Norwegian travel demand to the United States has surged by 1,000 percent following the national team’s victory over Brazil, according to data from Finn Reise. Major airlines, including SAS and Norse Atlantic, have responded by launching additional direct flights to Miami to accommodate fans traveling to the upcoming quarterfinal match against England on July 11.
Why are flight searches to the U.S. spiking?
The spike in travel interest is directly linked to the success of the Norwegian national football team, according to Nora Vigen Stabell, communications manager at Finn Reise. Stabell described the surge as “historic,” noting that the platform had not experienced similar traffic patterns previously. Searches for flights to the United States are currently 250 percent higher than during the same week last year, with a notable 700 percent increase in searches to New York recorded immediately after Norway’s previous win against Ivory Coast.
The travel surge isn’t limited to direct flights to Miami. Norwegian reports a significant increase in ticket sales to major European hubs like Madrid, Amsterdam, and London over a 12-hour window, as fans seek connecting routes to the U.S.
How are airlines managing the surge in demand?
Airlines are rapidly expanding capacity to address the influx of passengers. SAS has scheduled an extra flight from Oslo to Miami, departing on Friday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m. and returning on Sunday, July 12, at 6:00 p.m., according to Øystein Schmidt, press spokesperson for SAS. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330.
Meanwhile, Norse Atlantic has also added extra capacity for the route. By Monday afternoon, the company confirmed that their additional flight was already fully booked.
What are the costs for fans traveling to the match?
The cost of travel varies significantly based on booking speed and routing. According to SAS, a non-refundable standard ticket on their additional flight is priced at approximately 30,000 NOK for a round trip. Finn Reise estimates that independent travelers booking through various platforms may find tickets to the U.S. for a certain price, though prices fluctuate based on availability and connecting cities.
Comparison: Booking Trends
| Airline/Platform | Reported Impact |
|---|---|
| Finn Reise | 1,000% increase in U.S. flight searches |
| Norwegian | Significant increase in tickets to European hubs |
| Norse Atlantic | Extra flights fully booked |
When direct flights sell out, search for tickets to major transit hubs like London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. Norwegian reports high demand for these routes as fans look for alternative ways to reach the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Norway vs. England quarterfinal? The match takes place at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 p.m. Norwegian time.
- Are there still direct flights available? Norse Atlantic reported their extra flight is fully booked. Availability on other carriers is changing rapidly due to high demand.
- Why are searches to London and Amsterdam increasing? These cities serve as major transit hubs for travelers unable to secure direct flights from Oslo to Miami.
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