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– We understand very well that it is frustrating not to get clearer answers, Norwegian says of the conflicting signals. Consumers are at risk of losing money, according to the Consumer Council.
It is still possible to book long trips with Norwegian in 2020. But the company even thinks the planes will be grounded.
Scanpix Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB
published:,
Norwegian presented more details this week in its financial rescue plan, where it asks, among other things, creditors and leasing companies to eliminate large amounts of debt in exchange for shares.
The report indicates that the airline plans that all aircraft will be grounded throughout the year. At best, Norwegian plans to launch 20% of long-haul flights in the fourth quarter of this year alone.
However, Norwegian continues to sell long trips as early as June and beyond.
It was the Swedish Yle who mentioned the case first.
Sell long-distance travel throughout the year.
A search on the Norwegian website shows that the airline has been offering flights to Florida since June and several destinations in South America since July.
In addition, Norwegian sells trips to various destinations in Europe, although the company also plans that all aircraft in short-haul operations outside Norway remain grounded in 2020.
Flights to various destinations are available on the Norwegian website in the third quarter.
Screenshot, Norwegian.no
Norwegian: understand it’s frustrating
When asked by Aftenposten / E24 how Norwegian customers should relate to the message in the rescue plan, Norwegian Chief Information Officer Lasse Sandaker Nielsen responds:
“We are continually working to adapt our itinerary to government-imposed travel restrictions and low demand. As soon as flights are canceled, affected customers will be notified directly by us. We understand very well that it is frustrating not to get clearer answers from us now, but this is such an unclear situation that it is not possible to be more concrete now. “
SAS also continues to sell trips to North America and Asia.
In a press release, the airline writes that they expect the virus outbreak to continue to significantly affect demand throughout the year and that it will be a few years before demand returns to pre-crisis levels.
Consumer Tip: – Risk of buying trips now
The director of consumer dialogue at the Consumer Council, Pia Cecilie Høst, understands that the situation can be confusing for customers. She thinks it might be a risk to buy a trip now.
“If the flight departs normally, but you do not want to travel for infectious protection reasons, you will not receive the money unless you have purchased a full flexibility ticket or have cancellation insurance,” he says.
– Second, the money will be lost if the company goes bankrupt.
Autumn says those planning to travel during these times should also expect departures to be postponed or canceled.
– The authorities’ advice is clear, and if you can avoid traveling now, you shouldn’t plan a vacation, says Høst.
If you still choose to book a trip, the Consumer Council has the following tips:
– Do you need to travel and buy a plane ticket with eg Norwegian, so use credit card. Then you can file a complaint with the bank and get the money back if the airline refuses to refund your ticket, Høst says.
The Consumer Dialogue Director at the Consumer Council, Pia Cecilie Høst, encourages customers who have to travel to use credit cards.
John Trygve Tollefsen
Planning for the worst
These are dramatic days for the Norwegian.
The planes are grounded, employees are fired, and some of the subsidiaries have filed for bankruptcy. Only 200 employees continue to work at the company, which previously had more than 8,000 employees.
Currently, Norwegian only has about seven aircraft in operation and around 200 employees in operation, and only in Norway. Everything else is on the floor. The company had more than 11,000 employees and 156 aircraft in the fleet before the crisis.
