Norwegian Air Shuttle: Stockholm to Gran Canaria

The carrier: Norwegian Air Shuttle

About

Norwegian Air Shuttle is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and the fourth largest low cost carrier in Europe. With its main base in Oslo and secondary hubs in Warsaw, Bergen and Stavanger and code-sharing arrangements with, Sterling, and Rossiya, Norwegian Air Shuttle's network is broad.

A huge selling point is Norwegian's fab offerings across the wide expanse of far-flung Norway. Beyond that, the airline's route map is interesting for its even geographic balance.

Upside

Great network in Norway; good overall route density. Excellent customer service.

Downside

Only one base (in Warsaw) outside of Norway.

Baggage

* Carry-on: Only one item of hand luggage, not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Two pieces of luggage, not to exceed 40 kg. Over the limit, you will be charged €9 per kilo. Other restrictions do apply, so check their site for details.

Note that fees apply.  Booking over the internet reduces fees by about half. 

* Please visit Norwegian Air Shuttle’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can reserve seats up to 25 hours prior to your departure.  It can be done at the time of booking or later.  Non-refundable reservation fees apply and vary by destination.  Passengers can reserve seats with extra leg room as long as they are allowed to sit in front of the emergency exit.  

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is not available.  Passengers must check in at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 45 minutes prior to international flights.  Passengers on domestic flights with only hand luggage do not need to check-in at all.

Departure: Stockholm, Sweden - Arlanda (ARN)

Stockholm's traditional airport, Arlanda is the city's major international airport. Though mostly an airport served by conventional airlines, a smattering of low-cost carriers also serve Arlanda. Nordic budget airlines Sterling, FlyNordic, Blue1, and Norwegian Air Shuttle all fly to and from Arlanda. Location: Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is located 36 km (23 miles) outside the Stockholm city center. Transport: - Rail: There are multiple train services at Arlanda Airport. The Arlanda Express is a high-speed train that goes non-stop between Stockholm and the airport in 20 minutes. Long-distance trains depart from the underground Arlanda Central Station to 70 Swedish destinations. Commuter train service is also available from the station. Tickets for these trains can be purchased at a machine or information desk. A ticket costs SEK220. - Bus: There is a Flygbussarna bus link which takes 40 minutes. Buses meet arrivals and departures. A ticket costs SEK99. - Taxi: Taxis are found outside the main terminal building and travelers should consult the taxi coordinator to obtain one. There are also two taxis lines, one for environmentally "clean" taxis, usually at the front of the queue of taxis. Service: The airport has numerous stores and restaurants (30 each) as well as banks, a pharmacy, chapel, currency exchange, and a post office. Other facilities include a hair salon, dry cleaner, fitness center, and a nursing room with childplay areas. Wireless Internet access and public Internet portals are throughout the airport.

Arrival: Gran Canaria, Spain - Las Palmas (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport or "Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria," formerly known as Gando Airport is located on Gran Canaria Island, Spain, in the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. The airport is Spain's fifth busiest as well as the largest in the Canary Island (the only airport with more than one runway). It also serves as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. This airport is an essential part of the tourism in the Canary Islands.

Location

Gran Canaria Airport is located to the east of Gran Canaria on the Bay of Gando or "Bahía de Gando," about 18 km (11 mi) from the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and 25 km (15 mi) from the popular tourist areas in the south.

Transport

• Bus: The location of bus stops for buses from the city are in zones A and C (departures) and at the center of the terminal (arrivals) for buses to the city. For specific information regarding scheduling and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website.
• Taxi: Gran Canaria taxis can be found outside all three arrival zones.

Service

There are multiple shops and places to eat for travelers at the airport. Other services include ATMs, a bank, an internet café, and a currency exchange. There is an information desk in each zone as well as a tourism desk in the EU Arrivals Hall. There is also a 24-hour medical service, a pharmacy, baby rooms, a children’s play room, a chapel, and a mini-supermarket. Gran Canaria Airport also offers airport tours which give travelers tips and bits of the island's aviation history.