I flew a big-name airline and a budget competitor across the Atlantic. The low-cost option is worth it if you follow the rules.

• I recently flew back-to-back in economy on Virgin Atlantic Airways and Norse Atlantic Airways.
• The mainline option, Virgin, has more amenities, but low-cost Norse can offer a better value.
• I'd recommend either, but pay attention to Norse's bag fees, which can cost up to $300 per leg.

As an aviation reporter, I spend a lot of time reviewing airlines. My job sometimes gives me the perk of long-haul business class, but I mostly sit in economy.