GFrye

Often1

"Imminent" ???

Norwegian's TATL route network is less than half of what it was 12 months ago and a number of cuts are from stations where the alternative is quite a hike to a frequency still on the books.

I suppose that if you define operations as existing until the last aircraft is returned to its leaseholder, you are correct. It's not how I look at it and it's not how most travellers look at it.

SJCFlyerLG

Well, I have my fingers crossed for my 2 premium seats booked 8/20 for BCN-FLL. I booked those back in early May, when E- was at least $2000 on legacy carriers. If they are still in business, and no more 787's drop out of the fleet, I should make it!

jennj99738

I was downgraded from Premium to Economy on an old 767 without any premium cabin, FCO to EWR on Sunday, Aug. 18th. I got to FCO ok but this was awful. Norwegian sent me a seat assignment for a window seat two rows from the back of the plane. 2-4-2 configuration. When I called, the woman told me that they would issue the 75% refund when they felt like it and that supervisors were for internal use only and were not there to talk to any customers. I actually paid for Premium Flex, so the 75% refund isn't much compensation. Then I got to to FCO to check in and was able to choose a bulkhead seat. Got on the plane and my seat didn't exist and the 22 year old FAs from "Euro Atlantic" told us, it was "open seating." Seat was smaller than any plane I've ever traveled on. When there were children getting separated from their parents, the FAs told us it wasn't their job. I have received no response to my tweet, my email to the head of "customer service" or on FB. I will never fly Norwegian again. It's not worth the difference in fare.

I don't see how this method could be profitable. They leased a much smaller plane without a premium section so have to refund 75% of the entire premium cabin's fares. Then they asked for volunteers to go on later flights so had to offer compensation for each of those people. How is this profitable? I was notified of the downgrade less than 48 hours before my flight so there was no way to get another flight for the fare I paid had I accepted a refund.

iflyjetz

Norwegian's not profitable. They are able to keep flying due to investors recapitalizing the company over the last few years. Essentially, investors are paying for part of the price of each flyers' tickets.

How much longer can they keep it going? I give up. They should have gone out of business a couple of years ago. Norwegian now seems to be aggressively selling assets to keep the airline afloat. They're selling their stake in Norwegian Finans Holding for ~$200 million. That will help them make their December debt payments (it doesn't cover it 100%). They'll still need to sell more assets and/or recapitalize with more investor money this winter.
Based on past recapitalizations, I have little doubt that there's still a lot of dumb investor money chomping at the bit to invest in this equine dogfood of a company. This company reminds me of the old man from the scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail - Bring out your dead. This is a zombie company that will likely die without much/any advance warning.

Palal

EuroAtlantic is pretty crappy. I've had the "pleasure" to fly their regularly-scheduled service OXB-LIS earlier this year. 3-3-3 config, no IFE. The 30" pitch felt like 28" (old well-cushioned seats), and the crew was "young, cute and stupid"™ and didn't give a damn about service.

SusanDK

Advice needed.

We have one more trip to book this year between MCO-CPH. Outbound is September and there is availability on the direct flight which we are tempted to book, hoping that a flight that is only 3-4 weeks away is still somewhat safe, i.e. DY will not cease to operate before then.

However, our return will not be until early December. While I would prefer not to book anything until closer to the date, I have to book a return ticket (at least for myself, not my husband) because I'm required to have a return ticket from Schengen within 90 days or won't be able to board the outbound. The direct CPH-MCO flight is gone by then, so it would be a CPH-LGW-MCO routing.

I realize this is a crystal ball question, but what does everyone think about the chances of these flights surviving?

EDITED: Should something happen and Norwegian goes bankrupt and/or cancels the flights, what type of travel insurance should I have on hand in advance that would protect us? Will a chargeback to AmEx Centurion be allowed? [EDIT: I originally asked about AmEx Platinum UK travel insurance but have since read and they only cover $250 if a flight is cancelled.]

duvin

SusanDK

I have been denied boarding in the past when I did not have a return ticket. So now, when I don't know my actual return date, I purchase a full fare one-way return and then refund it once I land. Then book my real return once I know my date.

I've looked up the rule and while it only requires proof that you can pay your way, it isn't worth the hassle to argue with the GA and/or customs agent on arrival.

duvin

SusanDK

Yes, as I mentioned upthread, I've always purchased a fully refundable ticket when I don't' know my exact return date. And I know the requirement is means of subsistence, but that does not mean a GA won't give one a hassle. It happens. I've been doing this a lot of years.

And, of course, I mis-wrote customs for immigration.

oliver2002

Norwegian has the Boeing 'goldcare' MRO package that pays for wetleasing replacement aircraft when their fleet is not available. If you look at the current permissions for wetlease with the DOT (https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=DOT-OST-2017-0044) (starts at page 9) they have Evelop, HiFly, Privilege Style, Wamos, etc lined up to fly while the 737 MAX are grounded and the 787 engines are being checked. So no financial loss for them.

GFrye

While the GoldCare package covers the wet leasing costs, does it cover other costs for Norwegian, for example downgrade reimbursement, delay compensation, and VDB compensation?
In addition, Norwegian's reputation has obviously taken a hit because of the numerous cancellations, delays, and service downgrades caused by Boing aircraft issues since they started flying the 787. Will Boeing compensate Norwegian for that?

oliver2002

Well, that pain is lessened by the great deal they got on some new B787 and Max orders

GFrye

... and they look really pretty on the ground.