offering a decent points system would be a way to go. Credit card revenue (buying miles/points) is a huge revenue source for the US carriers (American would be making losses without it).

In in the meantime the OHB charges and ending lounge access make total sense for an airline turning the corner but needing to get profitable quickly. In the big picture few will notice.

I suspect the end of lounges for Premium Flex was due to the overhead costs of maintaining the lounge contracts more than the individual access fee saving (or the lounges de-prioritizing so few pax unless the fee went up).