12 Best Budget Airlines for College Students Traveling in Europe

5. Norwegian Air: Scandinavian Efficiency Meets Budget Travel

Norwegian Air revolutionized budget travel in Northern Europe and beyond, offering students access to Scandinavian destinations and long-haul routes at unprecedented low prices before restructuring its operations in recent years. Founded in 1993 and based in Oslo, Norwegian built a reputation for combining Scandinavian efficiency and service quality with budget airline pricing, creating a unique value proposition for student travelers. The airline's extensive European network connects major cities across the continent, with particularly strong coverage of Scandinavian destinations that are otherwise expensive to reach. Norwegian's modern fleet of Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners provided students with a more comfortable flying experience than typical budget carriers, featuring newer aircraft with better legroom and in-flight entertainment systems. While the airline has scaled back operations significantly following financial restructuring, it continues to serve key European routes that appeal to students, particularly those connecting Scandinavia with Southern and Western Europe. Norwegian's baggage policy was traditionally more generous than ultra-low-cost competitors, and the airline maintained higher service standards while keeping prices competitive. For students interested in experiencing Norway's fjords, Sweden's archipelagos, or Denmark's design culture, Norwegian offered direct access to these expensive destinations at fraction of traditional carrier costs. Although the airline's current route network is more limited than its peak years, it remains a viable option for specific Northern European routes where it maintains operations.