#BlackInScandinavia: 10 Things I Learned about Norwegian

by Akilah “Kiki” Monifa

I first came to Stockholm, Sweden because it was on my bucket list.  I needed a vacation and Norwegian was offering low cost direct flights. I purchased a round trip ticket for around $34o.

Prices vary, now that same trip can be purchased for as low as $307.60.

I got a lot of questions about why Sweden, particularly since I am a person of color.

I love to travel and explore.  I had such a good time during my October visit that I decided to come back as media for the Nobel Prize Week and more.

So thus begins a series of blogs on #BlackinScandinavia. Spoiler alert:  I love Stockholm!  Here are 10 things I learned about Norwegian:

1. They fly to 130 destinations with 450 direct routes.
2. I was on a 10 hour 10 minute direct non-stop flight from OAK to ARN.
3. They have been around since 1993 first out of Norway, then based out of Stockholm since 2007.
4. They have Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners seating 291 and 344 respectively. (Airline aficionados love this.  My friend who is a pilot has not been on a Dreamliner, and my dad who worked for Boeing at one time, was beside himself at this fact alone).
5. They were the first airlines in Europe to offer wi fi, tv and movie rentals.  (Sadly there is no wi-fi on flights from the United States, but lots of tv and movies).
6. I flew the regular cabin that was great, but thanks to support by Norwegian I flew premium class which was extraordinary.
7. Voted the world’s best low-cost long haul airline in 2015 and 2016 and Europe’s best low-cost airline for 4 consecutive years, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 by Skytrax,
8. They are also the world’s greenest transatlantic flights per the International Council on Clean Transportation.
9. Since 2007 they have partnered with UNICEF.
10.  They have more American-based crew members than any other airline.  Their JFK Cabin Chief Base is black and well as many of the cabin crew.

More to come on Norwegian, Stockholm, Scandinavia, Nobel Prize Award Week, the ABBA Museum, and more.  I will be blogging and vlogging.

Special thanks to Keonnis Taylor of Oakland Aviation for adding me to her press list and introducing me to Anders Lindstrom of Norwegian.  Anders thanks for everything including the chat with you and Real Jackie-Hamilton-Romeo as well as the introductions to the folks at Visit Stockholm.

Thanks to Magnus Lindbergh (any relation to Charles?) and Nicole Johansson of Visit Stockholm for the connections to Arlanda Express and Stockholm Visitor’s Center and passes to the ABBA Museum, Stockholm pass, and the key of honour.

Peace, love, gratitude, compassion and blessings.